How do you organize your LPs?

The classical is arranged in chronological order by composer, i.e., Bach before Haydn before Mozart before Bethoven, and so forth.

The chronological system really appeals to me for the classical. I have about 500 classical LPs. The last 80-85 years is a different story.

For the most part, I'm in line with the above posters. However, with a slight twist. I'm into 12" singles. So, in addition, to a separation by genre, I have a separation of 12" singles. Also, I have a separation for what could be considered "audiophile" recordings or brand new releases (not reissues).

I generally arrange my LPs in "record store" alphabetical order and separating out a few specialty genres as well as titles for easy access. I also separate out specialty pressings such as direct-to-disk, half-speed mastered, and the like by record label.

Moreover, I found the best thing that you can do to make your life easier is to locate the majority of your LPs on shelves located at or slightly above or below eye level. It's a lot easier to stand while flipping through LPs rather than bending over or crawling on your knees.

Three main groups. Classical, Jazz, Rock.
Alpha by name of Artist/composer.
Foor Classical after by Composer, arranged by size of group, Sonata, Duo, Trio etc. Withing each, Say Beethoven Fifth Symphony then by conductor.
For Jazz and Rock, after each primary artist or band name, in chronological order. (Which really helps but is hard to keep straight for many groups, but worth trying to do. It would be great for Classical too, but is way too complicated to keep straight, so i go with the other method in Classical.)

Actually a totally chronological order only, would be amazing. And informative. But total Hell to keep stright. And to find stuff unless you had a good handle on the dates etc.

Autobiographically, of course.

Rob Gordon