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Sleeves, why not paper?

HepcatWilly

HepcatWilly

Just trying to be Hepful
I just saw a post on record sleeves stating to stay away from paper sleeves.

Why is this? What makes the rice paper/plastic sleeves so much better?
If you get a honkin' piece of grit in the sleeve, does the fancy ones protect any more than the cheapo sleeve?

There is no sarcasm in my question, just looking for advice.
Thanks for your help!
 
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Whats wrong with new paper sleeves after a cleaning? Its a ritual here.

Its all about how anal you want to get. I do use paper sleeves and save the obsessive compulsive part of my brain for other things audio.
 
I will say that on a few occasions, I have had the edge of a paper sleeve nag inward on a groove of a record.

On one very rare piece (1 of 800, direct to disc live Sonic Youth recording), such a snag caused a flit of surface noise on a record I had never played.
 
About 45 years ago when I first started buying LP's, the 'experts' said to replace the paper sleeves on new albums with plastic ones. I'm now looking at those same plastic sleeves and seeing the deterioration going on. I don't think the experts thought about what the plastic was going to be like 50 to 75+ years later. Or maybe they thought I would replace the sleeves every 10 years or so.
I'm now of the opinion that paper is just fine.
 
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the sleeves that are paper, with the plastic inside them!

I hate plastic sleeves though.

The glossy paper sleeves, usually with the artist's info and/or lyrics are usually nice.

But any sleeve is better than no sleeve at all, I figure.

but it's really cool finding mint condition K-TEL records with the original sleeve still in tact, with all the coupons on them that you're supposed to cut out. Amasing how cheap records were back in the old days!
 
I am contemplating whether to replace the plain paper sleeves that are included with most of the vinyl I'm procuring and trying to decide which solution is best. I don't like the square plastic sleeves, because they get bunched up too easily. I do kind of like the plastic ones that are rounded/shaped to fit the LP, though. They're much easier to handle. Does anyone have any experience with those?
 
Many of my albums are over 30 years old. Paper sleeves have not been a problem affecting quality of LPs. They can yellow and tear, but the vinyl for the most part is unaffected. I guess the concern would be scuffing, but I can't say I can definitely attribute noise versus just aesthetics. Any lint or dust is nothing a brushing can't fix. I figure new paper sleeves purchased now will outlive me.

I have occasionally seen plastic sleeves bunch and leave plastic impressions on records. Not sure if it was due to heat or condensation.

I don't really care for the rounded shaped plastic sleeves either unless they are stiffer than I remember. They can bunch just as bad. I guess if I go plastic it would be the plastic lined paper.

I like paper sleeves because I can easily insert the paper sleeve with the opening toward the top so the record is not exposed. As others have mentioned the plastic only sleeves tend to bunch.
 
I mainly use the rounded one-side poly sleeves. Slips in relatively easy. For the precious vinyl the Mobile Fidelity Master Sleeves are choice. But can add up pretty quick if you have 1000+ records. Especially if your buying "jacket" covers too.

Oh... and paper will decompose faster than poly, leaving fuzzy stuff and if it's anywhere near damp will get moldy.
 
I have occasionally seen plastic sleeves bunch and leave plastic impressions on records.

I have the same problem, older albums with plastic sleeves that leave "finger print" type pattern on the record. I never have a problem with paper.
 
if i get an lp with a plain white paper sleeve.....OUT IT GOES. paper can and will scratch. they also leave fuzzies/dust on your lp's and are prone to static and mold. the lp is placed in either a DiscWasher sleeve or a Mobile Fidelity sleeve. of course, if the lp comes with a glossy paper sleeve with liner notes and/or other information, i keep that but still have the lp in a DW of MF sleeve. it just makes sense to use these sleeves for the protection and longevity of the lp.
 
terra1 said:
Many of my albums are over 30 years old. Paper sleeves have not been a problem affecting quality of LPs. They can yellow and tear, but the vinyl for the most part is unaffected. I guess the concern would be scuffing, but I can't say I can definitely attribute noise versus just aesthetics. Any lint or dust is nothing a brushing can't fix. I figure new paper sleeves purchased now will outlive me.

I have occasionally seen plastic sleeves bunch and leave plastic impressions on records. Not sure if it was due to heat or condensation.

I don't really care for the rounded shaped plastic sleeves either unless they are stiffer than I remember. They can bunch just as bad. I guess if I go plastic it would be the plastic lined paper.

I like paper sleeves because I can easily insert the paper sleeve with the opening toward the top so the record is not exposed. As others have mentioned the plastic only sleeves tend to bunch.
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Scuffing! That was the word I was looking for. Occasionally, I've had the edge of a paper sleeve scuff a groove on my records. 1/00000004 of the time.
 
What I'd really like is paper or poly-lined paper sleeves with rounded corners, as used to come with some records. It's a lot easier to slip the sleeved record into the album cover: square corners can turn under and catch, especially is the cover's not in the best of shape. But if anyone makes them, I don't know who.

Also - is it just me or have sleeves about doubled in price from what they were a year or two ago?
 
ManFromPorlock said:
What I'd really like is paper or poly-lined paper sleeves with rounded corners, as used to come with some records. It's a lot easier to slip the sleeved record into the album cover: square corners can turn under and catch, especially is the cover's not in the best of shape. But if anyone makes them, I don't know who.
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Rounded, HDPE-lined paper (rounded MOFI-like sleeves?) with a translucent/transparent part around the label - YES! That would be just about perfect. Does anyone know if something like this exists?
 
I'm very happy with plain paper sleeves from Sleeve City. They have rounded corners so they slide in and out easily. I've never had a problem scuffing the vinyl as I am very careful handling my records, as I'm sure anybody posting here is too!

Whether new vinyl or used, I always wash the records first and place them in a fresh new sleeve, even if the album comes with its own inner sleeve. No fuss, no muss (by the way, what is muss?), very clean, GO FOR IT!
 
Depends on the record. If it's just OK, but I'll be puling some tracks off it - paper sleeve. If it spectacular and I'll be keeping it permanently, vinyl lined paper sleeve. Cost vs functionality :)
 
Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeves

I used to use the MoFi sleeves which are very good but have since switched to Diskeeper Ultimate Audiophile Inner Sleeves from Sleeve City.

Absolutely the best I have ever used period :yes:

http://www.sleevetown.com/lp-sleeves-inner.shtml

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here is a good review on all sorts of sleeves at Positive Feedback including the Diskeeper Ultimate

POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE - ISSUE 38
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue38/lp_sleaves.htm
 
I fully agree with Autobot I use these sleeves for everything except my Very Best vinyl, for those I use the Mofi Sleeves! If you wait for a sale to stock up they are reasonable!
 
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