Prather Design Signature LP Storage Rack

I happened across a husband-and-wife team who build a wide range of beautiful LP storage racks and was so impressed with their work that I wanted to share my find with TAS readers. The racks are made in rural Ohio by Jason and Brit Prather. The products range from a simple “now playing” single-LP stand or wall ledge to a full-blown cabinet that stores and displays up to 480 LPs. Prices range from $20 to $897 with most models under $150. What all the racks and stands have in common is fine woodworking, natural materials (such as copper bars that hold the LPs in place), and a design that makes functionality elegant. Because all the racks are made to order, you have your choice of wood and materials. Walnut, cherry, maple, and oak are available in a range of stain colors.

I opted for a Signature series dual rack that holds 60–80 LPs ($100). Of course, that’s not my entire collection, but I use it for quick access to albums in heavy rotation. I like the ability to flip through the albums and see the entire covers, record-store style, rather than turning my head sideways and squinting at the LP jackets’ spines. The Prathers make this style in one, two, or three bays. Their top model, Morad ($875), combines a triple-bay arrangement with conventional storage below for a total capacity of 480 records.

The Prather Design website has photos of Jason and Brit Prather in their workshop building the racks one at a time by hand. The two of them run the entire business, including web development, marketing, photography, managing orders, packing, shipping, and accounting. They say on their website: “Our small town ethics of honesty, hard work, humility, and craftsmanship are elements we hope to convey to our customers.” And it was indeed gratifying to see their beautifully crafted record rack in my listening room, and know that it was hand-crafted in a small shop rather than churned out by an anonymous Chinese factory.

If you’re looking for LP storage, or even a single-LP stand for a cover, check out Jason and Brit’s wares at prathermade.com.