Knowledge
Shellac records belong upright on a shelf, in acid-free paper sleeves and in a cool, dry place. Follow these three rules and you protect your collection from breakage, warping and mould. Many shellac records have survived for decades – often not because of how they were stored, but in spite of it. They sat in boxes in damp basements, in tall stacks in the attic or in a cupboard right next to the radiator. If you inherit, buy or build a collection today, you can do better.
Shellac or Vinyl? How to Tell the Difference Not every old record is made of shellac. From the late 1940s onwards, some 78s were also made of vinyl. These features help you tell them apart: