I use outer sleeves & don't generally save shrink wrap unless it has some interesting original price sticker or something on it. I think it's fine to keep something sealed, but I would only do that if I had a playable copy already. The shrinkwrap was, after all, meant to be ephemeral. Honestly, there's something kind of sad about a record still in sealed shrinkwrap, much in the same way there is something sad about an old toy still unused in the box. They are beautiful and represent a time period, yet they have never fulfilled their actual purpose.
Hello Joe, I am in complete agreement with you on the packaging. I think that every newly released album should come with hypes, posters, inserts and throw a few stickers inside as well. Is that too much to ask for? {smile} Just like the old days/seventies when the record companies loved to entice the buyers with added extras. I miss those days. Without sounding pretentious or rude, whatever the buyer wants to do with the cellophane is there business. We have to remember that not everyone has the same collecting tendencies as lets say we/I do. Comment One of Two Rob/Boston
I don't really get the obsession with keeping things in shrink wrap, over time it will weld itself to the cover and become difficult or impossible to remove. Many small record shops have their own shrink wrap machine in the back and can re-wrap things, but really a thicker blake sleeve is a much better option. Now buying vinyl and never listening to it, THATS morally wrong!
Hey Joe, I agree with you for the most part. If it is a single jacket, I would leave the shrink wrap on it to protect the cover, and just slip the lp behind the jacket in the re-sealable outer sleeve. BUT... if it is a gatefold cover, I would open the shrink so I can enjoy the entire package. providing that I am going to open it at all. I dont think Shrink Wrap offers any extra value to the lp, unless there is a hype sticker of some sort.
+smfcpthowdy --Good point about the gatefold LPs, and that is something I always forget to mention. I always feel I'm missing out when I cannot enjoy opening a gatefold.
+MeanMr Mayo Those warps are not too bad on the Monkees or Rutles. I had some pressings from the 80s that were so warped that they would sould normal, then Chipmunks, then normal, then Chipmunks, lol So even though your records are warped, they are still very listenable.
Yes -- yet The Rutles LP is easy enough to replace, so I probably will get a new record anyway. And I am now thinking I already have another copy of The Monkees LP around here too.
It was so interesting to hear your take on this, because it is completely foreign to me, as if you are speaking a whole other language. I do feel like I have been spared a burden...
I completely agree with you. I always try and find albums in the shrink, and I also always leave the shrink on the albums when I can. I've heard other people say to remove the shrink too, but to me I've never really encountered any problems or issues leaving the shrink on. To each there own though.
Hey Joe, I totally agree with you (as usual). I even used to slowly take my gatefolds out of the shrink, look at them, and the replace the shrink! I think eighties pressings are the most vulnerable (the companies used cheap everything and raised prices) and most records people show that are warped in their Sealed To Revealed vids are from then. Also, people would leave them in their hot cars and in the blistering sun at flea markets as well. I find the more common problem these days is mold from basements. Anyway, nice response Joe. Take care...
I keep shrink wrap and hype stickers, because I want as close to original as possible. There is no warpage with keeping shrink wrap on unless it's too tight (usually resealed) You are right records from the 50-60's have thick cardboard and the albums are very heavy and durable, think early labels like Bluenote and Prestige. I have had newer records that the shrink wrap was too tight in the corners and the record was indeed warped, but not always. Bluenote and Prestige (50's-60's) were records that were built like tanks and play well with tons of scratches on them. I have also had records that I thought were sealed originals that I found out later were not sealed, but resealed, so I open everything. You live in this world for such a short time and I personally don't believe in having a record just to display without ever opening it. Part of the experience is finding the record-the hunt and the second part is enjoying what you found-listening. I want to play my records and experience them and I'm also a collector.
Comment Two Of Two: Regarding sealed albums: I never talk about the collection of sealed albums that I have because it is a touchy subject to others and I do not like to make waves. I have a sealed original copy of The Beatles 'White' and also 'Help' that I never opened because there was never any reason to do so. If I want to play them I will play my opened copies. I absolutely love having original copies of albums still sealed. I like looking at them and knowing that I have a few prized possessions that I enjoy sealed. Quick story: When the Blimp's 'In Through/Out Door' was released I bought 17 copies. I bought every copy that a local store called the Turnstyle owned on release day. I went home and started opening until I knew that I had all six alternate covers. To boot I still had five or six copies that were still sealed. So instead of selling them I gave one or two to friends and I still have the rest here in my Blimp section. Why? Because I dig having sealed original albums. You made some very amusing points here. One thing is for sure. As collectors we are all different. That is what makes the record collecting world and the VC so much fun to be a part of. This was enjoyable to watch and participate in. Happy New Year to you Joe. ~ Rob/Boston
+Paneeks1960 - Hey Rob! I loved reading your comments -- thanks for that. That is really something to hear about your buying so many copies of DOOR, to get the alternates. But as a collector myself, of course I can relate to that. I guess the sealed/shrink topic IS rather controversial, so we'll see what happens. Hopefully since I've acknowledged we're all different and we all have different desires and beliefs as to what's good or bad for vinyl, there will be an easy dialogue. Happy New Year, Rob!
Yes you can Captain. You must have all six covers for the In Through The Out Door? My Blimp collection is pretty large. I have shown my sealed copies in previous videos. I have not shown my Beatles sealed copies. I will dig them out for you. Thanks for sending me this response. I was surprised to hear about David Bowie. The music world has lost one of the biggest ever. Talk soon~ Rob
I've been digging non-stop since 1981. I've worked at record stores and owned a record store. I've dug through literally millions upon millions of records "in my time". The shrink wrap warping records claim is a myth. Has it EVER happened? sure, but it is EXTREMELY rare. My 3 cents.
