Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => DIY => Topic started by: scorpio333 on October 13, 2014, 03:01:00 PM

Title: Record storage units
Post by: scorpio333 on October 13, 2014, 03:01:00 PM
I either have a record acquiring issue or a storage issue. Opinions vary, but that's a domestic argument for another time…

Not so long ago everything fit in the compartment on top. When that got filled up I cobbled together the bottom shelves. I quickly learned that bookcase style storage was not for me. I like flipping more than pulling out and fighting with plastic covers. So I removed the two shelves (the non stained evidence is still there), put one shelf in the middle and ripped the other for the vertical front. Started putting records back in and quickly found it's not anywhere deep enough to store what I have, or provide room for new acquisitions. Next couple of weeks I plan to construct one about 6" deeper, 4 bins across and 3 tall. My excellent math skills says that should fit the corner of the room perfectly.

I remember seeing one at the old shop, which looked like the famous storage bin using one 4' x 8' sheet. Interested to see what others have for storage. Good, bad, or ugly.

I probably should have staged better albums in the front for the pic
(http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/3scorpio33/IMG_6113_zps3534b46f.jpeg) (http://s445.photobucket.com/user/3scorpio33/media/IMG_6113_zps3534b46f.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: StephenWVU on October 13, 2014, 04:00:56 PM
I need some better record storage.  I have a great analog rig and am licking the records because up until very recently I had 0 record storage.  Now I have some more which I plan to fill but what you have seems to be more what I want.  That and a record cleaner!  :P
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: scorpio333 on October 13, 2014, 05:08:17 PM
I built a crude record cleaner using a flooded out turntable, piping, hockey puck, section of kitchen counter top, scrap wood, and a edge vacuum tool. Ain't pretty, but cleans them up.

(http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/3scorpio33/IMG_1549_zpse196363b.jpg) (http://s445.photobucket.com/user/3scorpio33/media/IMG_1549_zpse196363b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: Anders on October 13, 2014, 07:23:49 PM
I need parts to rebuild my VPI 16.5.
Haven't used it in years and it smells like mold.
Particle board has puckered.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: RnR on October 14, 2014, 08:48:36 AM
I really like your storage rack, it's like a mini record store right in your living room, super cool.  Most storage I'v seen/owned holds the sleeve so that you're looking at the spine, and as we all know the spine printing is either beat, or hard to see/read when next to 500 others. Jealous
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: Jim Pittsburgh on October 14, 2014, 10:36:24 AM
I'm using both trunks and ikea units.... the trunks allow for about 200 albums and store them in two rows front facing.... the ikea unit is edge front...

trunks (actual pics from my house)
http://www.mystoragetrunks.com/record-album-storage-trunk/ (http://www.mystoragetrunks.com/record-album-storage-trunk/)


ikea:
BESTA under frame IKEA $35.00
BESTA shelf unit $35.00
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: EmperorNorton on October 14, 2014, 11:08:11 AM
I really like your storage rack, it's like a mini record store right in your living room, super cool.  Most storage I'v seen/owned holds the sleeve so that you're looking at the spine, and as we all know the spine printing is either beat, or hard to see/read when next to 500 others. Jealous

I am sure mine is not a unique skill, but, after so many years,  I am very adept at recognizing LPs by the spine.  Keeping them reasonably organized by genre and alphabetized by artist is probably 99% of it.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: MacGeek on October 14, 2014, 06:32:26 PM
As long as I don't move mine from where they are, I can usually find what I want.  If ever they are rearranged, I will be lost.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: RnR on October 15, 2014, 09:14:38 AM
Usually I dont have trouble finding stuff (unless my roomate is wasted and putting stuff back completely out of order).  But I just like how you can "leaf' through the records like at a store.  Theres just something about it, i dont know what.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: tinpan on October 15, 2014, 11:45:02 AM
I use a vintage record storage cabinet made by Lane furniture company. It's from the Acclaim series.
(http://images42.fotki.com/v1535/photos/6/111916/10282712/IMG_2324-vi.jpg)

I keep most of the albums in a rack in the closet and pull out the ones I am currently listening to and store them in here.
(http://images16.fotki.com/v387/photos/6/111916/10282712/IMG_2325-vi.jpg)

Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: Rockman Rock on October 15, 2014, 06:34:56 PM
Under current contract I can only have 350 records in the living room. I built this two piece record bin which holds about 300. Numerous large dowel pins secure top to bottom. Not that I’d carry either section with LP’s in it.  It’s just easier to move around in two sections when empty. Some heavy duty caster/fixed wheels allow easy movement when cleaning/re-arranging room.

