Record Stand Ideas

[Kurt 3,359]

Okay...so, I'm considering buying or DIY ing myself a new stand for my turntable, and mostly, I'd like a place to store/display my vinyl collection.  

 

I'm torn between 2 different overarching styles: 

 

1) The "drawer" or bin approach, where I can flip through my records like in a record store bin (like photo 1) or

 

2) the line 'em up approach so that I can see all the edges of the albums (like photo 2).

 

What say all you vinyl fans?  What's the best way to store and access your records?... what looks better?  What am I not thinking about?

 

I appreciate the thoughts and opinions.

 

 

 

[stereo_dog 1,746]

I like the bin idea, easy to see what albums you have. The downside is that it takes up alot of space. I have mine in a cabinet with the end splines showing. Difficult to read for my old eyes, but I think it takes up less floor space. 

[4krow 7,676]

 That lowboy style appeals to me but mostly because of its quality build.

[xavionics 2,490]

My $.02:

 

Looking at the album spines when they are just above the floor is no longer something I enjoy.

Old body, old eyes and bifocals, in my case, just don’t like searching for “what do I wanna listen to” while in that position.

 

Therefore, I kinda prefer the drawer approach, even though I had to think about it for a while.

Easier to see what you are looking for.

My only concern would be having a record spinning while browsing the collection at the same time.

yea, I know, who would do that!?

 

I do prefer the perimeter reinforced bottom of the open bookcase though. 
Seems it would be less prone to sagging. Like this one they offer….

I suspect he can build you any configuration and capacity you like.

 

As a (former) builder myself, I like his approach - all hardwood.

 

 

[4krow 7,676]

I second that being a former furniture builder. Anything that ever built weighed more than it should.

[Sk1Bum 13,387]

My records are stored more like case #2, but no legs, and 4 vertical levels. I would love to have a room with record storage running at least 10-12' and 2 levels with wood or granite countertop for components.

 

 

[Kurt 3,359]

4 minutes ago, Sk1Bum said:

wood or granite countertop

I like this idea... hadn't thought about a countertop approach.  I could almost see a kitchen cabinet like design without the doors.  Though, it would have to thinner back to front.   

I second the notion of others that I like things that are very sturdy and heavier than it needs to be.  That's the way I tend to build stuff when I do so.

And, I appreciate the comments about being able to read the edges of albums...I am of that age, too   Maybe I'll try a drawer/bin approach with a countertop, all made of hardwood.  Might be able to get a remnant piece of granite for the top to keep costs down.

 

Thanks all for the thoughts.  Very helpful.

[3M_Audio 2,414]

With me vinyl is all about the artwork, so I'd go with whatever solution lets you see and enjoy it all the best. I kind of like the record walls people set up but I realize it's limited to what's displayed at any one time. But perhaps rotating in different albums each month from conventional storage might work?

 

[Kurt 3,359]

Thank you all for the suggestions. 

 

I like the idea of hanging album art on the wall.  I've done that in the past.  I think I will use that as a way to show records off instead of making them visible in the cabinet.  I can rotate through different albums.

 

I think I'm going with a drawer approach for album storage in the cabinet so I can flip through.  I'm gonna try to have a cabinet with 4 album drawers on the bottom and a narrower section on top with shorter drawers to hold tapes, record cleaning supplies, etc.  I asked ChatGPT to help me visualize this all.  I think I've landed on what I'd say is my "Analog Station" concept.  It will hold my albums, tapes, turntable, a preamp, my tube amp and a reel to reel tape player.  I'll make it kinda MCM feel in terms of design and pair it with my Infinity RS3b's... Here's what ChatGPT thinks it will all look like... the proportions are off on the component sizes.  But you get the idea.  (All this wood and warmth will be stark contrast to the "tower of anthracite" that is in my main Carver system).  Now I just need to find someone to build it for me or get up the gumption to build it myself :).   I'll be sure to update this thread once I get going on the project.

 

 

 

 

[Sk1Bum 13,387]

Nice choice of album art!

[Kurt 3,359]

7 minutes ago, Sk1Bum said:

Nice choice of album art!

believe it or not, ChatGPT chose that for me...... I do have all those albums, though