I concur. Rare. It would seem temperature would have to be a factor at some point in the records life. I enjoy the hype-sticker and consider the album somewhat incomplete without it. Do you know the history of the hype-sticker? Jarrod
I am guilty of tearing off the shrink wrap if it is damaged, but I do replace it with the clear album covers. Even though it drives me crazy because the records are not uniform using the sleeves. Then it becomes an organization problem and all record collectors know the never ending question. Alphabetical, Rock, Singer songwriter, genres.....separating the albums with sleeves from the shrink wrap.. I can go on forever. I dig your channel and that record collection behind you is impressive. I would love to see you expan by playing some of the treasures you find (even if its just background).
I refuse to use any social media, it's all Bulls hit and everyone thinks they know everything. I agree I love the shrink hype stickers are awesome and I have Johnny cashs first album in shrink and it's not warped at all over 60years old.
Most new vinyl is defective, warps, smudges, etc, i got tired of returning them to amazon. Now i only buy from non amazon sellers & instruct them to open seal & check for defects before shipling.
Very interesting. I used to leave the shrink wrap on my new records but there was one case where I left it on, the ost Labyrinth (David Bowie soundtrack), and the shrink shrunk! It didn't warp the record but it did bend the sleeve. I only noticed recently as my records have just been taken out of storage (no excessive temperatures). Now, the shrink wrap comes off, the hype stickers are saved and the album goes into a new blake sleeve.
RichardMcCook - Yes, I think this can occur when the jackets are too thin. But in my experience - and I've seen and owned a ton of records in their original shrink - it's happened only two or three times.
I agree with you Joe, I do think once the shrink is split to remove the album, the tension should be broken. I have an original CCR LP "Green River" still in shrink wrap and its perfectly flat. I once found an 1980s pressing of "Rubber Soul" and the cover was basically poster board than the thick card board used years back.
I sometimes worry that I have a warped records that won't play. But if it's warped and plays fine, I don't really care. But a few of my 2014 Mono issue of The Beatles albums are a little bent because of the shrink, but the vinyl seem to play fine, But I worry that over time the covers will bent because of the shrink. I obviously wouldn't have gotten bent copies but I kept putting off the Mono issues and one day I just wanted to pick up the rest of them, those were the only ones the record store had at the time. I did get a sealed copy of The Who Who Are You Canadian pressing on Red Vinyl, for about $30, I think it's from the 70s too, and it had a few stickers on it. I saw the cover was bent, so I opened the record and so the vinyl was warped. I think one day later at another record store, I saw the Exact same copy in skrink, but opened and was only about $15. That copy doesn't look warped. They are literately the same pressing and color vinyl. I wish I had never opened the first copy because now I have another. I will never play the first copy, so I won't know how bad the warp is.
+donaldrocks101103 - I'm not so sure the 2014 records were bent because of the shrink -- I also got a new Joan Jett album from 2013 or 2014 that was warped but played fine, but I think it's because the new vinyl control is sometimes lousy. But I could be wrong of course.
Not into the shrink wrap but I can respect your preference. Though it can be a bitch, I take the hype sticker off the shrink wrap and put it on the new outer sleeve I put the record in. This also gives me the option to put the sticker in a spot that doesn't distract from the album cover.
I'm pretty random when it comes to leaving things in the shrink or not when opening a new product, though I lean more on taking it all the way off. I bought the 2019 Giles Martin Abbey Road vinyl, and I took off the shrink but I did cut out a piece of it with the hype sticker and placed it inside the jacket. This kind of thing also applies to video/computer games, too, which I personally collect more than anything else. If I take off the shrink, I keep things like the price stickers, etc.
i still don't have a record player, but when i buy cds, of course you have to take the shrink completely off, because of the way that the cases open. if they have stickers on, i put them in a shoebox under my bed, but if it's just has a price sticker that the store puts on, i don't bother keeping it
I'm 66 and when I stared really getting into records in 1967..i had read that keeping a record in shrink it would get wrapped every if opened.So I removed all my shrink wrap....the cover got ring damage....i sold them all 3 years ago...i stopped buy-in vinyl and bought Cds.Three years ago I sold 1700 albums for one buck a piece... Dam...i didnt want to but I did..ai regreted it every day.But I did have most of the stuff on Cds.I just bought 165 albums for 120 and all in shrink wrap all mint all first pressings....i won't pay 20-30 for them....i will just look at thrifts, garage sales,Yes you will get some warped if they were stored on top of each other...
throughout watching your vid i have been thinking EXACTLY what you said at about the 11:00 mark. that is, records were rather thin for a while around 1980. i have some classic journey albums that feel like they came off the back of cereal boxes.
The can get warped Fromm the factory, In transportatiin, from hot to cold cities can play a big part,once it was.for sale in the store it can be warped in the racks at the store from heat
leaving the shrink on looks ugly and it can cause problems, I always take it off, no exception, because I hate the look and feel with the shrink on. I use an outer sleeve.
Wolfgang Pointner - That's fine, but when you find older vintage records still in shrink, be sure to not buy them, and save them for those of us who conserve the wrap! ;)
you also gotta think that not only shrink wrap will warp a record a lot of other factors play into warpage humidity, the way records are stored.... anything can warp a record
The shrink wrapping these days can be very tight. It's the cover that tends to suffer in these instances and "bows" the shape and have to be straightened out. I've never kept the wrap on my records so can't comment on warped vinyl, though this was always advised during the 70's.
Here in the UK records were not sealed in shrink wrap. It wasn't until the mid-eighties that records started to regularly appear shrink wrapped. Before that, you would actually take the empty sleeve from the rack up to the counter where they would find the record and insert it into the cover. The old days!
+TheWesternBlues - I'm just guessing here, but in the case of many UK album jackets I would imagine they could have become warped in shrink wrapped tightly, since the cardboard is often pretty thin...
I tell my customers who buy vintage factory sealed records from me....it’s a blessing or a curse. We cannot see inside. I then ask if they will open the record or keep it factory sealed. As far as shrink on vintage opened records, it’s a blessing.
I immediately remove the shrink wrap & replace it with 4mil outer poly sleeves, but I cut out the hype stickers from the shrink wrap & slide them in between the new poly sleeve & outer cardboard sleeve.
