Vinyl record collections are popular again! As an audiophile with many years of experience, I am very happy about this circumstance. The old-school crackle and pop when the needle drops on a record offer a warm, cozy feeling digital music lacks. Unlike sterile MP3s, vinyl brings back holding album artwork and reading liner notes. Collecting records becomes more personal as you curate albums that tell the story of your musical journey. For newcomers, starting a vinyl collection seems hard. Where do you even begin choosing? In this article, I will offer easy tips on building a vinyl library and caring about it. Let the enjoyment of spinning vinyl play on as you build up your record shelf.
Getting started: your first vinyl record
Starting a vinyl collection is an exciting hobby, but deciding on that inaugural record purchase can feel daunting. Follow these 5 essential tips when selecting the perfect debut album to start your budding vinyl library:
- Consider your favorite musical genres and artists. Are you currently listening to a lot of classic rock, old-school hip-hop, or 80s pop? Choose a brand new release from a musician you already love, like the latest indie folk from Bon Iver or a vintage heavy metal album from Iron Maiden. This ensures enjoyment while appreciating vinyl’s signature warm sound.
- Revisit a nostalgic album that defined your childhood. The tangible experience of spinning beloved records from your upbringing is unparalleled. Dig into coming-of-age favorites, whether that’s Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, or a Spice Girls dance-pop classic.
- Ask friends and vinyl collectors for recommendations. Music lovers with their own extensive libraries can suggest foolproof debut albums perfect for first-time buyers. Take notes and explore new-to-you artists.
- Inspect the condition thoroughly before purchasing. Carefully examine both new and used records for scuffs, warping, sleeve damage, and other flaws before buying. This ensures your first vinyl meets quality standards.
- Check independent shops for unique finds. While browsing online retailers is convenient, don’t overlook local record stores. In addition to the advice of experienced counselors, in-person crate digging unearths one-of-a-kind vintage gems or special editions.
Following these tips will help you be well on your way to curating an amazing vinyl collection over time.
Building your collection
Building a vinyl record library is exciting, but the real joy comes from gradually growing your record collection. As your musical tastes expand and change, so does your vinyl collection. Make discovering new albums part of your hobby.
One way to expand your record collection is to visit local indie record stores once a month. Meet the staff’s selection and dig through new arrivals and used containers for hidden gems across genres. Sign up for this store’s email newsletter with sales or pre-sale codes for concert tickets.
Another option is to search in online stores. eBay and Discogs are the meccas for finding affordable used vinyl records online, both common and rare finds. Bookmark retailers with items from your favorite decades or genres.
Visit your local record fair, where vinyl fans sell albums straight from their favorite collections. Haggling over prices for box sets and stories about unique rarities heighten the excitement of the hunt.
It’s equally important to use social media if you want to grow your record collection. By following record labels, artists, and podcasts on social media, you receive release announcements and vinyl pre-sales so you can purchase limited editions. Let your collection evolve eclectically with your musical taste by visiting these vinyl stores regularly.
Vinyl care and maintenance
Taking care of your beloved vinyl record collection will ensure that the records will last for many years to come. There are a few record care rules that you need to follow. It includes:
- Always handle records with care. Never touch the grooved surface, but instead, hold the records by the edges or use the protective inner sleeves when sliding the cover in and out. This avoids fingerprints and oil getting on the skin, which can cause wear.
- Invest in quality antistatic inner sleeves. High-quality internal bushings prevent the build-up of static electricity, which attracts microparticles that cause tears in the grooves. Buy special antistatic sleeves lined with plastic or rice paper.
- Clean regularly using proven vinyl cleaning methods. An initial wash with a carbon fiber brush removes dust before each game. Then, clean your vinyl surfaces twice a year with proven specialty vinyl cleaners like the SpinClean system to remove stubborn debris stuck in the grooves.
- Skip the cheap players with heavy tracking that damages recordings. Well-maintained vinyl still requires a quality turntable, needle cartridge, and speakers to prevent unnecessary wear and tear during playback. Also, study the optimal downforce settings.
- Store upright in protective outer covers in a temperate climate, away from sunlight and heat sources. Vertical storage in plastic or high-quality, acid-free paper sleeves protects jackets from ring wear and seam tears. Place it on a special shelf away from warm windows where the heat could warp the vinyl.
Following these simple guidelines for safely handling, cleaning, and storing vinyl will help the albums in your growing collection last indefinitely while maintaining sound quality over time.
Connecting with the Vinyl community
Beyond music, vinyl collecting creates a real community. Take classes at local record stores to connect with like-minded fans in person and discover new albums. The annual Record Store Day celebrations also build camaraderie in the lines. Online forums like Reddit and Facebook vinyl groups offer places to share tips, organize album rankings, and network over niche music tastes without geographic barriers. Personalized record fairs and flea markets also stimulate lively discussions with vendors and other crate diggers through negotiations and general excitement about the buried treasure. Together with other audiophiles, you can even enjoy vinyl rarity hunting. Connect with other music fans online and offline to find like-minded people and expand your knowledge and friendships in the craft.