We all know that feeling when you get that lovely shiny new record home from the shops and, horror of horrors, it comes with one of those awful clingy cardboard inner sleeves. The kind that only reluctantly gives up its vice-like grip on the vinyl inside, with a copious amount of blowing and twisting that’s only really possible if you have three hands!

It’s one of those little frustrations that every record collector recognises instantly—and thankfully, it’s one that’s very easily solved.

Protect Their Vinyl: Better Record Sleeves

Nagaoka Anti-Static Record Sleeves

Coming to the rescue of any erstwhile record collector are the Nagaoka Anti-static Record Sleeves. These slip neatly inside the existing sleeve and provide an extra layer of protection, while their anti-static properties help stop records from attracting dust and picking up scratches.

They’re ideal if you want to keep original artwork and sleeves intact but still give your vinyl the care it deserves. They come in packs of 50 for £25.50*, making them a genuinely affordable upgrade for any collection.

Close up of the Nagaoka Inner sleeve in action

Goldring Exstatic Anti-Static Inner Sleeves

Next on the essentials list are the Goldring Exstatic Anti-static Inner Sleeves.

The Goldring Exstatic sleeves are a little different to the Nagaoka’s in that they combine the anti-static lining with an outer paper former. This makes them perfect as a full replacement for old, knackered sleeves that are falling apart, torn, or simply past their best.

A pack of 25 sells for £24.95*, and they’re a brilliant solution for anyone gradually refreshing an older record collection.

Essential Turntable Tools Worth Gifting

Pro-Ject Measure it E – Stylus Tracking Force Gauge

Adjusting the tracking force on a cartridge by eye (or guesswork) is never a great idea, and having it spot-on extends stylus life and improves sound quality. The Pro-Ject Measure it E is an electronic stylus balance that measures tracking force up to 5g with a clear digital display and supplied calibration weight, making precise setup dead simple—even for beginners. At £20*, it is the perfect for anyone who’s ever asked “Is that too much pressure?”

Pro-Ject Brush it – Record Cleaning Brush

A basic but often overlooked tool, the Pro-Ject Brush it is a carbon fibre record cleaning brush that removes fine dust and helps reduce static before each play. That keeps records sounding clean and quiet, and it’s a tiny ritual that makes playing records more satisfying each time. Yours for the princely sum of £10!

Pro-Ject Clean it – Carbon Fibre Stylus Brush

If they already have a record brush, the Pro-Ject Clean it stylus brush is the companion accessory every collector should own. The thousands of fine carbon fibres gently sweep away dust and deposits from the stylus tip, keeping it cleaner for longer and helping maintain clear, accurate playback for just £9!

A Simple Upgrade Every Record Deserves

Taken together, these sleeves and accessories cover all the basics of good vinyl care. The Nagaoka and Goldring inner sleeves protect records from dust, static and wear, while the Pro-Ject Measure it E makes sure your cartridge is set up exactly as it should be. Add in the Brush it for a quick clean before every play and the Clean it to keep the stylus in top shape, and you’ve got a simple, affordable toolkit that genuinely makes a difference to how records sound and how long they last.

I use all of these myself and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. They’re practical, sensibly priced, and actually useful — exactly the sort of stocking fillers that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer. The record collector in your life will appreciate them every time they pull an album from the shelf and drop the needle.

Thanks for reading. We always keep all of these items in stock here, so please feel free to pop in and pick some up.

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham.

If you have any questions about the items featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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