Tip #31: Limit playback of vinyl records.

Written By Dmitri Schmidt, B.A.
Tip #31: Limit playback of vinyl records.
Illustration of a black vinyl record with a red center label.

That said, if you have to play the record, the state of the turntable matters just as much as everything else we’ve discussed (see Tip #25).


Always double check that the stylus is in good shape before playing the disc. The tip should not be worn down, bent, or otherwise damaged. This damage occurs from repeated use of the turntable and for that reason it is not recommended to use vintage turntables to play vintage records unless you’re confident in its undamaged state.

Instead, if you want to listen to the audio frequently and without risking damage, it’s recommended to create a digital copy or migrate the audio to a new format. (More on that soon!)

In the meantime, check out our AV preservation webinar on YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtxDC7SPgW4

#ArchivalTips #BacklogArchivists #Conservation #Preservation

Dmitri Schmidt, B.A.

Dmitri Schmidt, B.A., holds a degree in anthropology and German studies from Saint Louis University and has experience in museum collections, archival outreach, and digitization.

Previous

Tip #32: Balance access with preservation.

Next

Tip #30: Wear nitrile gloves when handling film.