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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 2:23 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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For most of the last 10 years I had a small man-cave/media room in my basement which had just enough space for my drums, 500+ LPs, approx. 8,000 CDs, tons of box sets & music-related books, TV viewing area with surround sound, etc. I had just about run out of storage space when my wife & I moved in September from Westchester County, New York to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We're currently living in a rental townhouse until we find the right permanent house, which of course will include either a basement or a sound-proof bonus room. What I need from my fellow IMWANers is advice on figuring out how much wall-space I'll need to fit my existing collection, with lots of room to grow, as well as suggestions on shelf sizes/designs...especially for LP's. In my old house I had used two existing, under-stairs pull-out drawers that worked really well, but I didn't like having the LPs hidden from view. Sizing for CD shelves is pretty easy but I'm not sure how to calculate the square footage needed. If anyone has photos of clever storage designs, I would love to see them. I'll be working with an architect/designer on many renovations including this one, since we'll likely buy a fixer-upper, and the more information I can provide to her up-front the better my chances are of having the room of my dreams. Thanks. Here's a collage of photos from my old basement taken after I packed everything last summer: 
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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Marcus
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 2:25 pm |
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Joined: | 27 Nov 2004 |
Posts: | 44599 |
Location: | Now in CHARLOTTE, NC!! |
Bannings: | 1 |
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 2:28 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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Marcus wrote: Not too many basements in NC but there are sound proof bonus rooms! We've seen many walk-out basements in Chapel Hill, just not in houses that we want to buy...yet.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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jujuquisp
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:01 pm |
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Joined: | 01 Oct 2006 |
Posts: | 65 |
Location: | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
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Check out Can-Am storage units. I've used them for all my storage needs.
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Rick A
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:15 pm |
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Joined: | 23 Jul 2006 |
Posts: | 17632 |
Location: | Florida |
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richman666 , love your shelving. I have a few in my main living / listening room myself. Like Matt Damon says in "The Martian", I going to have to science the s*&t out of this. I'm sure you will be achieve this.
Good luck in finding a new home. Chapel Hill is a very nice place. Visited there many of a time when I had work assignment in Research Triangle Park back in the early 90's.
Rick A.
_________________ Rick A.
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:34 am |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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jujuquisp wrote: Check out Can-Am storage units. I've used them for all my storage needs. Thanks, but I'll likely have custom shelving built or possibly use some stock shelves depending on the space. What I need help with is (a) calculating the amount of wall space I'll need to fit my collection and (b) choosing the right LP storage shelves so I don't have to squeeze everything into tight spaces.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:37 am |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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Rick A wrote: richman666 , love your shelving. I have a few in my main living / listening room myself. Like Matt Damon says in "The Martian", I going to have to science the s*&t out of this. I'm sure you will be achieve this.
Good luck in finding a new home. Chapel Hill is a very nice place. Visited there many of a time when I had work assignment in Research Triangle Park back in the early 90's.
Rick A. Thanks, Rick. The shelves I had in New York were left behind since they were all built-ins, so I need to figure out how to do something similar but on a slightly larger scale so I won't run out of space. I'm hoping someone will be able to give me some tips for calculating how much wall space I'll need to comfortably fit the collection. My wife & I loved Chapel Hill from the first time we came here three years ago. Glad you liked it as well. I've heard that a lot has changed in the last 10-15 years so it might be different if you ever come back, but I'm sure the overall feel hasn't changed much.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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alantig
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 12:08 pm |
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Puppy Monkey Alan!
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 15807 |
Bannings: | Dwigt Rortugal |
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What does it matter? In five years, we'll all be trying to figure out how to expand our storage areas again anyway.
I love the Can-Am stuff, although they've changed the steel they use to build the cabs. I need more. But they won't work for what you're looking for, Rich. Other than if you wanted something on wheels to put in front of the shelves that you could move as necessary.
_________________ Alan
"This is a true story, except for the parts that didn't happen." - Steven Wright
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 12:34 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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alantig wrote: What does it matter? In five years, we'll all be trying to figure out how to expand our storage areas again anyway.
I love the Can-Am stuff, although they've changed the steel they use to build the cabs. I need more. But they won't work for what you're looking for, Rich. Other than if you wanted something on wheels to put in front of the shelves that you could move as necessary. Good point, Alan. I've been doing my best to curb my spending and limit the additions to the collection...and then they keep releasing & reissuing so many things I can't pass up. As long as I have enough shelving to hold everything I currently own PLUS a lot more to come, I'll be happy. It took me 9 years in my house in New York to completely fill all shelves and any nooks & crannies I could find. A friend of mine has used Can-Am CD storage units for years and he loves them. I prefer to have more of a library feel for my collection.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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Walter P
ICE Mod |
Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 4:58 pm |
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Yes...my real name is Steve..REALLY! ;)
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 9669 |
Location: | Boston Area, MA |
Bannings: | Living on the edge. |
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I'm with you on the library feel. I prefer to be able to stand there and view the CD spines for inspiration.
