I already had several reasons to open vinyl rather than keep it sealed:

1. To LISTEN to it.

B. Shrinkwrap shrinks, eventually damaging the cover.

III. To LISTEN to it.

Four. To make sure I got what I paid for, and not a misprint/mislabel.

5. How annoying would it be to repeat the listen line again?!?

Anyway... new reason.

Bought a 28 year old still sealed record today. Looked perfect on the outside, but the record is warped and has a crack in the vinyl. I can fix the warp, the crack, not so much. If I hadn't opened it I would be under the delusion that I had a "mint" collectible when all I really have is damaged goods.

And, I wouldn't be able to listen to it....

I have always opened all my vinyl !!

Even the ones that had stickers on the seal (I did keep those)

Since I buy the music for my pleasure and not to sell later on; I open it and enjoy.

I agree completely. After my initial experiences buying records that were advertised as "sealed," I've learned that it's much better to buy records that are unsealed but advertised as being in mint condition. That way, if it turns out to be in less than mint condition, you can return it and get your money back.

Should this go in another forum, though?

I always just slit the opening just to be able to get the record out.

Some say the friction of the plastic wore the cover. But I say hogwash! It would have to be less!

OnlyNDaUsa said:

I always just slit the opening just to be able to get the record out.

Some say the friction of the plastic wore the cover. But I say hogwash! It would have to be less!

If you do that the shrinkwrap can still shrink damaging the corners of the cover.

Why not remove the cheap, damaging shrinkwrap and replace it with a nice mylar album sleeve that will protect the cover without causing damage.

electricberet said:

Should this go in another forum, though?

Possibly... Likely.

I just couldn't figure out which one.

And, I do think it's worthy to discuss, since many of us collect Prince vinyl.

And, since many that collect Prince vinyl, keep it sealed...

So, I put it here.

Mods will move it if I'm wrong...