We all remember the introduction of the CD in the late 80s and how it was going to cast the vinyl record into outer darkness, doomed to be a mere footnote in the history of recorded music.
Yet today we learn that for another year, vinyl record sales continue to increase (15% this year) and in fact, have done so for the last ten years, now easily outstripping the CD which is probably fast approaching the tag of legacy format.
Ironically, it is the vinyl record that will, more than any other physical format, demonstrate an extraordinary longevity.
Younger aficionados are discovering a love for the tactile appeal of playing a record, appreciation of an album cover's artwork, the engaging sound of vinyl against digital not to mention the physical appeal of using a turntable, a piece of actual equipment in this world of bland screen taps. As well as bringing more music into people's lives, collecting and playing records becomes a hobby, if not a passion; there's a wellness concept at play here!
On Wednesday last, this writer was interviewed on Radio Blue Mountains on the subject of vinyl record care and the importance of clean record grooves. By way of demonstration, I took with me three records that were some of the first I added to my collection back in the mid 70s: Machine Head, Sgt Peppers and Dark Side of the Moon.
These records were played literally hundreds of times on all manner of record players with one common practice: during every play it was my practice to use a 'Dust Bug', a small brush on a traversing arm that tracked across the record ensuring no excessive dust build up. The benefits of this were immediately apparent when they were treated with Record Restore, which removed the fine impediments that had defeated the brush.
The point here for collectors is that there is gold out there in the 2nd hand offerings. Avoid visible scratches and Record Restore will do the rest.
Elsewhere on this website are tips for record and turntable care or simply reach out and ask - happy to help!
The last word is probably the study in Electronics magazine which proved that a clean record was good for at least 800 plays, a dirty one only 130. And the 'dirty one' was created simply by leaving the disc uncovered for 4 days! See the study on VWestlife's YouTube channel; search for Three-way Vinyl Record Wear Test.