I've always built my own shelves, but being that I'm not a finish carpenter and they're not on public display, I'm able to get away with that. Some pine 1"x6"s, 1"x8"s and 1/4" plywood for the backing makes for nice, sturdy shelves.
_________________ F.A.S.T. Stroke Signs
F = Face drooping - Look for an uneven smile A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak? - Can you lift both arms? S = Speech Difficulty - Listen for slurred speech - Do people understand your speech? T = Time is brain! - Call 9-1-1
Brain Rebuilding 05/13/2017
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Rick A
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 7:10 pm |
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Joined: | 23 Jul 2006 |
Posts: | 17632 |
Location: | Florida |
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Walter P wrote: I'm with you on the library feel. I prefer to be able to stand there and view the CD spines for inspiration. I have them also which is my music room and enjoy the experience as Walter P states and then in the library (the vaults) I have filing cabinets. Rick A.
_________________ Rick A.
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alantig
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:53 am |
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Puppy Monkey Alan!
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
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Bannings: | Dwigt Rortugal |
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I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves.
_________________ Alan
"This is a true story, except for the parts that didn't happen." - Steven Wright
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:11 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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Walter P wrote: I'm with you on the library feel. I prefer to be able to stand there and view the CD spines for inspiration.
I've always built my own shelves, but being that I'm not a finish carpenter and they're not on public display, I'm able to get away with that. Some pine 1"x6"s, 1"x8"s and 1/4" plywood for the backing makes for nice, sturdy shelves. I give you credit for being handy enough to build your own shelves. I've always had to buy pre-built storage units or have shelving units custom built by a carpenter. In my previous house I had a carpenter modify some existing units to fit the space in my basement (including the creation of three doors on casters that hid a utility room). For my new house, whenever I find it, I want to do something similar to maximize the space but I really need help figuring out the minimum amount of wall space I'll need for my collection.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:13 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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Rick A wrote: Walter P wrote: I'm with you on the library feel. I prefer to be able to stand there and view the CD spines for inspiration. I have them also which is my music room and enjoy the experience as Walter P states and then in the library (the vaults) I have filing cabinets. Rick A. What's the difference between your music room & your library, Rick? I can't imagine having my collection broken up between two different rooms, although when I lived in an apartment in Queens for 16 years I had to put up shelving in the hallway when my collection outgrew the living room.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:15 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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Walter P
ICE Mod |
Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 1:15 pm |
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Yes...my real name is Steve..REALLY! ;)
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 9669 |
Location: | Boston Area, MA |
Bannings: | Living on the edge. |
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richman666 wrote: alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums. So true about the low shelves. My wife broke down and bought me one of those foam things that people use to protect their knees when gardening which helps with the knees. Of course there's the whole getting down and then getting back up thing. Getting older sucks!
_________________ F.A.S.T. Stroke Signs
F = Face drooping - Look for an uneven smile A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak? - Can you lift both arms? S = Speech Difficulty - Listen for slurred speech - Do people understand your speech? T = Time is brain! - Call 9-1-1
Brain Rebuilding 05/13/2017
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richman666
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 1:21 pm |
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Joined: | 15 Nov 2006 |
Posts: | 6228 |
Location: | Chapel Hill, NC |
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Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums. So true about the low shelves. My wife broke down and bought me one of those foam things that people use to protect their knees when gardening which helps with the knees. Of course there's the whole getting down and then getting back up thing. Getting older sucks! Between bending down, getting back up and bad eyesight, scanning through record & CD spines isn't as easy as it used to be. But I'm thankful that my hearing is still pretty good, and I'll gladly accept those other issues as long as I can hear all the music in my collection.
_________________ Rich K.
http://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/
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Walter P
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 3:21 pm |
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Yes...my real name is Steve..REALLY! ;)
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 9669 |
Location: | Boston Area, MA |
Bannings: | Living on the edge. |
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richman666 wrote: Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums. So true about the low shelves. My wife broke down and bought me one of those foam things that people use to protect their knees when gardening which helps with the knees. Of course there's the whole getting down and then getting back up thing. Getting older sucks! Between bending down, getting back up and bad eyesight, scanning through record & CD spines isn't as easy as it used to be. But I'm thankful that my hearing is still pretty good, and I'll gladly accept those other issues as long as I can hear all the music in my collection. Oh yeah...the eyesight! I wear glasses these days for reading and computer work, but even still when I'm trying to find a release year on the back of a jewel case, I have to pull out a magnifying glass. Those years are soooooooooo small!
