Venturing into Vintage Vinyl

So you just visited a friend where the two of you spent the evening listening to records spin on an old record player and you’re hooked!  Now you want to begin your own vinyl collection.   Antique shops and vendor malls are popular places to look for the music. 

In our booths we offer quite a few vintage albums, 78s and 45s as well as cassette tapes and CDs.  So what are some things you need to figure out before you begin your vinyl collection?  

First off, determine your budget.  How much are you willing to spend? Vinyl records can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, so it's helpful to have a budget in mind. Price is determined by condition

Now comes the fun part.  Start by researching different genres, artists, and albums that interest you.  Who were the artists you listened to when you were in your teens?  What music did you enjoy most when you were in band?  Which movie sound tracts move you?  Learn about the different types of vinyl records, such as LPs, EPs, and singles, and familiarize yourself with the terminology used in the world of vinyl collecting. Then decide what type of music or era you want to focus your collection on. Whether it's classic rock, jazz, blues, or hip-hop, having a focus can help guide your collection and make it more cohesive.

So, where can you find vintage vinyl? Visit local record stores, antique shops, vendor malls, thrift shops, flea markets, estate sales and online marketplaces like eBay and Discogs to start building your collection. Don't be afraid to dig through crates and bins to find hidden gems.  When you find records that interest you, it's important to inspect the condition of the record and sleeve. Look for any scratches, warps, or other damage that could affect the sound quality of the record.  The condition of the sleeve can give you clues as to how the records have been cared for in the past.  In order to get maximum enjoyment from your collection, you should invest in a good record player, speakers, and other accessories like a record cleaning kit and storage

If you are the social type, you can connect with other collectors by joining online forums, social media groups, and local record clubs where you can learn from their experiences. You may even be able to find swapping partners or attend record fairs and swap meets to further build your collection.  To make sure your investment lasts, properly store and maintain your vinyl records in their covers by keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Clean your records regularly and handle them with care to ensure they remain in good.

A collection of anything can be fun, but vinyl offers multiple advantages.  You can start collecting at any budget, the covers can be beautiful, storage space is minimal, and, of course, listening has its own rewards.