How do you store your LPs?

[mikecole]

I built an LP rack in my closet that looks like the racks we were all used to seeing in record stores. Storing LPs the other way, where only the sides are showing would save a lot more space, but I have problems with that. I don't see that well, I have problems with my neck when looking sideways for extended periods, I don't look at names and titles when searching - I look at the pictures and usually I don't know what I want to hear anyway, so I just go to a letter I haven't visited in a while and flip thru until something pops out at me. So I was curious to hear how other people store their LPs and how they figure out what they want to listen to.

[Macca]

I agree storing them front on is a lot better. I used to do that when my collection was a lot smaller and would fit in 3 record boxes. Much easier to browse through. Now I really struggle to find a specific LP and I am too lazy to sort them into alphabetic order. Actually I did do it once but then found I was too lazy to replace them in alphabetic order. Ah well.

[Barry]

Hello Mike,

I can understand your preference for storing your LPs as is/was done in record stores, that is with the front of the sleeve facing you, as I too dislike having to get down on my hands and knees to read the record spines. Often, if the record has a clear outer sleeve for protection, the wording on the spine is difficult to read, so one has to pull out the records partially to see the front of the sleeve.

The only thing I would advise you to be aware of when storing your records the way you have, is to make sure the records are nearly vertical (no more than say 5 degrees off vertical), otherwise the pressure on the last LP may cause it to warp. Either that, or store your LPs in small batches of no more than say 10 LPs deep.

[MikeMusic]

I built an LP rack in my closet that looks like the racks we were all used to seeing in record stores. Storing LPs the other way, where only the sides are showing would save a lot more space, but I have problems with that. I don't see that well, I have problems with my neck when looking sideways for extended periods, I don't look at names and titles when searching - I look at the pictures and usually I don't know what I want to hear anyway, so I just go to a letter I haven't visited in a while and flip thru until something pops out at me. So I was curious to hear how other people store their LPs and how they figure out what they want to listen to.

Vertically in Ladderax cabinets, takes around 100- 150 each cabinet. Very rare in the US as a specialist UK company that went bust years ago. Ikea do some good stuff
I know what you mean abut readability and I now need glasses.
Alpha order helps so I can go to close to the right spot with that.
Have similar thoughts about CDs. I think the best way for them is vertical in a drawer, but how many spines can you read. not that many IMO

[MCRU]

I built an LP rack in my closet that looks like the racks we were all used to seeing in record stores. Storing LPs the other way, where only the sides are showing would save a lot more space, but I have problems with that. I don't see that well, I have problems with my neck when looking sideways for extended periods, I don't look at names and titles when searching - I look at the pictures and usually I don't know what I want to hear anyway, so I just go to a letter I haven't visited in a while and flip thru until something pops out at me. So I was curious to hear how other people store their LPs and how they figure out what they want to listen to.

wrong area, this is strokes of genius!

[Joe]

I agree storing them front on is a lot better. I used to do that when my collection was a lot smaller and would fit in 3 record boxes. Much easier to browse through. Now I really struggle to find a specific LP and I am too lazy to sort them into alphabetic order. Actually I did do it once but then found I was too lazy to replace them in alphabetic order. Ah well.

What he said. My current method is 'scattered about the place in random order'; my 'most played' albums are stored front-on in two rows on the floor.

[Gordon Steadman]

Just like this.

As with everything in this place - its temporary.

The hi-fi is in a downstairs room that long term, will be Ronnie's sewing room. Pro-tem, its a guest bedroom/ music room.

The shelves used to be open but I bunged a couple of kitchen cupboard doors on them because one of our cats decided that LP covers are ideal for filling his claws with shredded cardboard. It means a few CDs are relegated to piles but better that than having to go through all the covers again with selotape

[stupinder]

Alphabetical order for the most part (rock and pop) and then I separate out Dance/electronic, Folk, Jazz, blues by genre and then alphabetical. I use the IKEA shelves that are pretty much made for storing vinyl. I'd MUCh prefer to be able to see the covers and flick through like that but it would just take up too much space. I also have a separate shelf for recent purchases that have yet to be cleaned on the RCM.
I too am quite lazy and I end up with a pile of records I've played leaning against the wall which I pop back in the proper place once in a while.
All this reminds me I REALLY need to clean some records soon!!
Oh, classical sits in its own section at the bottom of the shelves and is a section not often visited I'm afraid.

[chelsea]

Just stacked on the floor so i can flick through and see covers.

[Jimification]

I store mine side on but front on is a nice idea. For one thing you have the artwork on display and for another it makes picking the next vinyl much easier if you listen in the dark, or in low light.