At first, changing a record mat can seem like a mere aesthetic upgrade. After all, can the material between your records and the turntable platter really make a difference to the sound? The truth is, everything affects the sound when it comes to a physical format like vinyl! Choosing the right turntable mat can make a significant difference to the performance of … Read More
Do Records Fit In Milk Crates? – It Depends!
Years ago, it was fashionable to store vinyl records in milk crates, as they are sturdy, easy to move, and the size was just about perfect for housing 12-inch LPs. Milk crates became so popular as a record storage solution that it caused problems for the dairy industry. Milk crate theft became a huge issue, costing the industry millions each … Read More
Classic Albums: Peter Gabriel – So
By 1986 Peter Gabriel had built a highly-respectable solo career after his acrimonious exit from Genesis almost a decade earlier. And although he had a strong cult following after four solo albums, he hadn’t found crossover appeal. His fifth studio album So would catapult him into the stratosphere creatively and successfully. It’s amazing to think that this album is as … Read More
5 Smart IKEA Record Storage Solutions
If you’re anything like me, IKEA isn’t usually the first place you think of when it comes to having fun. Unless, of course, your primary reason for visiting is actually a thinly disguised excuse for a cheeky meatball feast – then perhaps, you could be forgiven for enjoying your weekend trips to the land of affordable flatpack. In all seriousness, … Read More
Turntable vs Record Player – What’s the Difference?
So you’ve decided to get into vinyl records. Great! In our humble opinion, music on vinyl is the most rewarding listening experience of all. But should you buy a turntable or a record player? The two terms are often used interchangeably, which often causes confusion for those just starting out with their record collection. So what’s the difference between a … Read More
Record Looping or Skipping? Here’s How to Fix It
Nothing spoils the ambiance of your perfect vinyl listening experience like a record looping or skipping. Thankfully, if your record is repeating or causing the stylus to bounce out of the groove, you can often fix the problem and be back to spinning your favorite albums before you know it. Below, we’ll list the most common causes and how you … Read More
Can You Store Records Flat: Horizontal vs Vertical
When storing your vinyl records, it can be tempting to stack them in horizontal piles. This could be to save space, or perhaps you just like the idea of a convenient stack somewhere near your turntable. There are several different reasons why you shouldn’t store records horizontally and why it’s better for the longevity of your collection to store them … Read More
Music Fans Quit Streaming in Favour of Vinyl, CD, & Digital Files?
Does music feel less significant in your life compared to ten, fifteen, or even twenty years ago? If so, you are not alone. While the transition from physical formats such as vinyl, CD, & tape through to digital downloads, and, eventually, streaming has provided many conveniences, it has also left a giant hole in the lives of dedicated music lovers. … Read More
How Long Will a Record Stylus Last?
Playing vinyl records is a demanding physical process that involves your stylus traveling a great distance. (Around 1,500 feet across each side of an average LP). It’s no easy task. Your stylus will confront, dirt, dust, debris, and even scratches as it traverses miles of grooves over the course of its useable life. Not surprisingly, a stylus needs to be … Read More
Off Center Records: How to Spot this Pressing Error & Can You Fix It?
Off-center records are all too common and sometimes tricky to spot. It’s a vinyl pressing error and there’s a good chance you’ve got some off-center records lurking in your collection. Below, we explain what an off-center record is, how to spot one visually, and how it affects sound quality. Lastly, we’ll explain what you can do to correct the problem. … Read More
