Vinyl enthusiasts like Ronald Phillips New York are a dedicated group. When they find something they like, they stick to it. Vinyl enthusiasts have some tips for bedding collectors to consider before embarking on a vinyl collection:
Know your equipment
Not all turntables are created equal. Some are built for higher-end audio reproduction, while others are more basic and meant for casual listening. Do your research to find the best one for you.
Start with a budget in mind
There’s no need to break the bank when starting a vinyl collection. You can find great records at reasonable prices if you know where to look.
Build your collection gradually
Don’t try to buy everything at once. Instead, start small and add records as you find them. This will help you avoid spending too much money at once and give you time to learn about different types of music.
Start with the basics
There are a few basic vinyl albums that every collector should have in their collection. Start with classics like The Beatles’ Abbey Road or Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.
Join a vinyl community
There are plenty of online and offline communities devoted to vinyl collectors. These communities can be a great resource for finding new music, connecting with other collectors, and getting advice on buying and collecting vinyl.
Keep your records clean
Just like any other type of physical media, vinyl records need to be kept clean to protect them from damage. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the record surface after each use and store them in a protective sleeve when not in use.
Take care of your records
Vinyl records are delicate and need to be handled with care. Be gentle when handling them and avoid dropping or stacking them on top of each other.
Learn about the different types of vinyl albums
Not all vinyl albums are created equal. There are a few different types of albums to be aware of when starting a collection:
- Original pressings: These are the first copies of a record that were made. They’re usually the most expensive and sought-after type of album.
- Reissues: A reissue is a copy of an original pressing that a different company has reproduced. They can be less expensive than original pressings and can sometimes be easier to find.
- Bootlegs: Bootlegs are unauthorized reissues. They’re usually copies of an original pressing that were made without the copyright holder’s permission. These can be hard to find and should only be bought if you know what you’re looking for because they might not play properly on all devices.
Know where to look for records
Some places to try when building your vinyl collection:
- Local shops – While prices will vary, local stores often offer good deals on used records because people like to sell their items locally first.
- Antique stores – Vintage records come at all price points, so antique stores are a great place to start digging around for hidden gems.
- Online retailers – The internet is home to many online record shops that are willing to ship new vinyl albums right to your door.
- Flea markets/Swap meets – Out-of-the-way swap meets are a great place to find vintage records, so keep an eye out for them when you’re driving around on the weekends.
- Garage sales/Yard sales – People often sell their records at yard sales or through classified ads, so it never hurts to check them out.
- Music forums – There are plenty of online communities where musicians and music enthusiasts discuss the music of all kinds, including genres that might appeal to vinyl collectors.
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