(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/scompracer/LP%20Bin/lpbin_3-1.jpg) (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/scompracer/media/LP%20Bin/lpbin_3-1.jpg.html)

I also have 10 record crates from the container store. (Pic snagged from web).

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lRncxb7CTug/SnczWTSikeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/AcRcihx7rTM/s1600/supreme-crate-black.jpg)

I’ve also got one of them small Discwasher DiscKeeper racks I keep my demo LP’s in.

(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/scompracer/Salk%20SoundScape%208/salk_ss8_system_3.jpg) (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/scompracer/media/Salk%20SoundScape%208/salk_ss8_system_3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: MasterBlaster on October 16, 2014, 12:54:53 AM

I don't have many LP's so a magazine rack works for me.
[SMG id=646]
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: Anders on October 16, 2014, 05:41:38 AM
I only have around 5000 LPs all in expedits.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: scorpio333 on October 16, 2014, 10:05:20 AM
I am sure mine is not a unique skill, but, after so many years,  I am very adept at recognizing LPs by the spine.  Keeping them reasonably organized by genre and alphabetized by artist is probably 99% of it.

I can recognize some of them, others are beat or skinny. Then there's the issue of me pulling to a bunch of different records and then putting them back somewhere else. I don't alphabetize, I'm rebelling against my OCD. Half my albums have poly sleeves which makes it tougher to identify the spine. The sleeves never seem to stay on the jacket completely, leaving an inch of the sleeve flapping about. Last issue is I'm 6'7" and having to squat down is just killing my knees and a general pain anymore.

I've drafted out a new design. Going to take awhile to get done, my father in law has the wood at work and loves to do this kind of thing so it's up to when he gets it done. The space I have is 55 1/2" wide which will fit 4 front facing albums. Going three high with a shelf above for some overflow. The wife approved, but I think it's a trap.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: scorpio333 on February 26, 2016, 03:57:37 PM
Built this unit about a year ago. I like to listen with the lights dimmed and it was too tough to find much of anything without going all the way across the room to raise the lights. I had a strip of LED lights in the bed of my truck. I didn't care for how they were strung so I removed them and replaced them with a new strip. Seeing as I can't let anything go to waste, figured I'd use them for the storage unit. Grabbed an old 9v and 12 v transformer and went to work. The 12v was a bit too bright so the 9v won out.

(http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/3scorpio33/IMG_1733_zpsluorxbqj.jpg)

With the lights dimmed:
(http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/3scorpio33/IMG_1734_zpsevqdzrxi.jpg)

(http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/3scorpio33/IMG_1735_zps8ussrp8e.jpg)

Still deciding what to use for separators. The cardboard strips are functional, just not very elegant.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: schwarcw on February 26, 2016, 09:13:31 PM
That storage looks awesome!  Take a look at Office Max in their filing and storage area.  You find find something or get an idea or two.  Stop in or call Jerry at Jerry's records.  I am sure that he has a cheap solution.
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: scorpio333 on February 26, 2016, 09:54:09 PM
Thanks. I've been meaning to ask Jerry, but you got to catch him in the right mood. Bunch of places sell those plastic dividers he uses...about $25 for 20 and one place is $60! I'm being patient looking for the cheap options. At one point I used manilla filing folders, but the tops kept getting beat up. 
Title: Re: Record storage units
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on February 26, 2016, 10:03:03 PM
I use the white cardboard inserts from packs of X-ray film.