The popularity of collecting vinyl records has grown immensely in the past few years. Almost everyone nowadays has a record player with a collection of their favorite albums on vinyl. Record collecting is definitely an expensive and intricate hobby, so expect to spend hundreds of dollars while starting this collection. If you want to join in on the trend, here are a few tips on how to become an avid record collector:
Buy a record player
As the rise in record sales increases, record players are now easier to come by, now being sold in Walmart and other department stores. The average price for one is going to be around $100, but be attentive as to which ones are worth the price (the cheapest players are often the ones that will cause damage to your records). Starting off with a cheap record player is fine, but after a while, consider upgrading to a higher quality model.
Audio-Technica’s turntables are one of the best and most affordable turntables on the market. Crosley and Victrola turntables are considered the worst of them all, giving off poor sound quality and made with cheap parts.
If you buy a cheap record player as a start, it’s smart to change the needle after purchasing. The needle that the player often comes with is plastic, which can damage records overtime if not replaced. Purchasing a diamond needle is an inexpensive, healthier option for your records to prevent future damage.
Purchase your favorite albums
Purchasing your favorite albums can be a lot of fun, but be cautious as to where you buy your records. Places like Amazon and Walmart often sell their records for the cheapest possible price, which can often result in the records having poor quality. Discogs is one of the best websites to use to look for records at a good starting price. Ebay is also a good option, especially if the record you’re looking for is scarce or rare.
Don’t be afraid to try hitting up some local thrift stores to find a few records at a low price. They may not have what you’re looking for, but it’s a good place to start small. Perhaps even looking in your grandparent’s attic for some oldies can also be a good start to a collection.
Keep excellent care of your records
If you want to keep your vinyl in the most pristine condition, you might want to do more than just keep them on a shelf. Records are very delicate: they can scratch and warp very easily. With how much money they are, it would be horrible to be wasting money just to ruin them. Keeping them clean will help preserve their brilliant sound quality, helping them last longer.
One simple tip to start off with is to make sure to keep them out of the sunlight so that they can’t get warped overtime. Warm sunlight and plastic do not mix well, so placing them in a cool, dry setting is the safest place for them to be.
When putting on a record, make sure to properly hold the record correctly. Never touch the grooves with bare fingers. Oils and particles from the hands can get into the grooves, causing damage and scratches. Hold it on the sides, and place gently onto the record player.
Keeping the records clean is extremely important in order to keep them sounding their best. Invest in some record cleaning products like a brush. Vinyl collects a lot of dust, and it’s important to clean it off so that it doesn’t cause scratches. To keep the cover sleeves in good shape, purchase some plastic sleeve covers to keep them looking near mint condition. There are so many more products to be purchased like slip mats, record weights, speakers, etc., that can have a great effect on the overall quality of your records.
Overall, record collecting is one of the most expensive hobbies out there, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny on this addiction. It’s also a very intricate hobby that involves delicate and intensive care for the craft but, in the end, the dedication is all worth it.
