My biggest piece of advice and one I wish I payed more attention to when I first started is...If you’re going to buy used vinyl at record stores, flea markets, yard sales, record shows etc take the time to pull every record out of the sleeve and check the condition it’s in. Don’t just assume it’s in good shape because the outside of the album jacket looks good or the seller is reputable or because you’re just so excited to have found the album you’ve been looking for. Always check it out.
And BRING A SMALL FLASHLIGHT. I swear record store lighting is designed to hide scuffs and scratches. I've bought stuff that looks great in the record store. But when I bring it home, I suddenly see sratches and scuffs that were not visible in the record store.
buying used on Discogs is one thing, but to actually buy used records in person and not check them is absolutely crazy. Do people really need to be told this? yikes!
@@abstractheory1 There's a learning curve. If you're coming from streaming or from CDs, there is no real grading system. It either works or it doesn't. They may think the same thing about vinyl.
I actually have a bit of animosity toward "record flippers." Anyone who buys a record, especially a limited edition, to only jack up the after market price does a great disservice to the listener who really wants the record to enjoy for themselves. I also collect movies as well and the same thing happens there.
@Four Strings and the Truth I do to an extent but that is life and it happens with lots of things. It is awful at record store day and I blame RSD with all their limited editions because true fans often miss out and are the ones who have to pay extortionate prices. I could rant on this but sure you know what I mean.
Exactly! I want the Walmart Green vinyl version of “and justice for all” by Metallica. It’s less than 30 dollars on Walmart’s site, but many on eBay are selling it for 60+. It’s dumb.
That's the exact reason people are now paying rare prices for items that are in abundance. A record is sold out on bands website so all the Walmart and target and Amazon copies are bought out and one idiot pays 400 for one on eBay and that becomes the new price. Sickening.
@@stephensmall4172 I'm so glad Pink Floyds first and second albums in mono got reissued again, before they were RSD exclusive and now its much cheaper to get them
I don't hold anything against the flipper who happens upon some valuable records at the thrift store every so often, but I do hold a grudge against a flipper who buys up a bunch of limited release vinyl at MSRP and resells it for way over that rate a month after it goes out of print. If you find something for way under market value once in awhile, and you can sell it to get some records you actually want then good for you. If you're buying up limited stock on a new release and creating a false scarcity so you can gouge people who were right behind you in line for their copy and didn't get one because of your greed, then you can go to hell.
Don't look down your nose at other vinyl collectors. Be an encouragement to those who can't afford a setup like yours. If they add a record to the 20-30 they have, celebrate with them instead reminding them that you have thousands. Give your duplicates to the less fortunate and help them out. Stay positive toward others and hang out, enjoy the music, and enjoy the ride!
That's the way to do it. I have lost count of the number of times people have told me I have horrible taste in music, but honestly -- who cares what others think? Cheers! Framl
Same. My record collection has a bit of everything in it. The casual visitor will find no really big bands in it, though. Stuff like Queen, Genesis, etc., I can listen to on line or on the radio if I want. I have a rack of CD's (love 'em, and own far too many to be healthy), and I'm amused at visitors looking at it, puzzled, as there's nothing in it that you could call 'mainstream'.
Not only clean the records, but also check and see if there’s any scratches on it because what you don’t want is when you buy a record and there’s a big scratch where the wrecker is going to pop and skip and if there’s a scratch try to clean it as best you can. when I buy vinyl records and CDs I always make sure that it’s in good condition with no scratches whatsoever and also make sure that the sleeves are in good condition as well not just the album covers themselves. and for those who love box sets by the boxes that you love to listen to even the vinyl box sets which are great.
I agree with all of these, especially ignoring the gatekeepers and snobs. This is YOUR collection, it should reflect you. Wash your hands before you play records. Oh yeah, don't forget to play your records. Play them, enjoy them and love them.
My two pieces of advice that I would give record collecting newbies would be: 1. Take the time to educate yourself on the condition grading system that exists in sites like Discogs. These conditions go from P (poor), then F (fair), then G or G+ (good), then VG or VG+ (very good), then NM (near mint) or M (mint condition). I’d usually buy a record that’s VG+ and up. 2. Keep your records in a cool place with room temperature. If they are in direct sunlight, then there’s a possible chance that they’ll sound warped.
Frank, I really liked your "5 commandments" video. So much, that I`ve added 5 of my own. Hope you like them. #1 -Listen to every. record you buy at least once. . Out of respect for the music, you'll never know what new music you`ll love. At the very least, you've learned about an artist's work. Good or bad. #2- Never turn the music off in the middle of a song. Allow it to finish first (respect, once again). #3- Don't judge an album by it's price. Some of my most favorite music I bought for 50 cents!. (remember the cut-corners records at department stores?) While some of my more expensive albums are nothing more than Frisbees. #4- Never leave the vinyl on the turntable when your done for the day. Unless of course you want to start a dust collection too. Put them away! Unless you are displaying them proudly. #5- Never casually lend your records out! You'll probably never see them again and if you do, no telling what condition you'll get them back in. Just ask my Lou Reed "Take No Prisoners" Live album. Hope you liked these. Spin On!... Sam (Glenolden, Pa)
I’ve been collecting for 3 years and only have 30 or so records, I do it for the music and that’s it, it doesn’t bother me if it’s an original press or a reissue as long as I can just listen to the music I love and enjoy it
When I am dead, I'll stop buying records. Until then.... Actually, before I die I'll join a record service and pay a couple of years in advance. Keep them coming in! :) My wife will LOVE that 😲!
My collection is doomed im sure. But i didn't get it for them.....i got it for me and it will have served its purpose. When im gone i won't know and it won't matter which is why i play them everyday!
My number one would be RESEARCH what you are getting into. Understand the vinyl medium, it's pros and cons, both the medium itself and also the hardware you need to play your medium....
Very good advice. I also say quality not quantity. Vinyl is becoming expensive and I generally try to listen, certainly to a few songs before I buy. There' no point in spending money on something that you are not going to end up playing. I don't see it as collecting but in getting enjoyment out of listening, and vinyl is simply my preferred medium.
I can remember selling just one vinyl LP for a profit. I sold a french pressing, pink vinyl copy of Pink Floyd - Animals for $100 on eBay. That's one profitable sale out of a thousand albums bought. And I wish I never had sold it.
Another advice for a new record collector would be... Say it loud! Let people know you are into vinyl and people might help you to start your collection. It helped me in the past and nowadays I'm helping new collectors.
@@adventureswithdee9526 The first ones were a really fun time for me. Hope you have a lot of fun too. Is the current situation slow things a bit for you? Because it is harder to come to other people houses and take every record in sight for the last year.
