Hi!

I'm just curious which brands/models/materials of record sleeves will be best for each different kind of record or shellac that I own.

I want to find sleeves that will keep static at bay, not be abrasive to the surface of the records, and that will tend not to adhere to dust, hairs, particles, etc., so that once I clean a record I need not worry about the sleeve "contaminating" it.

If you could also recommend exceptionally sturdy high-capacity record holders, that would be excellent also.

Thanks immensely, I very much appreciate your advice.

I like the rice paper sleeves for LPs from Sleeve Town.

For LP's I use: MOBILE FIDELITY RICE LP INNER RECORD SLEEVES
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFSL-RICE

What makes rice paper a good sleeve material? I would've thought it would be more abrasive than a plastic-based material? And would it not tend to soak up environmental moisture and transfer that to the vinyl via direct contact?

The paper does not touch the LP. The use of rice paper likely has to do with neutral acid content. From their web site: "These are the same high-quality inner sleeves we use for our vinyl releases. They are imported, three-ply, anti-static, premium sleeves (similar to rice paper) and work with both LPs and laser discs. Back construction consists of a paper layer sandwiched between two sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a translucent HDPE front". I'm no paper chemist but this it the product most people use.

it is hdpe with a sheet of paper sealed in on one side to provide stiffness.

High Density Polyethelene -- frosted stiff plastic is the right material for LP inners -- helps minimize or eliminate paper scuffs. Other types of plastic -- shiny and clear, more flexible, is not ideal for inner sleeves. Though often prefered for outter sleeves.

I use a lot of Rice paper sleeves and I like the MOFI sleeves better than Sleevetown in-house because sleevetown in house is using a thicker HDPE. You can order samples from any reputable seller to see what you like best. MOFI type rice paper sleeves are great for reducing static. I also like HDPE lined paper sleeves, but I have not found a source I like in the US. I have bought them from the UK at http://www.britishaudio.co.uk/

I also like the low profile Nagoaka type rounded hdpe sleeves which can slip into original innersleeves pretty nicely. The new sleevetown ones are too heavy to safely slip in all inners, so I will start buying the japanese ones available at Elusive Disc (http://www.elusivedisc.com) the next time I order them. Elusive Disc also sells 10" ones as well which are excellent for those vintage tight 10" covers.

For 78s, I like paper and card stock. "Disc-o-file" sleeves sold by Kurt Nauck http://www.78rpm.com/-- are wonderful. They are more expensive than regular paper sleeves, but super nice quality.

I also buy heavy paper sleeves and 12" cardboard blank record covers in bulk from http://www.bagsunlimited.com.

For acoustic 12" discs I treasure, I place them in a 12" regular weight paper sleeve and then in the black LP jacket with the hole punch and then in a poly outter. I can use an extra large poly outter for a multi disc set.

I think most would agree that paper/card stock is the best material for shellac.

another good source for inner/outter sleeves is www.squaredealonline.com (http://www.squaredealonline.com)

I have spent hours obsessing about different sleeves and trying to find exactly what I want. You want to protect your records but you also want stuff you can work with -- it is a personal choice.

Loves dem supplies! Stephanie

:ntwrthy: wow... what he said!

Awesome! Thanks for the tips guys! :)