Hello how are you? What was the live stream that you did last night? Where you were talking about the McCartney Hulu documentary and you were talking about kiss did it get recorded? I’m guessing it probably didn’t since I didn’t see it on your channel but I was just curious.
Since I enjoy your videos so much I decided to revisit some and came across this one. My question to you is....have you always left your albums in shrink wrap? My guess is, probably not. Those of us who have been around remember the first thing we did back in the day was tear the shrink wrap off. I believe our approach to records has changed. Since we have lived through the death and resurgence of the record we now have a greater appreciation for what we have. Look how much our approach to the turntable has changed. We never thought about tracking force, gram settings etc. How many times have we gone to a record store and found an album we have searched for only to find it in less than desirable condition. The next generation of collectors will be blessed because of people like you Joe.🙂In regards to my preference in sleeves...we owe a big debt to Blake. After trying several different ones I prefer the sealable Blake sleeve. I really value my collection and want to preserve it as best I can for the next generation!
Christopher Barker - I used to rip the shrink wrap off my records, back in the '70s and '80s. I only began keeping the shrink ON when I started getting back into vinyl collecting in 2011. Regarding the so-called "Blake sleeves", I never understood why Blake got the credit for them, when they've always been available from other companies, most notably "Bags Unlimited" .
His were different, the adhesive was not on the flap and he worked to make sure the fit was better. If you go back and watch his videos he was the one that worked with the manufacturer originally to get them right. That’s why they are called Blake sleeves.
I'm sympathetic to the argument, but out of every 100 records... let's assume MAYBE 20 will still have their shrink wrap on a year after purchase. That's 80 shrinks in landfills, blowing around, floating in the ocean, etc. It's gross to me, personally. The re-usable ones are far more respectful, environmentally. Maybe this is just me.
I've saw shrinks keep records very nice except for the corners at worst, I've saw the shrinks warp the jackets but rarely the records themselves, I only get rid of of a shrink if it's 75% missing give or take or so old and damaged that it's literally disintegrating, it's served it's purpose at that point keeping the jacket nice it can be retired haha.
Have you ever considered buying a Technics 1200? I notice a lot of you guys have those audio-technica's. To be honest I'm not sure how good of a turntable they really are. But I do know a Technics 1200 sounds incredible. I just figured with all the money you're spending on records, you should buy a really awesome turntable. But there again I don't know much about the Audio-Technica
Erik Molnar - I really love the Audio Technica, except I have stopped using it only because it does not have automatic return. I have bought a different Technics turntable with automatic start and stop.
@@MeanMrMayo I really think you would love a Technics 1200 mk II. They don't have automatic return but they are a super solid build. I have been doing a lot of DJing over the past 20 years as a hobby. We used to use them at warehouse parties with sound systems that oftentimes ended up with the cops showing up. They are made not to feedback under those circumstances and they do a really good job at it. Plus the motors are super strong. I'm sure you have heard their nickname The Wheels of Steel. Which brings me back to the Audio-Technica. I always wonder how good the torque is on those? Anyway you have an awesome collection. I used to collect records back in the 90s when it was a cheap way to get music before digital downloading was even anyting. Back then my local Half Price Books had tons of awesome records. People in the 90s couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I was just buying them so I could record my favorite songs onto cassette tapes and listen to them in my car. But I did start becoming a collector after a while. Back then it was so easy to find great albums. I had several copies of the White Album and Pink Floyd The Wall. I used to joke that the Beatles albums where the easiest records to find and they were. They weren't so coveted as they are today. Nothing was. God if only I could go back in time. I had an original Velvet Underground & Nico on the blue Verve label in mono. It sounded incredible. The vinyl condition was very good. I think it may have had one skip that I was able to repair. But it really didn't sound bad. The jacket was pretty torn up but I really wish I still had all my old records. I don't even want to say what I did to them. But I wish I could go back in time
Anyway check out the Technics 1200 if you haven't ever played records on one before. I'm pretty sure you probably have. Record stores often times had them as listening stations. I just really love the history behind them. To me they are the most awesome turntable ever. But you're talking to a guy who just got a couple of breakbeat Records in the mail, one of them was real crackly, so I ran it under the sink wiping the grooves with my finger and drying it off with a face cloth! Hey it sounds better but next time I might bust out the sponge
I agree that no one should tell someone else how to collect. To each their own. To me it's like using a jimmy-wrap. One might argue that it's the responsible thing to do, but it just doesn't feel the same. Cheers, Tom
I don't know, Tom. I don't even know what a "jimmy wrap" is... Anyway, in the video I made it clear that -- of course -- anyone may do as they wish. But I do feel it's something of a waste when someone finds an old "used" LP in shrink with a hype sticker and they rip it off and throw it away. Surely I should think there are plenty of other used LPs of the same title without shrink for them. ;-)
I was just busting your chops, Joe. As for hype stickers, like everything else, to each their own. Flavor Flav always said "don't believe the hype!" ;-) Tom P.S. Flavor Flav is a rapper.
Last night I bought two Capitol Beatles US CD's and have decided to leave the shrink wrap on them (LOL). Sure, I've opened them, but I'm still leaving the shrink on. I kind of like the American OBI strip on a Hard Days Night. Seriously, though, I prefer to leave the shrink on an LP if I can, and I love hype stickers. Even if they're not collectible, the hype sticker is a nice touch.
I keep all my Beatles albums in the shrink if I find them that way. I'm like you, love the sealed albums and the albums in the shrink. I'm still hunting for a mono Early Beatles and a mono Revolver in the shrink. 6 months ago, I found a mono Magical Mystery Tour still in the shrink for $10.00 at a county fair....unreal....keep up the good work on your videos, I enjoy them very much.
hi joe always kept my records in the shrink wrap and they played fine. some people I guess get way over protective and worry about warping. I have some records that are slightly warped but play without any problem so its no big deal to me. rob
+robert balboni -- I know a guy who has OCD when it comes to buying records. He's been a regular customer at my used record store for many years, and he is known to take every record and place it on the store's turntable at eye level and examine it closely to make sure it does not have even the SLIGHTEST degree of being un-even. He has been known to buy up to 10 copies of a brand new sealed LP just to locate one that is as flat and perfect as can be (then he sells the other 9 rejected copies). His store nickname is "Flat John" .