_________________ F.A.S.T. Stroke Signs
F = Face drooping - Look for an uneven smile A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak? - Can you lift both arms? S = Speech Difficulty - Listen for slurred speech - Do people understand your speech? T = Time is brain! - Call 9-1-1
Brain Rebuilding 05/13/2017
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Rick A
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:47 pm |
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Joined: | 23 Jul 2006 |
Posts: | 17632 |
Location: | Florida |
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Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums. So true about the low shelves. My wife broke down and bought me one of those foam things that people use to protect their knees when gardening which helps with the knees. Of course there's the whole getting down and then getting back up thing. Getting older sucks! Between bending down, getting back up and bad eyesight, scanning through record & CD spines isn't as easy as it used to be. But I'm thankful that my hearing is still pretty good, and I'll gladly accept those other issues as long as I can hear all the music in my collection. Oh yeah...the eyesight! I wear glasses these days for reading and computer work, but even still when I'm trying to find a release year on the back of a jewel case, I have to pull out a magnifying glass. Those years are soooooooooo small! You and me both WalterP. I didn't think about the knee pads, great idea. When I kind of grunt when I get up from those low shelves and my lab runs over to see if I'm alright. Lately I am putting the bigger stuff down there, boxes or Deluxe so it will easier to see as well. AND I am also getting my magnifying glass out for the small print on CD jackets. (They are small print, right guys?). Rick A.
_________________ Rick A.
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Rick A
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:51 pm |
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Joined: | 23 Jul 2006 |
Posts: | 17632 |
Location: | Florida |
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richman666 wrote: Rick A wrote: Walter P wrote: I'm with you on the library feel. I prefer to be able to stand there and view the CD spines for inspiration. I have them also which is my music room and enjoy the experience as Walter P states and then in the library (the vaults) I have filing cabinets. Rick A. What's the difference between your music room & your library, Rick? I can't imagine having my collection broken up between two different rooms, although when I lived in an apartment in Queens for 16 years I had to put up shelving in the hallway when my collection outgrew the living room. The music room has all the classics, the go too essentials and stuff bought in, let's say in the last 5 years. The archives are for the deep catalogue stuff. And there's a lot there. It's deep. Rick A.
_________________ Rick A.
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alantig
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Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:03 am |
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Puppy Monkey Alan!
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 15807 |
Bannings: | Dwigt Rortugal |
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Rick A wrote: Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: Walter P wrote: richman666 wrote: alantig wrote: I had shelves built at the old house, but I quickly outgrew them. We bought Can Am cabinets at the new house because there wasn't a great place to build shelves. I'd like to move again someday and have a dedicated music/media room. With shelves. I'd prefer the library experience. But without the low shelves. Good point about the low shelves, Alan. Not only will it get tougher to bend down as I get older (I'll be 50 this year so it's already more difficult than it used to be), but I find myself browsing the lower shelves less frequently & therefore rarely playing those albums. So true about the low shelves. My wife broke down and bought me one of those foam things that people use to protect their knees when gardening which helps with the knees. Of course there's the whole getting down and then getting back up thing. Getting older sucks! Between bending down, getting back up and bad eyesight, scanning through record & CD spines isn't as easy as it used to be. But I'm thankful that my hearing is still pretty good, and I'll gladly accept those other issues as long as I can hear all the music in my collection. Oh yeah...the eyesight! I wear glasses these days for reading and computer work, but even still when I'm trying to find a release year on the back of a jewel case, I have to pull out a magnifying glass. Those years are soooooooooo small! You and me both WalterP. I didn't think about the knee pads, great idea. When I kind of grunt when I get up from those low shelves and my lab runs over to see if I'm alright. Lately I am putting the bigger stuff down there, boxes or Deluxe so it will easier to see as well. AND I am also getting my magnifying glass out for the small print on CD jackets. (They are small print, right guys?). Rick A. Wow - you old farts use a magnifying glass to read the small print on CDs? I just take a picture on my iPhone and zoom in on it. Easier than getting up and finding my magnifying glass... What really aggravates me anymore is print that doesn't contrast well with the background color, like thin dark gray on black. If I had a chance to build a room for my stuff like that, I think I'd put drawers on the bottom part and shelves up higher.
_________________ Alan
"This is a true story, except for the parts that didn't happen." - Steven Wright
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Walter P
ICE Mod |
Post subject: I Need Assistance Designing My Media Room Posted: Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:14 am |
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Yes...my real name is Steve..REALLY! ;)
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Joined: | 20 Sep 2006 |
Posts: | 9669 |
Location: | Boston Area, MA |
Bannings: | Living on the edge. |
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alantig wrote: Wow - you old farts use a magnifying glass to read the small print on CDs? I just take a picture on my iPhone and zoom in on it. Easier than getting up and finding my magnifying glass... What really aggravates me anymore is print that doesn't contrast well with the background color, like thin dark gray on black. If I had a chance to build a room for my stuff like that, I think I'd put drawers on the bottom part and shelves up higher. I actually like that idea of drawers on the bottom and shelves on top, but I'm too cheap to spend the money on the Can-Am stuff. I was able to build my shelves pretty cheaply, so I'll just suffer with the bending. I'm with you on the print too. I know I'm getting older, but so much of the print seems impossible to read even for those with better eyesight.
_________________ F.A.S.T. Stroke Signs
F = Face drooping - Look for an uneven smile A = Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak? - Can you lift both arms? S = Speech Difficulty - Listen for slurred speech - Do people understand your speech? T = Time is brain! - Call 9-1-1
Brain Rebuilding 05/13/2017
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