You kind of talked about this, but I think setting a price range (as a soft rule) for the records you buy is a good idea. If there’s a record you HAVE TO HAVE, perhaps spend a little more. To this day, I largely adhere to only buying records priced between $15-$25. I certainly buy at the 27-29 price point, on a semi-regular basis, but it gives me pause (every time), which I think is good practice. I never spend more than $30, unless it’s something really special, and even then, in 10+ years, I’ve never spent $100 on a single album ($83 is the most I’ve ever paid, it was an album I’d searched for for 7 years, and a lot of that price was tax and shipping from overseas). Normalizing high prices, makes prices get higher, and I’m not here for that.
Couldn't agree more with these, but #4 is really important these days. When I see things like Rumours or Random Access Memories go for big money I think "just wait! I promise those records are coming back in print!"
#1 seems like a no-brainer to me and am constantly baffled by folks who buy a new or sealed album, shelve it and never listen or touch it again. I understand collectors that add an unopened or boxed item to their collection and prize it for its rare and like-new state. But music is to be experienced and you can’t truly experience and appreciate a record if you don’t listen to it. I open nearly every sealed record I acquire. If I already have another identical copy then sure, I’ll keep it sealed for the same reason as I first mentioned. I see and hear of folks, especially younger ones, bringing in a stack of records to sell and proclaim they never played them. They may have opened them, looked at and displayed the album but that’s it, because it was stylish or hip. I appreciate that the record may go to someone who will truly appreciate what in the grove other than that, I just can’t relate.
I been collecting Albums every sense I was Ten or Twelve years old I really love collecting Albums still adding on to them to I really enjoyed your comments I have learned a lot about Albums and appreciate music 🎶 you listened to when we were kids
Poignant tips. Patience is key. And the hunt can be really fun too. Building a relationship with other collectors and with a local record store very helpful as well. Thanks!!
I appreciate your comments regarding ways to enjoy the music on your records. Until about 1995 i had no idea what had to be done to a record before the very first play. Up until then i just used a velvet brush to clean my records. As i had nearly all the records i wanted i gradually cleaned them the way they should be. This was a long process but the hard work paid off. The ones i needed were purchased on ebay from the original masters. After the cleaning process they looked brand new. 200 records in the 60's cost about $1,100 So, spending $1,000 on a turntable, tonearm and cartridge is a good investment, plus you will hear your records with greater fidelity.
I jumped in 2 years qgo with an audiotechnica 120 usb and bookshelf speakers. It was a great choice. Since found 80's floor speakers in an attic and got a mid 70's receiver. All I'll need.
I’ve just learned the lesson about checking quality. I was delighted to pick up some old compilation albums from my childhood for £2 each, but the sound quality is terrible despite cleaning as much as I can. Luckily they were really cheap, but now I just want to buy better copies of them!
Take a small flashlight or use the one on your phone to examine used records in store, because you often can't see how scratched up a record is under the store's lighting. Dirt is generally no problem to clean, but scratches (especially a lot of them) can't be helped and are gonna give you tons of clicks and pops.
I just wanted to add on. I've been collecting records for almost 30 years off and on. My advice to new and old collectors is to protect yourself when digging. Wear gloves, wear a gaiter or mask. I know the vets can attest, when digging you can come across goldmines in the worst, dustiest/unclean places.(Record store basements, garages, storage units) Not to mention the number of people who have handled the records before you. A few years back I fell ill to a stomach virus due to being overexposed to dust and mold. I guess we all know how I got there. That's just my two cents...Protect yourselves and keep digging.
I've looked all over and can't find a good place for vinyl flip through (record store style) furniture. I'd like good shelves but 1 nice flip through display piece.
I just use one of these for my "high rotation" LPs until they gets filed. Not sure if that's the type of thing you meant. www.amazon.com/KAIU-Vinyl-Record-Storage-Holder/dp/B0711CMFDZ/
No.1 is SO important! Are you going to LISTEN to it? If not then just stream it and save the money and shelf space for what you love.
Yes!!!! Always gut check yourself on that one
This record collecting is so addictive 😬😬
Truth! And it only gets worse, I mean better, with time! 😀
You kind of talked about this, but I think setting a price range (as a soft rule) for the records you buy is a good idea. If there’s a record you HAVE TO HAVE, perhaps spend a little more. To this day, I largely adhere to only buying records priced between $15-$25. I certainly buy at the 27-29 price point, on a semi-regular basis, but it gives me pause (every time), which I think is good practice. I never spend more than $30, unless it’s something really special, and even then, in 10+ years, I’ve never spent $100 on a single album ($83 is the most I’ve ever paid, it was an album I’d searched for for 7 years, and a lot of that price was tax and shipping from overseas).