Here is my 2 cents. I love buying shrink wrap records because of the fact that i know the artwork will be nice and intact, and little to no ringwear because of it. However, i do remove and throw away the shrink wrap once i wash the record, change the inner and put it in a Blake sleeve. I know you cringe to the fact i throw the shrink away, but i prefer to see them in Blake's without the shrink. Great video though.
+fish man -- What you say is actually something I have been considering too, believe it or not. Because as much as I love seeing a shrink wrapped LP with hype stickers (as if it is right off the brand new store shelves like when it was first released) I feel the stickers and shrink, in a way, can tend to obstruct the view of the cover artwork. And the covers do always look amazing in those clear outer sleeves.
Hmm. It would seem that it's definitely best to keep a shrinkwrapped collection in a cool environment then. Make sure they're well away from any heater; boiler etc. You won't get quite as much enjoyment looking at a visibly warped item; and if you ever did have a life crisis where you needed to sell some, they'd be worth a fair bit less in $. Peace.
...i've always been more into signed records. Getting them signed myself; or buying them signed, if i can tell it's a genuine sig. So shrinkwrap hasn't been much of a consideration with me. Though I agree it's nice to have a sealed extra copy of your fave album.
Sure, the whole shrink wrap warping myth is baloney, but there's another reason for removing it -- it gets in the way of seeing the cover art clearly. Remove the shrink, keep the hype stickers (I cut them out), and keep the LP in a vinyl sleeve. Keeping shrink wrap on an LP is like not removing the plastic from the front of a new appliance or something, or like not cleaning your glasses. It gets in the way. It's also kind of sad to see, like a toy that's never been opened. Records are made to be enjoyed, fully, and that means the cover art and the music inside.
Here’s the deal: shrink wrap is good for preserving a collection & frankly people like to read “still in shrink”. That said, I can’t stand it. That that said... some records deserve to stay in it. Therefore if I like a record in the shrink wrap, I buy 2. I take one off & I’ll never open the other. Have a collection of records that look cooler unopened. Little more expensive but the thing is you get the best of both worlds. Take that shrink off & then just try & find another one for the low
I always take off the shrink wrap...If a record has a cool hype sticker I take it off carefully, if the glue is good enough I stick it on my woofer or a speaker... if its not good I toss it... hype stickers add nothing to the record... not in my eyes... I hate stickers of any kind on the jackets
I like the term "hype sticker"! Do you know if there's a technical term for the round sticker in the middle of the actual vinyl with the name of the artists and the songs on it? Maybe that's just called the "label", but seems like there would be a more precise term. Maybe you used it in the Back To The Egg video where one side of the sticker is "Sunny Side Up" and the other is "Over Easy".
Are you sure that's warp on that Beatles record? I have bought brand new vinyl that way and I've noticed the records that I have that are really thin pressings all do that bouncing thing. I think that's just something thin vinyl does.
+Tony Pepperoni -- I know what you mean. But when I bought this still-sealed album I could see the shrink was very tight and the cover actually appeared sort of bent. I was wondering if the record itself was going to be affected.
You do realize that many records go into the cover at the plant warped. The shrink did not cause the warp. Don't blame the shrink, blame crappy quality control.
I use outer sleeves & don't generally save shrink wrap unless it has some interesting original price sticker or something on it. I think it's fine to keep something sealed, but I would only do that if I had a playable copy already. The shrinkwrap was, after all, meant to be ephemeral. Honestly, there's something kind of sad about a record still in sealed shrinkwrap, much in the same way there is something sad about an old toy still unused in the box. They are beautiful and represent a time period, yet they have never fulfilled their actual purpose.
Hello Joe,
I am in complete agreement with you on the packaging. I think that every newly released album should come with hypes, posters, inserts and throw a few stickers inside as well. Is that too much to ask for? {smile} Just like the old days/seventies when the record companies loved to entice the buyers with added extras. I miss those days.
Without sounding pretentious or rude, whatever the buyer wants to do with the cellophane is there business. We have to remember that not everyone has the same collecting tendencies as lets say we/I do.
Comment One of Two
Rob/Boston
I don't really get the obsession with keeping things in shrink wrap, over time it will weld itself to the cover and become difficult or impossible to remove. Many small record shops have their own shrink wrap machine in the back and can re-wrap things, but really a thicker blake sleeve is a much better option. Now buying vinyl and never listening to it, THATS morally wrong!
Hey Joe, I agree with you for the most part. If it is a single jacket, I would leave the shrink wrap on it to protect the cover, and just slip the lp behind the jacket in the re-sealable outer sleeve. BUT... if it is a gatefold cover, I would open the shrink so I can enjoy the entire package. providing that I am going to open it at all. I dont think Shrink Wrap offers any extra value to the lp, unless there is a hype sticker of some sort.
+smfcpthowdy --Good point about the gatefold LPs, and that is something I always forget to mention. I always feel I'm missing out when I cannot enjoy opening a gatefold.
+MeanMr Mayo Those warps are not too bad on the Monkees or Rutles. I had some pressings from the 80s that were so warped that they would sould normal, then Chipmunks, then normal, then Chipmunks, lol So even though your records are warped, they are still very listenable.
Yes -- yet The Rutles LP is easy enough to replace, so I probably will get a new record anyway. And I am now thinking I already have another copy of The Monkees LP around here too.
True enough, both of those albums are easy to find. That Beatlemania album is gorgeous. Nice find! I never knew it had a hype sticker like that.
Been buying lps and leaving the shrink on since 1966. Thousands of albums, shrink caused one warped lp.