Not just that you have other collectors' eyes working for you. I get messages from (and send messages to) my friends who collect when any of us see anything that might be of interest. When shopping with my buddy I always find stuff he missed because he skims faster but he also finds things I want too in places I didn't think to look.
Thanks for the tips. I'm not in the vinyl community yet, but I would like to be someday. My music collection is around 20 CDs and I'm fine with having a small collection. I may not have much, but I do know the CDs I have like the back of my hand. I know getting a proper setup for vinyl isn't cheap so I'm just biding my time and slowly saving up. I'm aware that you don't have to spend big bucks, but it is at least a couple of hundred dollars for a decent setup. Turntable, speakers, amp, ect.
Maybe not a commandment, but advice... The Hunt... my record collecting became symbiotic with growing interest in music...it was soooo fun. Treasure hunting.
I started collecting back in 2020. Got some great stuff in the beginning. I am a fan of all music and I found a ton of records for great prices, never spent over $50 on a single record. Wasn’t until late 2021 when I found out one of my favorite genres of music was pressed on vinyl back in the day. Once I found that out it was dangerous 😂. The records are dubstep from the UK from the mid 2000’s. Being a collector and a music lover I find myself buying duplicates of my favorite singles as well as willing to spend more for the rare vinyl (which is almost all). Definitely my favorite genre to buy for. Great video as always!
Second vinyl commandment: BUY AS MANY GUNS AS YOU CAN AND USE THEM ON CROSLEY RECORDPLAYERS! 😀 Like a true American *yeeeehaw!* 🤠 Lol jokes aside... I agree, don't build a record "collection"... records are meant to be listened to - not to be collected.
My downfall when it comes to non-played records is when I decide to be a completist for an artist. Even an artist you love will occasionally put out an album or albums that I don't like, but there it is, taking up space in my collection. It can be painful to give up on an artist you were once devoted to.
For me, I have noticed that my favorite artists, most of them had a window of greatness, usually about 4-6 years worth of material. For most, anything after that is lame.
I really loved some artists even 10 years back... Now I'm sick of some... My taste has differ a lot and I can get rid of all of their albums, but.... What if nostalgia comes? Guess, not related - bands doesn't have vinyl (LP) versions of albums since that year - they were only on tape (recorded by some pirate)... Great value of that tapes nowadays - but... musically not so much... and in days of streaming who knows what tape is "originally pirated", and what is "streaming reissue" xD
Another piece of advice is to elevate your speakers. Especially on hardwood floors. Get them a foot off the ground. Invest fifty dollars on two stands. Worth it
I started collecting records/LPs, a month ago! At that time music started to mean something to me and it became important in my life. That is why I love vinyl because it gives you that felling of fullfilment when you own a record you like.
RE: buying the best equipment you can afford let me add... I got caught up in the building my vinyl library trap and ended up buying a low end turntable. It was a popular entry level model that cost a little over $100 but had no tonearm adjustments and I started to fear that it was damaging my records. I stopped buying records - saved my money - and bought another turntable that cost $250+ and the difference in sound quality is noticeable. Plus I no longer worry that I am gouging my vinyl after taking the time to balance the tonearm properly.
Turntables like "audio technica" and 'sony" are perfectly safe for your records, and you can upgrade the stylus and buy an outboard preamp! These turntables have "spring controlled " tracking force, and they are in the "safe" range ! I "suped up" mine, and it sounds "audiophile like"!
I have a 70s Sony I got at goodwill for 30 bucks with speakers and I think it sounds great. I'm sure you could blindfold someone and they couldn't tell the difference between a 200 dollar stereo and a 1000 dollar player.
These are all great tips for everyone, whether starting out in the hobby or more experienced. A couple other ideas: use streaming to audition new albums before buying a record to make sure its something you like. A!so make sure to look at conditions of used records in shops if possible. If they are sealed in a sleeve ask the shop to show it to you. And don't be afraid to return new records if not in good condition to begin with. And finally have fun with it, don't take it too seriously!
All records both new and used have to be thoroughly cleaned before you play them. You will need a recording cleaning machine . A work turntable. A mold release agent (power cleaner). Record cleaning fluid. Distilled water. And a record preservative liquid.
3:50 is so true... The bigger a collection is, the uglier it looks. I have around 200-300 records but storing them in a way that is both practical and good-looking gets harder with every record I buy
The stylus condition is VERY important! Once I bought the "onzo" stylus cleaner, it totally changed the sound of all my records, and I don't have the best equipment (I also don't have the worst)! But the cleaness of the stylus is SUPER important! Onzo is worth the money, believe me!
I've always bought cheap copies of music I don't know and if I love it replace it with a better one later. I then give the first one away to someone just starting out. Great video Frank and keep on spin'n!
Before you buy anything, make a listening space. Digital media is better for background while you're doing other things, but records main function is to listen to them as a primary task and hear the nuances. If your speakers are just off to the side, because there's no place else to put them, records would be a needless expense. My tip: First purchase a comfortable chair.
I don't know if it's necessary but I clean my albums every time I play them... by that I mean I clean the stylus, sweep the vinyl with the anti-static brush and then clean the vinyl with my Vinyl Styl brush and cleaning solution. Like I said it may not be for everyone but my albums do sound excellent.
the only time I buy records to flip is if I'm buying an entire collection in order to get the records from that collection that I want, and I don't generally care if I make money on the ones I either already have or just don't want, I just flip to get my money back. I have been putting some together for a friend's 13 year old son who is getting into record collecting and has really similar tastes to mine, I have about 6 or 8 that are artists he likes that I have multiples of, so I'm giving him those. Why not, it's not like I need multiple copies of the same albums other than maybe my very favorite one or two.
1) Definitely have fun and buy what you like. Re gear, some $500 TTs are passable, below that, I would not bother. Now I am at a $6K TT rig with $1.5K phono stage, and consider this decent, but not superlative. It is much more expensive to get good sound from vinyl compared to CD/digital/tape. Learn about speaker placement and stereo imaging. It makes all the difference in the world.