Normalizing high prices, makes prices get higher, and I’m not here for that.
Good tips. Patience is good one. I've stopped buying those records I honestly tell myself I will listen to only one time.
Amen to that.
Couldn't agree more with these, but #4 is really important these days. When I see things like Rumours or Random Access Memories go for big money I think "just wait! I promise those records are coming back in print!"
Absolutely! All the big titles/artists for sure. Labels aren’t gonna leave that money on the table on albums that always sell consistently
And be sure to check BOTH sides of the prospective vinyl purchase.
Good tip!
You’ve inspired me to start collecting records thank you!
Wha?!?! Seriously? That’s amazing to hear!
#1 seems like a no-brainer to me and am constantly baffled by folks who buy a new or sealed album, shelve it and never listen or touch it again. I understand collectors that add an unopened or boxed item to their collection and prize it for its rare and like-new state. But music is to be experienced and you can’t truly experience and appreciate a record if you don’t listen to it. I open nearly every sealed record I acquire. If I already have another identical copy then sure, I’ll keep it sealed for the same reason as I first mentioned. I see and hear of folks, especially younger ones, bringing in a stack of records to sell and proclaim they never played them. They may have opened them, looked at and displayed the album but that’s it, because it was stylish or hip. I appreciate that the record may go to someone who will truly appreciate what in the grove other than that, I just can’t relate.
I been collecting Albums every sense I was Ten or Twelve years old I really love collecting Albums still adding on to them to I really enjoyed your comments I have learned a lot about Albums and appreciate music 🎶 you listened to when we were kids
Poignant tips. Patience is key. And the hunt can be really fun too. Building a relationship with other collectors and with a local record store very helpful as well. Thanks!!
Absolutely!
I appreciate your comments regarding ways to enjoy the music on your records. Until about 1995 i had no idea what had to be done to a record before the very first play. Up until then i just used a velvet brush to clean my records. As i had nearly all the records i wanted i gradually cleaned them the way they should be. This was a long process but the hard work paid off. The ones i needed were purchased on ebay from the original masters. After the cleaning process they looked brand new. 200 records in the 60's cost about $1,100 So, spending $1,000 on a turntable, tonearm and cartridge is a good investment, plus you will hear your records with greater fidelity.
Good stuff! Appreciate the comment.
I jumped in 2 years qgo with an audiotechnica 120 usb and bookshelf speakers. It was a great choice. Since found 80's floor speakers in an attic and got a mid 70's receiver.
All I'll need.
I’ve just learned the lesson about checking quality. I was delighted to pick up some old compilation albums from my childhood for £2 each, but the sound quality is terrible despite cleaning as much as I can. Luckily they were really cheap, but now I just want to buy better copies of them!
Take a small flashlight or use the one on your phone to examine used records in store, because you often can't see how scratched up a record is under the store's lighting. Dirt is generally no problem to clean, but scratches (especially a lot of them) can't be helped and are gonna give you tons of clicks and pops.
Great tip!
I just wanted to add on. I've been collecting records for almost 30 years off and on. My advice to new and old collectors is to protect yourself when digging. Wear gloves, wear a gaiter or mask. I know the vets can attest, when digging you can come across goldmines in the worst, dustiest/unclean places.(Record store basements, garages, storage units) Not to mention the number of people who have handled the records before you. A few years back I fell ill to a stomach virus due to being overexposed to dust and mold. I guess we all know how I got there. That's just my two cents...Protect yourselves and keep digging.
Solid tip for sure. Man I’ve dug through some dirty $hit for records before. Literally!!!
Great tips! - Heather
Do you have tips for soundproofing a record room so you can enjoy it night or day and your family can sleep?
Hmm, sure don't My room is totally open so my family just has to live with it. (or i put on headphones) 😃
I've looked all over and can't find a good place for vinyl flip through (record store style) furniture. I'd like good shelves but 1 nice flip through display piece.
I just use one of these for my "high rotation" LPs until they gets filed. Not sure if that's the type of thing you meant.
www.amazon.com/KAIU-Vinyl-Record-Storage-Holder/dp/B0711CMFDZ/