You make a lot of sense Joe- I believe how you store your records is much more important than worrying about wether to keep the shrink on or not.
Now that vinyl's on the way back, or fully back by now, record companies should go back to using sturdier cardboard.
I like keeping the shrinkwrap on. Mainly because it makes the album look new!
+Martin W - I think what I like about it is that it appears as it originally looked when it was for sale on the new release store shelf.
It was so interesting to hear your take on this, because it is completely foreign to me, as if you are speaking a whole other language. I do feel like I have been spared a burden...
+dixielandfarm - Well, Sir -- you are the king of one dollar bin LPs and cereal box repair jackets, after all ! :-)
I completely agree with you. I always try and find albums in the shrink, and I also always leave the shrink on the albums when I can. I've heard other people say to remove the shrink too, but to me I've never really encountered any problems or issues leaving the shrink on. To each there own though.
I keep the shrink wrap on when it is not too tight around the cover, otherwise I take it off.
Some records come warped from the manufacturer. The store near me had a problem with a new release that was warped. A brand new record
Hey Joe, I totally agree with you (as usual). I even used to slowly take my gatefolds out of the shrink, look at them, and the replace the shrink! I think eighties pressings are the most vulnerable (the companies used cheap everything and raised prices) and most records people show that are warped in their Sealed To Revealed vids are from then. Also, people would leave them in their hot cars and in the blistering sun at flea markets as well. I find the more common problem these days is mold from basements. Anyway, nice response Joe. Take care...
+Tim Allen - Thanks again for weighing in, Tim.
I keep shrink wrap and hype stickers, because I want as close to original as possible. There is no warpage with keeping shrink wrap on unless it's too tight (usually resealed) You are right records from the 50-60's have thick cardboard and the albums are very heavy and durable, think early labels like Bluenote and Prestige. I have had newer records that the shrink wrap was too tight in the corners and the record was indeed warped, but not always.
Bluenote and Prestige (50's-60's) were records that were built like tanks and play well with tons of scratches on them. I have also had records that I thought were sealed originals that I found out later were not sealed, but resealed, so I open everything. You live in this world for such a short time and I personally don't believe in having a record just to display without ever opening it. Part of the experience is finding the record-the hunt and the second part is enjoying what you found-listening. I want to play my records and experience them and I'm also a collector.
Comment Two Of Two:
Regarding sealed albums: I never talk about the collection of sealed albums that I have because it is a touchy subject to others and I do not like to make waves. I have a sealed original copy of The Beatles 'White' and also 'Help' that I never opened because there was never any reason to do so. If I want to play them I will play my opened copies. I absolutely love having original copies of albums still sealed. I like looking at them and knowing that I have a few prized possessions that I enjoy sealed.
Quick story: When the Blimp's 'In Through/Out Door' was released I bought 17 copies. I bought every copy that a local store called the Turnstyle owned on release day. I went home and started opening until I knew that I had all six alternate covers. To boot I still had five or six copies that were still sealed. So instead of selling them I gave one or two to friends and I still have the rest here in my Blimp section. Why? Because I dig having sealed original albums.
You made some very amusing points here. One thing is for sure. As collectors we are all different. That is what makes the record collecting world and the VC so much fun to be a part of.
This was enjoyable to watch and participate in. Happy New Year to you Joe. ~
Rob/Boston
+Paneeks1960 - Hey Rob! I loved reading your comments -- thanks for that. That is really something to hear about your buying so many copies of DOOR, to get the alternates. But as a collector myself, of course I can relate to that. I guess the sealed/shrink topic IS rather controversial, so we'll see what happens. Hopefully since I've acknowledged we're all different and we all have different desires and beliefs as to what's good or bad for vinyl, there will be an easy dialogue. Happy New Year, Rob!
+Paneeks1960 Wow, I would LOVE to see those. Can I request you show them in a video Rob? Thats amazing, I had absolutely no idea you had those :)
Yes you can Captain. You must have all six covers for the In Through The Out Door?
My Blimp collection is pretty large. I have shown my sealed copies in previous videos. I have not shown my Beatles sealed copies. I will dig them out for you.
Thanks for sending me this response.
I was surprised to hear about David Bowie. The music world has lost one of the biggest ever.
Talk soon~
Rob
Yes, very sad news to the Music World. What an enormous loss.
I've been digging non-stop since 1981. I've worked at record stores and owned a record store. I've dug through literally millions upon millions of records "in my time". The shrink wrap warping records claim is a myth. Has it EVER happened? sure, but it is EXTREMELY rare. My 3 cents.
+Shawn0612 -- Thanks for that confirmation, Shawn. We're on the same wave length here.
I concur. Rare. It would seem temperature would have to be a factor at some point in the records life. I enjoy the hype-sticker and consider the album somewhat incomplete without it. Do you know the history of the hype-sticker? Jarrod
I am guilty of tearing off the shrink wrap if it is damaged, but I do replace it with the clear album covers. Even though it drives me crazy because the records are not uniform using the sleeves. Then it becomes an organization problem and all record collectors know the never ending question. Alphabetical, Rock, Singer songwriter, genres.....separating the albums with sleeves from the shrink wrap.. I can go on forever.
I dig your channel and that record collection behind you is impressive. I would love to see you expan by playing some of the treasures you find (even if its just background).
+Marcella Ann Purcell -- Thanks very much for your thoughts. And the whole organization thing is a subject all its own!
I keep the shrink wrap on and place the album in an outer sleeve as well. No issues with warping.
I refuse to use any social media, it's all Bulls hit and everyone thinks they know everything. I agree I love the shrink hype stickers are awesome and I have Johnny cashs first album in shrink and it's not warped at all over 60years old.
Most new vinyl is defective, warps, smudges, etc, i got tired of returning them to amazon. Now i only buy from non amazon sellers & instruct them to open seal & check for defects before shipling.
I do the same thing.