For me the geek level of understanding equipment is as important then anything regarding vinyl. If I may be cautious when purchasing. Besides the basics of first setting a budget. Look at new equipment unless you can absorb a bad purchase. If you are new to vinyl and even if you a a worrier veteran buying used equipment is risky. Having a known budget then looking at good new turntable with a quality stylus is the first step. Baby steps are important and not just diving in can save you a lot of pain, besides keeping your significant other from wanting to scream at you for racking up the credit card. This is not a cheap hobby but it is very rewarding when just relaxing while listening to pure sound. Also don’t be skimpy on disk and stylist cleaning. I would also recommend understanding needle weight and a moderate gram weight to set your tone arm correctly. You can get a good one for 50 dollars and it is as important as keeping the vinyl clean. Once you set it up you don’t need to mess with it unless you move your unit or change out the stylus cartridge. Some stores will preset the tone are weight and that is fine. Enjoy your listening will spinning that vinyl 🙂
My current approach: Buy records that I can define as "special" (either important to me personally or important to music history/classics (except for ones I hate). I don't want any record that if it came up in a random shuffle I wouldn't want to listen to it. I also don't want any music that I'd rather just listen to from a digital service. This primarily centers around individual songs. I don't buy LPs for just one song. I buy an LP for the joy of the physical object and the entire package (including multiple standout tracks). A couple of decades ago, my wife and I really got into going to garage sales and buying records and we would buy just about anything. There were few collectible records available, few real classics, but we saw vinyl as a way to explore a wide range of music. I think that's a bit harder these days, but in response to the comment of don't buy records just to build a wall of records, I'd say, if you can get them cheap enough, buy lots of records and explore music. You might find things you didn't think you would like. What you don't like, send them off to the thrift story and try to trade them in. We kept hundreds of records from those days and are now weeding them out. We want our vinyl collection to be just things we really desire to own instead of just owning records. We're targeting buying titles we think should be part of that collection. But I wouldn't discourage new collectors from just buying a lot of stuff and exploring. If you really love music, it's fun.
I think that when shopping for and buying a "used" record, don't buy anything less than VG+. You'll be disappointed if you buy less than that. Having said that. I recently bought a 'Introducing The Beatles' listed as 'VG' on eBay. I cleaned and played it and found that Side 2 was VG, but Side 1 was a G at best. It was also a 'P.S. I Love You, Love Me Do' album. I had to send it back.
as a 16year old buying vinyl opened a new world for me. I started getting records I had never seen before just for the fun of it. I'm now a fan of the grateful dead and canned heat
That is awesome. It’s one thing for a old fossil like me to get *back* into collecting vinyl. It’s really cool to see someone get into it that didn’t grow up with it. Keep at it!
All of these are excellent tips. One thing I’d add to the discussion, is to be mindful of whether you’re focused on the format (vinyl) first, and music second - or if you’re putting the music first, and then the format. I knew of someone who became so obsessed with vinyl that they repurchased everything on vinyl and got rid of their CDs and CD player and everything else. Obviously everyone is free to do as they choose, and I’m not judging. Just keep in mind that becoming so focused on a format can cause one to miss out on great music that isn’t available in that format. All that being said, I still love vinyl!
I had an extensive CD collection. I started getting into vinyl a year ago. I kept all of my CD’s and I am slowly picking up every album I have on CD. For me, the best places are yard sales and flea markets. Also, someone else said let ppl know you collect, everyone knows I collect and I get calls all the time from friends when someone passes in their family asking if I want to go through their old albums.
I still have a ton of CDs and still buy them occasionally. Albums I already own on CD are definitely low on my list of things to get on vinyl. Only if it's a real favorite and I find a good deal will I double dip.
For a vid that is directed to new collectors, I feel you left out a very important decision when buying records. And that is record condition. (placed above keep it clean) Obviously, I am discussing buying used vinyl. You have seen what some offer at garage sales or even a less scrupulous record store that places. These frisbees can discourage a new collector.
Those sales booths in antique markets are often the source of hidden gems & also most sellers will negotiate the price as they have monthly rent to pay & vinyl is a secondary part of their booth.
"I didn't think records sounded that good" - this comes quite often and yet hard to believe. I grew up in late 70s - early 80s, in a poorer corner of the world, yet we the kids certainly knew the difference between decent and "fifty-dollar" gear. Few families could afford it, but almost anyone knew someone else who could, and had a chance to listen to the real thing.
@@analoguecity3454 To a degree. There is a price point, where it's just bragging rights. A $50 turntable is going to sound like crap. A $400 turntable is going to sound great. A $5000 is probably going to sound as good as a $400 turntable. You're better off spending money on your cartridge and stylus than you are on a turntable.
It’s actually not a bad hustle to resell vinyl if you know every artist that you buy into, there always will be demand for a limited edition or a colored vinyl. Especially if there’s a shortage. What sellers tend to do is bump the prizes. As i said not a bad hustle just be patient
Great video! I started collecting records in the early 1980s and continued through the early 90s before getting back into it in 2005. I held on to most of collection and am glad to get back into it. I love that younger people are excited about this hobby. I do think that there is a lot of snobbery around hat people play their records on and where they purchase their music which is unfortunate but I think programs like yours help offset that type of thinking. Nice job!
Being a record collector since the late 60's moving to cd's in the late 80's 90's & early 2000 then back to records in the last 10 years i have a big collection of original & re-issue pressings. Because of discogs and the obsession of people having the original pressing the difference between prices of 2nd hand & new is not that great. I would rather buy a new clean re-issue because its all about the music not the value of the catalog number.
I love this! Thank you so much! I'm new to the hobby; I got myself into record collecting about a year ago and have pretty much enjoyed every second of it. I don't have a huge sum of money to spend on vinyl and gear. I've got my relatively inexpensive turntable connected to my 5.1 home theater system and I think it sounds great! I'm loving the sound of vinyl and have some real gems in my little collection. One of the best ones that I have is an original Broadway cast recording of The Music Man. My five-year-old daughter LOVES it when I play that record and always asks me to dance with her. I picked it up from a second-hand store and it's not perfect, but it provides us with lots of enjoyment. I really have a hard time with the elitists who tell people not to buy this or that turntable or to only look for certain pressings and other overly pedantic pursuits. I have to take what they say with a grain of salt and remember that they have their opinion and that does not mean that they are absolutely right. My niece has a suitcase player and she spins her Kiss records on it and I think that's great. She doesn't have money or space for a nice rig, but she's getting exposure to good music and learning to take care of physical things. That's something that's kind of lost on folks who have only ever experienced music by download.
Now I’m hearing about these UHQR pressings that are coming out that cost up to $150. They get you by running about 10,000 copies and that’s it. Then you feel like if you don’t buy now, you’ll cry later. This can be a very expensive rabbit hole to go down.
Almost 30 and getting into records, got to sort through Mom and Dads collections and got a lot of good OG pressings, parents never knew how DIRTY records got and Ive started to clean my collection and show them the water after about 4 records and its almost black. CLEAN your records people. you really dont know how much gunk is on them.
My biggest tip is do your setup how you want. At the end of the day it doesn't matter if you've got a 100 dollar audio Technica table with entry level speakers. As long as you enjoy listening to the music that's all that matters. Another is for storage at first a milk crate is ok but eventually you should invest in a nice shelf
My best advice don't take record collecting to seriously. Too many people seem to have thier ego wrapped up in this hobby . It's a hobby that sometimes invites a bunch of arbitrary elitism. No pressing is ever good enough, No gear is ever good enough.You fall into a game of spending lots of money on constant upgrades for both records and gear., These ppl are NOT really enjoying the hobby. Too many collectors fall into the trap chasing perfection that doesn't really exist. I think this is what Frank mean when he said "have fun"
Commandments sounds so Biblical!... But with Vinyl, I follow ALL of these, Amen! However, with CDs, not so much. I'll pick up stuff that I will rarely listen to just to be a completest with certain artists, and with 7000+ CD titles, I'm guilty of quantity (but quality is in there too).
I bought record of a 1970 high school band camp. I got it for 50 cents at a thrift shop. I got it because I am in a community band with some people on the record. It is a fun listen.
Ah...a fellow Canadian, much has changed since growing up in the seventies, we had numerous record stores all over Calgary, like Kelly's or A&A records, Sam the record man (yes that was an actual store name) and I would spend a good portion of my time out shopping with the family in these stores, at the moment there is only one record store chain in Canada (sunshine records). Ever since the internet happened we saw the slow decline of many businesses falling by the wayside as the result of people using the internet to get music be it through downloading it legally or not and as a result a lot of the music industry is now non existent even more so for the artists that made the music in the first place and with the pandemic occurring the public cant go to see their favorite bands when they would come to town. All we have now are memories of a time that is almost at the end...and I hope it isn't.
I started "collecting" at a time when there was no other way to access music other than the radio. That has kept up with me so that now I buy what I can't get any other way (I don't like streaming). I have a number of albums that aren't available on Spotify so there you go.
Excellent point buy what your going to listen to; learn how to read the dead wax and pay attention to the bargain bin. When building a system spend the most money you can on your speakers that’s where the sound comes from; buy separates and if you have to take your time putting it together
👍🤠My advice: Tune U're ear!! Meaning listen to a CD, a casette and the Grandmother for just folks an 8 track; if U can get U're hands on one and HEAR the harmonic differences!! I know Hot rods', muscle car folks that have 8 tracks and cassette players for the era!! And if U're lucky someone with an old reel to reel. Pragmatic advice Frank and enjoyed!!
When I started collecting my records in the late 70’s early 80’s that was one format that was available for listening there was no social media or You tube (only Hit Parader for those who remember). The only people that had good vinyl gear were the adults and older teens, listening to my records on my parents Magnavox player sounded great to me. (Ceramic cart)😬 So if your building your stash of vinyls start small like in prior comments and if you don’t have a record player, preowned ones and open box players are a great deal and some still with factory warranty. Keep the format alive!!
@@Channel33RPM that’s cool! I forgot to mention Circus . Where has all the time gone! I still remember the first album I bought was the first Kiss album. Then I went on a trip with my parents to Mexico City and made my dad walk 12 blocks with me to find the Kiss individual albums that came out in 78. Now that I think back I was kinda crazy.😝
I don’t collect vinyl. I listen to , and have a small collection of, RECORDS! Lol I just want playable copies of my favorite music/bands. I don’t care about what pressing, what batch,, just as long as it runs good. I’m too poor to be a collector. Ps,, a ceramic cart player can sound good, if you know how to deal with them,, ie’ , if you know how to wire things up yourself. (Tinkering). (Tip) you can find some amps that have a phono input that accommodates both types of cartridges.
My advice (and this is much like the advice you give to gardeners) is start collecting 35 years ago. They were practically giving away records. People were stupidly dumping their collections to buy overpriced CDs. All those 50 - 100 buck albums were going for $3.99 or less. It was a golden age of vinyl consumerism and if you kept all your records from back then (which so many people didn't do), you have an impressive collection that you couldn't afford now, if you won two lotteries.
So true. I started collecting in 1970 and have over 5000 LPS. All those reissues from that era that people buy now , I bought the originals when they were first released.
I would say don’t be afraid to experiment and buy some albums blind, may not be a good tip for a beginner, but overall bling buys are a great way to discover new music and expand the collection in weird ways. At the same time though, going to your money point, I never do a blind buy that’s more than $10, helps my wallet if I end up not digging the album
Whenever I buy records on ebay I only buy ones that have been tested. Too many times you get what you pay for. I've found that a lot of sellers are in the same price range even if they are tested.
Could I be so bold as to add another? That's 'Be Adventurous' For example, I'm sure we all at some point have bought a record just for for the artwork. Now sometimes, it's a piece of crud, but hey, you can sell it on again. And sometimes is a gem that introduces you to a whole new World of musical delights. Or, you're in a strange city, you go into the local record store and ask the guy, hey what's happening here, and he points you to something new and exciting.
Everything is based on what you can afford. From equipment to vinyl. I always find used, do research (most time spent). Look for sales on vinyl. Target has buy two albums get the third free. Or Walmart has 15.00 records. Thrifting for vinyl is the most fun. I have found over a hundred albums for 99 cents each. But keep your standards high. You can find near mint albums at Goodwill. Keep records clean. Frank love your channel. Peace love and rock and roll ✌️
Privately owned record stores are the best, I'm lucky, im in Rochester N.Y where we have the Legendary House of Guitars...also The Record Archive. And my favorite good friends of mine The Bop Shop..check em out..these are the only places i buy from unless i see the " deals" on new stuff.
Great Advice. I’m 52 and have been collecting since the age of 10 or so. Buying my own since about15 years old. Now I’m happy to have been able to pass on the bug over to my son who’s’ first record was a Red 45 of The Beatles Paperback Writer. Now, other than Beatles, he’s into Genesis, Talk Talk, Jamiroquai and host of many others. He started out playing his records on my Technics 1200. I had 3 so he bought the third from me. So cool that we both share the love of music on vinyl!
I agree with the list, good advise. Just don't let record snob influence what you need in your collection. Also stay away from Discogs, you will be more disappointed than happy with what you end up with...the return process is also a pain, and some sellers very dishonest. Yes I'm bitter, I lost $200 on an Alice Cooper Billion Dollar Babies so called archive/never played record. The seller lied about the condition, it wasn't even worth $1.00. I was promised to be reimbursed once I re-sent the record (on my dime) ...sent it back and eventually I was ignored and lost $$$. Discogs said they couldn't help and Paypal wouldn't help.
I just recently bought a new record, a very rare event in my life as it is today. My rules include: Never pay more than $2 for any record unless it is something you KNOW you will like. Always use a turntable and cartridge good enough that you can hear why records are inferior to CDs.
My advice would be to buy cd’s. Saves you a lot of annoyance with warped, scratched, noisy, static, bad sounding records... If you’re not willing to comply > do your homework before buying. Investigate what’s on your list in terms of sound and pressing quality. Believe me; there’s a lot of garbage on the vinyl market and it will save you a lot of money...
Great video. I just got into records recently and started with a Victrola suitcase player. Dumped that for a Crosley Dansette Bermuda with a pretty decent AT-3600 diamond stylus and way better cartridge than on the Victrola. The built in speakers sound alright but I also go RCA out to a Crosley Fleetwood CD player that has some nice ported speakers. The 4 speakers together make for a great listening experience IMO. About that 1st rule. I lucked out with my 3rd record purchase. A used copy of Zeppelin II in great condition that sounds excellent compared to my 2016 Germany Zeppelin IV. . Looked it up on Discogs and turns out its a Robert Ludwig "hot" copy from Monarch pressing and the median price is $187...I paid $26 for it in a local used record store. My Zeppelin debut is apparently a slightly sought after copy too, its also a Monarch press from 69, the one that has the incorrect time for How many more times on the back cover. Anyways, I do plan to only buy what Im going to listen to and only 60s to early 90s. Seems the quality for records drops way off after that. I tend to go 60s-70s for records, 80s is cassettes thru my Crosley Boombox, 90s to early 00s CD thru the Crosley Fleetwood and then I stream Tidal on my iMac with Bose system for most my newer music. I love having the different formats as they all vary in listening experience thru the various players. Thanks
Don't buy new digital recordings (or digitally remastered analogue ones) in vinyl unless perhaps there is a special mastering for LPs. These recordings sound by far better in CD, SACD, DVD/A and Blu Ray Audio.
Yes. Buy what you love. I’ve been buying cassettes that I adore front to back. If I would skip more than one track per side, I skip it. Plus, after enough plays I find myself understanding more clearly the importance of the tracks I used to skip while listening digitally. Anyone have an album recommendation released on cassette that has no skips? I love discogs. But I also really love finding gems locally from second hand stores or record shops.
Good advice for everyone Frank! Love what you can afford as far as gear goes.i gave up watching all those reviews for shiny new equipment. I've had my TT since high school and love the automatic features of it which many newer models don't have at all. I've upgraded my speakers which might not have been necessary but I felt my old ones were lacking in definition and am glad I did. Buy what you like is right on advice. If you like it you'll play it more often. Don't over buy either. As we get older lifestyles change. We have kids, a home to care for as well as your job. These can cut into your time to listen and enjoy your record collection. I'm 64 now and the majority of my collection was bought in my high school and university years. I treasure them..... but have little time to listen to them. Maybe once I retire? Lol. Yes to take care of your collection. It's an investment that will hopefully last you for years to come. I'm going to make a cleaning station with my Spinclean one of these days. Anyways..... keep on spinning Frank!!!
A big one for me (and something I can see you adhere to from just a few of your videos I've watched thus far) is to not be 100% only vinyl. AKA Vinyl Snob. I love vinyl myself and I would always try to buy music in that format first, but sometimes, that's just not possible. Example for me is the final Dio with Sabbath recording under the band name Heaven & Hell. I would love to have the album "The Devil You Know" on vinyl, but come on. It's ridiculously priced. I finally gave up and just ordered the CD on Amazon and it was about $15 and arrived in perfect condition and sealed still. I'm so happy I did this despite moving away from buying anything except vinyl. So, if you have to have it, it really doesn't matter if it's vinyl so much. Now, De La Soul albums are killing me as they're a small fortune each, but it'll happen.
Good solid advice. Your first tip rang truest. Like what you buy. It’s so easy to get caught buying “good deals” because we see it on discogs. Just get what you will listen to regularly. Thanks for the vids.
I only have three. 1. Do not buy online and buy LOCAL. Keep record stores alive. Digging through records is half the fun! 2. You don’t need to speed thousands on gear. At the very least a good stylus so you don’t ruin your precious records! 3. Take care of your records! Keep them clean and store them in a safe manner.
I waited a long time to get into Hi Fi and vinyl. I bought a Rega Planar 2, a Sprout 100, and Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 on stands. First Album was Diana Krall's Very best of. Track 3 Pick yourself up made the sound stage appear, I was blown away by how good that sounded. I plan on upgrading to a Nagaoka MP-110 cart in a month. and I pour over the reviews to get the songs I want, but as importantly the quality of pressing that will come alive. I will be upgrading my amp, and Speakers, as time goes by. But will keep buying good music off my list each payday. So it looks like I unwittingly was following those guidelines.
Your records will only sound as good as your system. Instead of buying tons of records and playing them on a cheap system, save your money and get a decent system---not just the turntable. Get a decent amplifier and speakers. It will pay off!
Frank, did you know that back in the 60's and 70's, We never said "vinyl" We had "record collections and album collections". We typically paid $5.99 each for them or $13.00 for a double LP. The term "vinyl" wasn't even a thought until the resurgence.
I think the term vinyl was popularized by DJs in the 90s. That said, I was recently reading some of the music magazines I bought in the 80s, and there were a few references to vinyl, which surprised me.. As a kid, snd as a teen, we called them records and tapes.
I agree I collect and buy what I like. I buy allot of pop music, EDM, and stuff. Allot of people try to tell me “you should buy this record” and it’s something I don’t even know nor care about. I have bought random records of different genres from artist I may know of but never heard and been very pleased with it.
My biggest piece of advice and one I wish I payed more attention to when I first started is...If you’re going to buy used vinyl at record stores, flea markets, yard sales, record shows etc take the time to pull every record out of the sleeve and check the condition it’s in. Don’t just assume it’s in good shape because the outside of the album jacket looks good or the seller is reputable or because you’re just so excited to have found the album you’ve been looking for. Always check it out.
Great tip Nate. It' so important to inspect the records. I have been burned many times when I did not do this.
Frank
And BRING A SMALL FLASHLIGHT. I swear record store lighting is designed to hide scuffs and scratches. I've bought stuff that looks great in the record store. But when I bring it home, I suddenly see sratches and scuffs that were not visible in the record store.
buying used on Discogs is one thing, but to actually buy used records in person and not check them is absolutely crazy. Do people really need to be told this? yikes!
@@abstractheory1 There's a learning curve. If you're coming from streaming or from CDs, there is no real grading system. It either works or it doesn't. They may think the same thing about vinyl.
Yah , it sucks buying a warped album or something that sounds like a popcorn machine lol.
I actually have a bit of animosity toward "record flippers." Anyone who buys a record, especially a limited edition, to only jack up the after market price does a great disservice to the listener who really wants the record to enjoy for themselves. I also collect movies as well and the same thing happens there.
@Four Strings and the Truth I do to an extent but that is life and it happens with lots of things. It is awful at record store day and I blame RSD with all their limited editions because true fans often miss out and are the ones who have to pay extortionate prices. I could rant on this but sure you know what I mean.
Exactly! I want the Walmart Green vinyl version of “and justice for all” by Metallica. It’s less than 30 dollars on Walmart’s site, but many on eBay are selling it for 60+. It’s dumb.
That's the exact reason people are now paying rare prices for items that are in abundance. A record is sold out on bands website so all the Walmart and target and Amazon copies are bought out and one idiot pays 400 for one on eBay and that becomes the new price. Sickening.
@@stephensmall4172 I'm so glad Pink Floyds first and second albums in mono got reissued again, before they were RSD exclusive and now its much cheaper to get them
I don't hold anything against the flipper who happens upon some valuable records at the thrift store every so often, but I do hold a grudge against a flipper who buys up a bunch of limited release vinyl at MSRP and resells it for way over that rate a month after it goes out of print.
If you find something for way under market value once in awhile, and you can sell it to get some records you actually want then good for you. If you're buying up limited stock on a new release and creating a false scarcity so you can gouge people who were right behind you in line for their copy and didn't get one because of your greed, then you can go to hell.
Don't look down your nose at other vinyl collectors. Be an encouragement to those who can't afford a setup like yours. If they add a record to the 20-30 they have, celebrate with them instead reminding them that you have thousands. Give your duplicates to the less fortunate and help them out. Stay positive toward others and hang out, enjoy the music, and enjoy the ride!
I like what I like and buy what I like and don't care what anybody thinks of my taste in music, which is very eclectic.
That's the way to do it. I have lost count of the number of times people have told me I have horrible taste in music, but honestly -- who cares what others think?
Cheers!
Framl
My sentiments exactly!
@HALF MT haha, exactly.
Same. My record collection has a bit of everything in it. The casual visitor will find no really big bands in it, though. Stuff like Queen, Genesis, etc., I can listen to on line or on the radio if I want. I have a rack of CD's (love 'em, and own far too many to be healthy), and I'm amused at visitors looking at it, puzzled, as there's nothing in it that you could call 'mainstream'.
Not only clean the records, but also check and see if there’s any scratches on it because what you don’t want is when you buy a record and there’s a big scratch where the wrecker is going to pop and skip and if there’s a scratch try to clean it as best you can. when I buy vinyl records and CDs I always make sure that it’s in good condition with no scratches whatsoever and also make sure that the sleeves are in good condition as well not just the album covers themselves. and for those who love box sets by the boxes that you love to listen to even the vinyl box sets which are great.
I agree with all of these, especially ignoring the gatekeepers and snobs. This is YOUR collection, it should reflect you. Wash your hands before you play records. Oh yeah, don't forget to play your records. Play them, enjoy them and love them.
good advice all around....just dig what you love and love what you dig.....peace...rocky
I'm so excited that my comment was mentioned! I feel "almost" famous! LOL. Great list of commandments!
Can I have your autograph
@@johnsweda2999 Why, yes, of course!!!!!
Thanks for your comment Lisa, and for your support over all these years.
Frank
Can you sign some of my records? :)
My two pieces of advice that I would give record collecting newbies would be:
1. Take the time to educate yourself on the condition grading system that exists in sites like Discogs. These conditions go from P (poor), then F (fair), then G or G+ (good), then VG or VG+ (very good), then NM (near mint) or M (mint condition). I’d usually buy a record that’s VG+ and up.
2. Keep your records in a cool place with room temperature. If they are in direct sunlight, then there’s a possible chance that they’ll sound warped.
Frank, I really liked your "5 commandments" video. So much, that I`ve added 5 of my own. Hope you like them.
#1 -Listen to every. record you buy at least once. . Out of respect for the music, you'll never know what new music you`ll love. At the very least, you've learned about an artist's work. Good or bad.
#2- Never turn the music off in the middle of a song. Allow it to finish first (respect, once again).
#3- Don't judge an album by it's price. Some of my most favorite music I bought for 50 cents!. (remember the cut-corners records at department stores?) While some of my more expensive albums are nothing more than Frisbees.
#4- Never leave the vinyl on the turntable when your done for the day. Unless of course you want to start a dust collection too. Put them away! Unless you are displaying them proudly.
#5- Never casually lend your records out! You'll probably never see them again and if you do, no telling what condition you'll get them back in. Just ask my Lou Reed "Take No Prisoners" Live album.
Hope you liked these. Spin On!... Sam (Glenolden, Pa)
I’ve been collecting for 3 years and only have 30 or so records, I do it for the music and that’s it, it doesn’t bother me if it’s an original press or a reissue as long as I can just listen to the music I love and enjoy it
When I am dead, I'll stop buying records. Until then.... Actually, before I die I'll join a record service and pay a couple of years in advance. Keep them coming in! :) My wife will LOVE that 😲!
Hahaha, I often wonder how fast my wife will sell off my whole collection once I pass lol
Haha, nice! You've given me an idea ... :)
Same here. That’s not a bad idea.😄
My collection is doomed im sure. But i didn't get it for them.....i got it for me and it will have served its purpose. When im gone i won't know and it won't matter which is why i play them everyday!
My number one would be RESEARCH what you are getting into. Understand the vinyl medium, it's pros and cons, both the medium itself and also the hardware you need to play your medium....
Yes, that is to prevent in regretting in investing/buying something. Research to also know what to expect from the product so no regrets in the end.
Very good advice. I also say quality not quantity. Vinyl is becoming expensive and I generally try to listen, certainly to a few songs before I buy. There' no point in spending money on something that you are not going to end up playing. I don't see it as collecting but in getting enjoyment out of listening, and vinyl is simply my preferred medium.
Totally agree. Especially buying what you like. It is your collection, buy the music you love!
Absolutely!!
I can remember selling just one vinyl LP for a profit. I sold a french pressing, pink vinyl copy of Pink Floyd - Animals for $100 on eBay. That's one profitable sale out of a thousand albums bought. And I wish I never had sold it.
Another advice for a new record collector would be... Say it loud! Let people know you are into vinyl and people might help you to start your collection. It helped me in the past and nowadays I'm helping new collectors.
So nice of you! I started 2 months ago. Already have 60 records. I have to dial back my purchases now. 😆
@@adventureswithdee9526 The first ones were a really fun time for me. Hope you have a lot of fun too. Is the current situation slow things a bit for you? Because it is harder to come to other people houses and take every record in sight for the last year.
@@lecousindevinyle5462 Yeah, I miss estate sales and thrifting. My online shopping is still in fine shape 😉
Very very true.
Not just that you have other collectors' eyes working for you. I get messages from (and send messages to) my friends who collect when any of us see anything that might be of interest. When shopping with my buddy I always find stuff he missed because he skims faster but he also finds things I want too in places I didn't think to look.
Thanks for the tips. I'm not in the vinyl community yet, but I would like to be someday. My music collection is around 20 CDs and I'm fine with having a small collection. I may not have much, but I do know the CDs I have like the back of my hand. I know getting a proper setup for vinyl isn't cheap so I'm just biding my time and slowly saving up. I'm aware that you don't have to spend big bucks, but it is at least a couple of hundred dollars for a decent setup. Turntable, speakers, amp, ect.
Maybe not a commandment, but advice...
The Hunt... my record collecting became symbiotic with growing interest in music...it was soooo fun. Treasure hunting.
I agree.
I started collecting back in 2020. Got some great stuff in the beginning. I am a fan of all music and I found a ton of records for great prices, never spent over $50 on a single record. Wasn’t until late 2021 when I found out one of my favorite genres of music was pressed on vinyl back in the day. Once I found that out it was dangerous 😂. The records are dubstep from the UK from the mid 2000’s. Being a collector and a music lover I find myself buying duplicates of my favorite singles as well as willing to spend more for the rare vinyl (which is almost all). Definitely my favorite genre to buy for. Great video as always!
Don't worry about what pressing you have. If it sounds good, enjoy it.
Second vinyl commandment: BUY AS MANY GUNS AS YOU CAN AND USE THEM ON CROSLEY RECORDPLAYERS! 😀
Like a true American *yeeeehaw!* 🤠
Lol jokes aside... I agree, don't build a record "collection"... records are meant to be listened to - not to be collected.
My downfall when it comes to non-played records is when I decide to be a completist for an artist. Even an artist you love will occasionally put out an album or albums that I don't like, but there it is, taking up space in my collection. It can be painful to give up on an artist you were once devoted to.
Same here, I’m wary of the automatic preorder now, I wait to hear a few songs & decide if I’m going to actually play the record more than a few times.
For me, I have noticed that my favorite artists, most of them had a window of greatness, usually about 4-6 years worth of material. For most, anything after that is lame.
I really loved some artists even 10 years back... Now I'm sick of some... My taste has differ a lot and I can get rid of all of their albums, but.... What if nostalgia comes? Guess, not related - bands doesn't have vinyl (LP) versions of albums since that year - they were only on tape (recorded by some pirate)... Great value of that tapes nowadays - but... musically not so much... and in days of streaming who knows what tape is "originally pirated", and what is "streaming reissue" xD
Be patient as you buy your favorites your taste will expand and so will your collection.
Another piece of advice is to elevate your speakers. Especially on hardwood floors. Get them a foot off the ground. Invest fifty dollars on two stands. Worth it
I started collecting records/LPs, a month ago! At that time music started to mean something to me and it became important in my life. That is why I love vinyl because it gives you that felling of fullfilment when you own a record you like.
RE: buying the best equipment you can afford let me add... I got caught up in the building my vinyl library trap and ended up buying a low end turntable. It was a popular entry level model that cost a little over $100 but had no tonearm adjustments and I started to fear that it was damaging my records. I stopped buying records - saved my money - and bought another turntable that cost $250+ and the difference in sound quality is noticeable. Plus I no longer worry that I am gouging my vinyl after taking the time to balance the tonearm properly.
I like that you call it equipment and not “gear”....not sure when that started...gear is for scuba diving
Turntables like "audio technica" and 'sony" are perfectly safe for your records, and you can upgrade the stylus and buy an outboard preamp! These turntables have "spring controlled " tracking force, and they are in the "safe" range ! I "suped up" mine, and it sounds "audiophile like"!
I have a 70s Sony I got at goodwill for 30 bucks with speakers and I think it sounds great. I'm sure you could blindfold someone and they couldn't tell the difference between a 200 dollar stereo and a 1000 dollar player.
These are all great tips for everyone, whether starting out in the hobby or more experienced. A couple other ideas: use streaming to audition new albums before buying a record to make sure its something you like. A!so make sure to look at conditions of used records in shops if possible. If they are sealed in a sleeve ask the shop to show it to you. And don't be afraid to return new records if not in good condition to begin with. And finally have fun with it, don't take it too seriously!
Good tips Kevin.
All records both new and used have to be thoroughly cleaned before you play them. You will need a recording cleaning machine . A work turntable. A mold release agent (power cleaner). Record cleaning fluid. Distilled water. And a record preservative liquid.
3:50 is so true... The bigger a collection is, the uglier it looks. I have around 200-300 records but storing them in a way that is both practical and good-looking gets harder with every record I buy
Invest in a quality stylus , even if you have a mediocre turntable .
The stylus condition is VERY important! Once I bought the "onzo" stylus cleaner, it totally changed the sound of all my records, and I don't have the best equipment (I also don't have the worst)! But the cleaness of the stylus is SUPER important! Onzo is worth the money, believe me!
I've always bought cheap copies of music I don't know and if I love it replace it with a better one later. I then give the first one away to someone just starting out. Great video Frank and keep on spin'n!
Before you buy anything, make a listening space. Digital media is better for background while you're doing other things, but records main function is to listen to them as a primary task and hear the nuances. If your speakers are just off to the side, because there's no place else to put them, records would be a needless expense. My tip: First purchase a comfortable chair.
#1 Commandment : In my opinion, 'do you' and 'don't judge'. It doesn't matter what people buy on vinyl, why they buy it, or where they bought it.
Amen Mike!
I don't know if it's necessary but I clean my albums every time I play them... by that I mean I clean the stylus, sweep the vinyl with the anti-static brush and then clean the vinyl with my Vinyl Styl brush and cleaning solution. Like I said it may not be for everyone but my albums do sound excellent.
Do a visual. If It looks super clean, no need to clean. Relax and enjoy!
I don't clean mine ,because I don't ever play them ....I replaced them with CDs for the most part !
the only time I buy records to flip is if I'm buying an entire collection in order to get the records from that collection that I want, and I don't generally care if I make money on the ones I either already have or just don't want, I just flip to get my money back. I have been putting some together for a friend's 13 year old son who is getting into record collecting and has really similar tastes to mine, I have about 6 or 8 that are artists he likes that I have multiples of, so I'm giving him those. Why not, it's not like I need multiple copies of the same albums other than maybe my very favorite one or two.
1) Definitely have fun and buy what you like.
Re gear, some $500 TTs are passable, below that, I would not bother. Now I am at a $6K TT rig with $1.5K phono stage, and consider this decent, but not superlative. It is much more expensive to get good sound from vinyl compared to CD/digital/tape. Learn about speaker placement and stereo imaging. It makes all the difference in the world.
My advice to new record collectors? Give up now - you'll never have a spare penny to your name ever again.
For me the geek level of understanding equipment is as important then anything regarding vinyl.
If I may be cautious when purchasing. Besides the basics of first setting a budget. Look at new equipment unless you can absorb a bad purchase. If you are new to vinyl and even if you a a worrier veteran buying used equipment is risky.
Having a known budget then looking at good new turntable with a quality stylus is the first step.
