I came across this whimsical paper record player from Simon Elvins. Here's more about it from his site:
Fully working, manual record player made entirely of paper. To play the record the handle needs to be turned in a clockwise direction at a steady 331/3rpm. The paper cone then acts as a pickup, amplifying the sound enough to make it audible.
More photos available here.
Found this great video on Current about a new record store in California proving that physical music stores can thrive in local communities.
Origami Vinyl is a new store in Echo Park, CA that specializes in vinyl records and only vinyl records. In an economy where even contemporary businesses are having trouble staying afloat, owner, Neil Schield, decided to open a store that sells something that most people consider obsolete.
To many people's surprise, the store is thriving, and that could have something to do with the community it is located in. Origami succeeds where other record shops might fail by having friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as events such as in-store performances
Keep it up guys!
Rounding out our record box kick (we promise, this is the last one for today), we came across a great little site that sells vintage milk and fruit crates. These crates are perfect for storing some records and have a nice weathered, antique look to them.
I found this one over at Antique Mystique for $30 that measures 19.5" L X 13" W X 11" H - perfect for storing row of records while still being able to flip through them.
Stop by this page of their site and take a look at the crates mixed in. Many of them have old advertising on the sides so you're bound to find something unique. I'd recommend keeping your records in sleeves like these so the edges don't get damaged by any imperfections in the wood.
Note: If you are like me, you have more records than will fit in one of these. Here's a suggestion. Go with a simple unit like these from Ikea for your collection and use a crate like this for ones you want to keep out / sit next to the turntable while you listen.
We're admittedly on a bit of a record storage box kick today so here's our next installment. These handmade birch storage boxes were designed and made by Finish designer Harri Koskinen (known for his Block Lamp featured in MoMA) and their elegant rounded design is really beautiful. In addition to the square pieces above, Harri also designed a LP case that is half the width of these and features a metal handle on the top.
They boxes are definitely on the high end of what's out there today and are priced at £170 for the square box and £140 for the smaller one with the handle.
One can always dream...
I really like these simple wooden record crates from Colorado Record Crates. They are handmade in Colorado, available in your choice of 3 stains (all water-based and environmentally / kid friendly), and they are stackable both as top loading and side loading boxes. One side is branded with the CRC logo and it adds a nice touch.
They are available in both 7" and 12" versions and are priced at $20 and $30 respectively.
Pick them up here from Twist and Shout Records.
Turntables