Very interesting. I used to leave the shrink wrap on my new records but there was one case where I left it on, the ost Labyrinth (David Bowie soundtrack), and the shrink shrunk! It didn't warp the record but it did bend the sleeve. I only noticed recently as my records have just been taken out of storage (no excessive temperatures). Now, the shrink wrap comes off, the hype stickers are saved and the album goes into a new blake sleeve.
RichardMcCook - Yes, I think this can occur when the jackets are too thin. But in my experience - and I've seen and owned a ton of records in their original shrink - it's happened only two or three times.
I agree with you Joe, I do think once the shrink is split to remove the album, the tension should be broken. I have an original CCR LP "Green River" still in shrink wrap and its perfectly flat. I once found an 1980s pressing of "Rubber Soul" and the cover was basically poster board than the thick card board used years back.
+beatleman69 - I like your description as "poster board"... I wish I had thought of that term in my video.
I sometimes worry that I have a warped records that won't play. But if it's warped and plays fine, I don't really care. But a few of my 2014 Mono issue of The Beatles albums are a little bent because of the shrink, but the vinyl seem to play fine, But I worry that over time the covers will bent because of the shrink. I obviously wouldn't have gotten bent copies but I kept putting off the Mono issues and one day I just wanted to pick up the rest of them, those were the only ones the record store had at the time. I did get a sealed copy of The Who Who Are You Canadian pressing on Red Vinyl, for about $30, I think it's from the 70s too, and it had a few stickers on it. I saw the cover was bent, so I opened the record and so the vinyl was warped. I think one day later at another record store, I saw the Exact same copy in skrink, but opened and was only about $15. That copy doesn't look warped. They are literately the same pressing and color vinyl. I wish I had never opened the first copy because now I have another. I will never play the first copy, so I won't know how bad the warp is.
+donaldrocks101103 - I'm not so sure the 2014 records were bent because of the shrink -- I also got a new Joan Jett album from 2013 or 2014 that was warped but played fine, but I think it's because the new vinyl control is sometimes lousy. But I could be wrong of course.
Some warped records played worse on my last turntable but play better on my current turntable
Not into the shrink wrap but I can respect your preference. Though it can be a bitch, I take the hype sticker off the shrink wrap and put it on the new outer sleeve I put the record in. This also gives me the option to put the sticker in a spot that doesn't distract from the album cover.
I'm pretty random when it comes to leaving things in the shrink or not when opening a new product, though I lean more on taking it all the way off. I bought the 2019 Giles Martin Abbey Road vinyl, and I took off the shrink but I did cut out a piece of it with the hype sticker and placed it inside the jacket.
This kind of thing also applies to video/computer games, too, which I personally collect more than anything else. If I take off the shrink, I keep things like the price stickers, etc.
Yes, a lot of people take off the wrap but keep the stickers.
i still don't have a record player, but when i buy cds, of course you have to take the shrink completely off, because of the way that the cases open. if they have stickers on, i put them in a shoebox under my bed, but if it's just has a price sticker that the store puts on, i don't bother keeping it
+Cal - CDs are another matter entirely for me.
I'm 66 and when I stared really getting into records in 1967..i had read that keeping a record in shrink it would get wrapped every if opened.So I removed all my shrink wrap....the cover got ring damage....i sold them all 3 years ago...i stopped buy-in vinyl and bought Cds.Three years ago I sold 1700 albums for one buck a piece... Dam...i didnt want to but I did..ai regreted it every day.But I did have most of the stuff on Cds.I just bought 165 albums for 120 and all in shrink wrap all mint all first pressings....i won't pay 20-30 for them....i will just look at thrifts, garage sales,Yes you will get some warped if they were stored on top of each other...
throughout watching your vid i have been thinking EXACTLY what you said at about the 11:00 mark. that is, records were rather thin for a while around 1980. i have some classic journey albums that feel like they came off the back of cereal boxes.
The can get warped Fromm the factory, In transportatiin, from hot to cold cities can play a big part,once it was.for sale in the store it can be warped in the racks at the store from heat
leaving the shrink on looks ugly and it can cause problems, I always take it off, no exception, because I hate the look and feel with the shrink on. I use an outer sleeve.
Wolfgang Pointner - That's fine, but when you find older vintage records still in shrink, be sure to not buy them, and save them for those of us who conserve the wrap! ;)
you also gotta think that not only shrink wrap will warp a record a lot of other factors play into warpage humidity, the way records are stored.... anything can warp a record
+Elvis Presley Collector - Amen to that, and I hope I conveyed that in the video.
The shrink wrapping these days can be very tight. It's the cover that tends to suffer in these instances and "bows" the shape and have to be straightened out. I've never kept the wrap on my records so can't comment on warped vinyl, though this was always advised during the 70's.
Here in the UK records were not sealed in shrink wrap. It wasn't until the mid-eighties that records started to regularly appear shrink wrapped. Before that, you would actually take the empty sleeve from the rack up to the counter where they would find the record and insert it into the cover. The old days!
Even in the eighties I think it might only have been records made in Germany, Holland etc that came sealed.
+TheWesternBlues - I'm just guessing here, but in the case of many UK album jackets I would imagine they could have become warped in shrink wrapped tightly, since the cardboard is often pretty thin...
I tell my customers who buy vintage factory sealed records from me....it’s a blessing or a curse. We cannot see inside. I then ask if they will open the record or keep it factory sealed. As far as shrink on vintage opened records, it’s a blessing.
I immediately remove the shrink wrap & replace it with 4mil outer poly sleeves, but I cut out the hype stickers from the shrink wrap & slide them in between the new poly sleeve & outer cardboard sleeve.
Hello how are you? What was the live stream that you did last night? Where you were talking about the McCartney Hulu documentary and you were talking about kiss did it get recorded? I’m guessing it probably didn’t since I didn’t see it on your channel but I was just curious.
