The popularity of vinyl has continued to grow over the last couple years. It seems like almost everyone has a record player these days. It is an exciting time for music fans and you do not want to miss out on the experience of listening to your favorite albums on vinyl. But before you get swept up in the excitement, it’s important to know how to start a vinyl collection. It’s easier than you think!a
What are vinyl records?
You might be thinking, “What in the world is a ‘vinyl’ record?” Vinyl records are analog discs with playable grooves and a clear plastic mat. They have a unique sound, which is why most people think it’s worth investing in one.a
Vinyl records started out originally as simple ringed spiral/grooved records that were played on phonograph machines. They soon became very popular, and now most record stores have a self-serve turntable to play them on.
Vinyl records still have a large following today, with new companies using the old recording techniques to make really cool music.
How to start a vinyl collection?
There are plenty of ways to begin collecting vinyl records. Most start collecting their favorite albums to start. by doing this, you can get a feel for how the sound quality is going to be, and how much space is needed to keep your collection personal.
After you have chosen a few albums that you really like, you can start branching out. If you’re buying music solely based on what it sounds like or looks like, then take some time to listen to each album before buying it. You’ll grow more interested in the album as a whole if you truly enjoy the songs on it.
Where to Buy Vinyl Records
There are several places to buy vinyl records. Before purchasing you will need to decide if you are interested in collecting older records that are out of print or new releases and remasters that are still being produced. Many collectors prefer to include both in their collections.
For new vinyl records, you can order them from the internet. Vinyl records come in many different genres, so there are businesses that specialize in only certain areas of music. Ex: Jazz and Electronica.
A good place to order new vinyl records is at Amazon . You can then have them shipped to your house and put them into your collection when they arrive. In addition, you can find vinyl deals on sites that specialize in identifying new records that have dropped in price.
For used records, you can check local thrift stores, swap meets and local record shops. If you do not have a local store close by, you can find used records on online auction sites such as Ebay. When purchasing used records, it is important to consider the condition along with the price. A record in excellent condition will be more expensive than one that is scratched and has visible wear.
Caring for your Records
Now that you have your vinyl collection, it is important to know how to take care of them so they last a lifetime.
The biggest thing you can do to keep your vinyl in good condition is handle them with care. Don’t toss them around or stick them in your back pocket. If you’re not going to be playing them for a while, store them in a record sleeve or album cover.
Another way to protect your vinyl records is to keep them away from extreme heat and humidity. Direct sunlight can also cause albums to warp over time. If you live in a hot climate, try to keep your records in a cool, dry place. Ideal conditions are 35-40% relative humidity according to the Library of Congress.
Dust is the biggest enemy of vinyl records. It can cause them to skip and make the sound quality deteriorate over time. Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning your records and keep them in a dust-free environment.
Lastly, never play vinyl records that are wet. If they get wet, gently pat them dry with a cloth and let them air out before playing them again.
Record Storage
Now that you have a large vinyl record collection, you need to find a way to store them. You don’t want them taking up all the space in your house! There are many different types of vinyl record storage furniture and solutions available on the market. If you have a lot of records, you might want to consider getting a bigger storage unit to put them in.
Another option is to get shelves or racks that are specifically designed for vinyl records. This will keep them organized and easy to access. You can also store your records in boxes or milk crates. Just make sure they are lined with felt or some other type of soft material to protect the albums from scratches. No matter how you choose to store your vinyl records, make sure they are in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of starting a vinyl collection, it’s time to get started! Choose your favorite albums and start building your collection today. Vinyl records are still a popular medium for listening to music, so there’s no better time than now to get started. Happy collecting!