Since I enjoy your videos so much I decided to revisit some and came across this one. My question to you is....have you always left your albums in shrink wrap? My guess is, probably not. Those of us who have been around remember the first thing we did back in the day was tear the shrink wrap off. I believe our approach to records has changed. Since we have lived through the death and resurgence of the record we now have a greater appreciation for what we have. Look how much our approach to the turntable has changed. We never thought about tracking force, gram settings etc. How many times have we gone to a record store and found an album we have searched for only to find it in less than desirable condition. The next generation of collectors will be blessed because of people like you Joe.🙂In regards to my preference in sleeves...we owe a big debt to Blake. After trying several different ones I prefer the sealable Blake sleeve. I really value my collection and want to preserve it as best I can for the next generation!
Christopher Barker - I used to rip the shrink wrap off my records, back in the '70s and '80s. I only began keeping the shrink ON when I started getting back into vinyl collecting in 2011. Regarding the so-called "Blake sleeves", I never understood why Blake got the credit for them, when they've always been available from other companies, most notably "Bags Unlimited" .
His were different, the adhesive was not on the flap and he worked to make sure the fit was better. If you go back and watch his videos he was the one that worked with the manufacturer originally to get them right. That’s why they are called Blake sleeves.
All of my sealed albums have two breather holes on the front or back.
I'm sympathetic to the argument, but out of every 100 records... let's assume MAYBE 20 will still have their shrink wrap on a year after purchase. That's 80 shrinks in landfills, blowing around, floating in the ocean, etc. It's gross to me, personally. The re-usable ones are far more respectful, environmentally. Maybe this is just me.
I've saw shrinks keep records very nice except for the corners at worst, I've saw the shrinks warp the jackets but rarely the records themselves, I only get rid of of a shrink if it's 75% missing give or take or so old and damaged that it's literally disintegrating, it's served it's purpose at that point keeping the jacket nice it can be retired haha.
Have you ever considered buying a Technics 1200? I notice a lot of you guys have those audio-technica's. To be honest I'm not sure how good of a turntable they really are. But I do know a Technics 1200 sounds incredible. I just figured with all the money you're spending on records, you should buy a really awesome turntable. But there again I don't know much about the Audio-Technica
Erik Molnar - I really love the Audio Technica, except I have stopped using it only because it does not have automatic return. I have bought a different Technics turntable with automatic start and stop.
@@MeanMrMayo I really think you would love a Technics 1200 mk II. They don't have automatic return but they are a super solid build. I have been doing a lot of DJing over the past 20 years as a hobby. We used to use them at warehouse parties with sound systems that oftentimes ended up with the cops showing up. They are made not to feedback under those circumstances and they do a really good job at it. Plus the motors are super strong. I'm sure you have heard their nickname The Wheels of Steel. Which brings me back to the Audio-Technica. I always wonder how good the torque is on those? Anyway you have an awesome collection. I used to collect records back in the 90s when it was a cheap way to get music before digital downloading was even anyting. Back then my local Half Price Books had tons of awesome records. People in the 90s couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I was just buying them so I could record my favorite songs onto cassette tapes and listen to them in my car. But I did start becoming a collector after a while. Back then it was so easy to find great albums. I had several copies of the White Album and Pink Floyd The Wall. I used to joke that the Beatles albums where the easiest records to find and they were. They weren't so coveted as they are today. Nothing was. God if only I could go back in time. I had an original Velvet Underground & Nico on the blue Verve label in mono. It sounded incredible. The vinyl condition was very good. I think it may have had one skip that I was able to repair. But it really didn't sound bad. The jacket was pretty torn up but I really wish I still had all my old records. I don't even want to say what I did to them. But I wish I could go back in time
Anyway check out the Technics 1200 if you haven't ever played records on one before. I'm pretty sure you probably have. Record stores often times had them as listening stations. I just really love the history behind them. To me they are the most awesome turntable ever. But you're talking to a guy who just got a couple of breakbeat Records in the mail, one of them was real crackly, so I ran it under the sink wiping the grooves with my finger and drying it off with a face cloth! Hey it sounds better but next time I might bust out the sponge
I agree that no one should tell someone else how to collect. To each their own. To me it's like using a jimmy-wrap. One might argue that it's the responsible thing to do, but it just doesn't feel the same.
Cheers, Tom
+High Rant District - Thanks for responding, Tom.
Why do I sense sarcasm ...
;-) Tom
I don't know, Tom. I don't even know what a "jimmy wrap" is... Anyway, in the video I made it clear that -- of course -- anyone may do as they wish. But I do feel it's something of a waste when someone finds an old "used" LP in shrink with a hype sticker and they rip it off and throw it away. Surely I should think there are plenty of other used LPs of the same title without shrink for them. ;-)
I was just busting your chops, Joe. As for hype stickers, like everything else, to each their own. Flavor Flav always said "don't believe the hype!"
;-) Tom
P.S. Flavor Flav is a rapper.
I know who he is -- don't remind me! :)
Hi Joe, I agree with you, I don't think that records in shrink are more prone to warping then records that don't have any shrink on them!!!!
+Richard White = I think temperature and storage/handling are bigger factors.
+MeanMr Mayo I could not agree more!!!!
Last night I bought two Capitol Beatles US CD's and have decided to leave the shrink wrap on them (LOL). Sure, I've opened them, but I'm still leaving the shrink on. I kind of like the American OBI strip on a Hard Days Night. Seriously, though, I prefer to leave the shrink on an LP if I can, and I love hype stickers. Even if they're not collectible, the hype sticker is a nice touch.
+ClarenceFisher - I bought the box set of the US CDs, so they don't have those individual OBI strips on them !
I keep all my Beatles albums in the shrink if I find them that way. I'm like you, love the sealed albums and the albums in the shrink. I'm still hunting for a mono Early Beatles and a mono Revolver in the shrink. 6 months ago, I found a mono Magical Mystery Tour still in the shrink for $10.00 at a county fair....unreal....keep up the good work on your videos, I enjoy them very much.
+Perry Corvese - Thanks for watching and commenting.
I have a mono Revolver orginal but it is not in shrink as it was my fathers. I have put it in a nice protective Blake sleeve though.
hi joe always kept my records in the shrink wrap and they played fine. some people I guess get way over protective and worry about warping. I have some records that are slightly warped but play without any problem so its no big deal to me. rob
+robert balboni -- I know a guy who has OCD when it comes to buying records. He's been a regular customer at my used record store for many years, and he is known to take every record and place it on the store's turntable at eye level and examine it closely to make sure it does not have even the SLIGHTEST degree of being un-even. He has been known to buy up to 10 copies of a brand new sealed LP just to locate one that is as flat and perfect as can be (then he sells the other 9 rejected copies). His store nickname is "Flat John" .
Here is my 2 cents. I love buying shrink wrap records because of the fact that i know the artwork will be nice and intact, and little to no ringwear because of it. However, i do remove and throw away the shrink wrap once i wash the record, change the inner and put it in a Blake sleeve. I know you cringe to the fact i throw the shrink away, but i prefer to see them in Blake's without the shrink. Great video though.
+fish man -- What you say is actually something I have been considering too, believe it or not. Because as much as I love seeing a shrink wrapped LP with hype stickers (as if it is right off the brand new store shelves like when it was first released) I feel the stickers and shrink, in a way, can tend to obstruct the view of the cover artwork. And the covers do always look amazing in those clear outer sleeves.
Hmm. It would seem that it's definitely best to keep a shrinkwrapped collection in a cool environment then. Make sure they're well away from any heater; boiler etc. You won't get quite as much enjoyment looking at a visibly warped item; and if you ever did have a life crisis where you needed to sell some, they'd be worth a fair bit less in $. Peace.
Keep the collection in a room on the side of your house where the sun don't shine, if at all possible.
..i've always chucked the shrinkwrap; but carefully preserved the hype sticker as an insert; and then put the record in a strong glossy pvc sleeve.
...i've always been more into signed records. Getting them signed myself; or buying them signed, if i can tell it's a genuine sig. So shrinkwrap hasn't been much of a consideration with me. Though I agree it's nice to have a sealed extra copy of your fave album.
Sure, the whole shrink wrap warping myth is baloney, but there's another reason for removing it -- it gets in the way of seeing the cover art clearly. Remove the shrink, keep the hype stickers (I cut them out), and keep the LP in a vinyl sleeve. Keeping shrink wrap on an LP is like not removing the plastic from the front of a new appliance or something, or like not cleaning your glasses. It gets in the way. It's also kind of sad to see, like a toy that's never been opened. Records are made to be enjoyed, fully, and that means the cover art and the music inside.
Gary Kuhlmann - "Enjoy" is totally subjective.
Here’s the deal: shrink wrap is good for preserving a collection & frankly people like to read “still in shrink”. That said, I can’t stand it. That that said... some records deserve to stay in it. Therefore if I like a record in the shrink wrap, I buy 2. I take one off & I’ll never open the other. Have a collection of records that look cooler unopened. Little more expensive but the thing is you get the best of both worlds. Take that shrink off & then just try & find another one for the low
Yea I appreciate shrink wrap I don't take them off and if you take care of them they want warp and all that
I always keep the shrink wrap on :) ...
I have never come across this problem, I've had a REVOLVER album, I forgot about and the Sun hit it for a while ... It was nicely warped ... lol
I always take off the shrink wrap...If a record has a cool hype sticker I take it off carefully, if the glue is good enough I stick it on my woofer or a speaker... if its not good I toss it... hype stickers add nothing to the record... not in my eyes... I hate stickers of any kind on the jackets
I like the term "hype sticker"! Do you know if there's a technical term for the round sticker in the middle of the actual vinyl with the name of the artists and the songs on it? Maybe that's just called the "label", but seems like there would be a more precise term. Maybe you used it in the Back To The Egg video where one side of the sticker is "Sunny Side Up" and the other is "Over Easy".
+escaperabbit - I think the center is just "the label".
i always remove the shrink wrap, but i keep the hype stickers (i cut them out neatly)
The records from around of the time of the 1973 energy crisis were very thin
But what if the shrink wrap is half there? Rip off the rest of it?
Great question. Depending on the record or degree of missing shrink, sometimes I keep it and sometimes I ditch it.
i would still remove the shrinkwrap and replace it with a plastic outer sleeve cover.
Are you sure that's warp on that Beatles record? I have bought brand new vinyl that way and I've noticed the records that I have that are really thin pressings all do that bouncing thing. I think that's just something thin vinyl does.
+Tony Pepperoni -- I know what you mean. But when I bought this still-sealed album I could see the shrink was very tight and the cover actually appeared sort of bent. I was wondering if the record itself was going to be affected.
Hey Joe what cartridge are u running on the at'lp120 just curious cause I got same table.
+Elvis Presley Collector - Aw, it's not a very good one, I'm thinking. It's an Audio Technica 92E . I'd like to upgrade in the near future.
You do realize that many records go into the cover at the plant warped. The shrink did not cause the warp. Don't blame the shrink, blame crappy quality control.
I agree.
What is the name and address of your record store, Joe?
Records are there to be played tape it put it away play tape keep vinyl good.
I TOTALLY AGREE.
You know that you can remove the warp, right? Just use a oven, you can find multiple videos here on youtube on how to remove warp.
It's basically a case of Schrödingers LP ;)
great video!
+emiwhee - Thanks for watching.
When buying "used" I try to get shrink wrap copies whenever I can.
Common sense pt. 2: if you don't open it, it doesn't even maatter if there's a record inside or not. You wouldn't know.
masterpassword2 - If it's still originally sealed, chances are just about 100% that it's got the record inside. You can also feel it.
Shrinkwraps are dirty so i remove it all the way.
Stop the madness. Records need to be shrinkwraoped.
Hype sticker, cellophane wraps, apples to right, left..... Cool.... No need for music.
Why do you sound like Alec Baldwin? Lol
First time I've heard that one.
If they have hype stickers i keep the wrap. If not, i tear it off.