Baby steps are important and not just diving in can save you a lot of pain, besides keeping your significant other from wanting to scream at you for racking up the credit card.
This is not a cheap hobby but it is very rewarding when just relaxing while listening to pure sound.
Also don’t be skimpy on disk and stylist cleaning. I would also recommend understanding needle weight and a moderate gram weight to set your tone arm correctly. You can get a good one for 50 dollars and it is as important as keeping the vinyl clean. Once you set it up you don’t need to mess with it unless you move your unit or change out the stylus cartridge. Some stores will preset the tone are weight and that is fine.
Enjoy your listening will spinning that vinyl 🙂
All good tips, Dave.
Frank
My current approach: Buy records that I can define as "special" (either important to me personally or important to music history/classics (except for ones I hate). I don't want any record that if it came up in a random shuffle I wouldn't want to listen to it.
I also don't want any music that I'd rather just listen to from a digital service. This primarily centers around individual songs. I don't buy LPs for just one song. I buy an LP for the joy of the physical object and the entire package (including multiple standout tracks).
A couple of decades ago, my wife and I really got into going to garage sales and buying records and we would buy just about anything. There were few collectible records available, few real classics, but we saw vinyl as a way to explore a wide range of music. I think that's a bit harder these days, but in response to the comment of don't buy records just to build a wall of records, I'd say, if you can get them cheap enough, buy lots of records and explore music. You might find things you didn't think you would like. What you don't like, send them off to the thrift story and try to trade them in.
We kept hundreds of records from those days and are now weeding them out. We want our vinyl collection to be just things we really desire to own instead of just owning records. We're targeting buying titles we think should be part of that collection. But I wouldn't discourage new collectors from just buying a lot of stuff and exploring. If you really love music, it's fun.
I think that when shopping for and buying a "used" record, don't buy anything less than VG+. You'll be disappointed if you buy less than that. Having said that. I recently bought a 'Introducing The Beatles' listed as 'VG' on eBay. I cleaned and played it and found that Side 2 was VG, but Side 1 was a G at best. It was also a 'P.S. I Love You, Love Me Do' album. I had to send it back.
Steal other people's records. Especially the expensive ones. I'm kidding, don't do it.
Nobody mentioned to keep a supply of silver bullets as werewolves have become a problem in the record collector community
as a 16year old buying vinyl opened a new world for me. I started getting records I had never seen before just for the fun of it. I'm now a fan of the grateful dead and canned heat
That is awesome. It’s one thing for a old fossil like me to get *back* into collecting vinyl. It’s really cool to see someone get into it that didn’t grow up with it. Keep at it!
All of these are excellent tips. One thing I’d add to the discussion, is to be mindful of whether you’re focused on the format (vinyl) first, and music second - or if you’re putting the music first, and then the format.
I knew of someone who became so obsessed with vinyl that they repurchased everything on vinyl and got rid of their CDs and CD player and everything else. Obviously everyone is free to do as they choose, and I’m not judging. Just keep in mind that becoming so focused on a format can cause one to miss out on great music that isn’t available in that format.
All that being said, I still love vinyl!
I had an extensive CD collection. I started getting into vinyl a year ago. I kept all of my CD’s and I am slowly picking up every album I have on CD. For me, the best places are yard sales and flea markets. Also, someone else said let ppl know you collect, everyone knows I collect and I get calls all the time from friends when someone passes in their family asking if I want to go through their old albums.
I still have a ton of CDs and still buy them occasionally. Albums I already own on CD are definitely low on my list of things to get on vinyl. Only if it's a real favorite and I find a good deal will I double dip.
For a vid that is directed to new collectors, I feel you left out a very important decision when buying records. And that is record condition. (placed above keep it clean) Obviously, I am discussing buying used vinyl. You have seen what some offer at garage sales or even a less scrupulous record store that places. These frisbees can discourage a new collector.
Those sales booths in antique markets are often the source of hidden gems & also most sellers will negotiate the price as they have monthly rent to pay & vinyl is a secondary part of their booth.
There can be deals at the antique markets for sure. Thanks for the comment!
Frank
Great advice Frank !! its all about the music... not the collection -Keep on spinning !!!
"I didn't think records sounded that good" - this comes quite often and yet hard to believe. I grew up in late 70s - early 80s, in a poorer corner of the world, yet we the kids certainly knew the difference between decent and "fifty-dollar" gear. Few families could afford it, but almost anyone knew someone else who could, and had a chance to listen to the real thing.
...Funny But It sound like my story! Same story..👍😁🕺
Yes, analog is totally "equipment dependent " , cheap equipment=cheap sound ! Expensive equipment = jaw dropping sound!
@@analoguecity3454 To a degree. There is a price point, where it's just bragging rights. A $50 turntable is going to sound like crap. A $400 turntable is going to sound great. A $5000 is probably going to sound as good as a $400 turntable. You're better off spending money on your cartridge and stylus than you are on a turntable.
@@AndyP126 There is still a big difference between a $400 and $5000 turntable in terms of sound.
@@HNLAUN32 Mostly because of the cartridge and stylus they provide. You can get 99% there by upgrading your catridge/stylus.
It’s actually not a bad hustle to resell vinyl if you know every artist that you buy into, there always will be demand for a limited edition or a colored vinyl. Especially if there’s a shortage. What sellers tend to do is bump the prizes. As i said not a bad hustle just be patient
Thankyou for the mention , this is why you are such a great channel, now I can quit my job because I was mention on channel 33 rpm lol
Have a good week!
Great video! I started collecting records in the early 1980s and continued through the early 90s before getting back into it in 2005. I held on to most of collection and am glad to get back into it. I love that younger people are excited about this hobby. I do think that there is a lot of snobbery around hat people play their records on and where they purchase their music which is unfortunate but I think programs like yours help offset that type of thinking. Nice job!
good video i started in the 70s my first lp was ten cc in 1973 still have it
Being a record collector since the late 60's moving to cd's in the late 80's 90's & early 2000 then back to records in the last 10 years i have a big collection of original & re-issue pressings.
Because of discogs and the obsession of people having the original pressing the difference between prices of 2nd hand & new is not that great. I would rather buy a new clean re-issue because its all
about the music not the value of the catalog number.
Good point.
I love this! Thank you so much! I'm new to the hobby; I got myself into record collecting about a year ago and have pretty much enjoyed every second of it. I don't have a huge sum of money to spend on vinyl and gear. I've got my relatively inexpensive turntable connected to my 5.1 home theater system and I think it sounds great! I'm loving the sound of vinyl and have some real gems in my little collection. One of the best ones that I have is an original Broadway cast recording of The Music Man. My five-year-old daughter LOVES it when I play that record and always asks me to dance with her. I picked it up from a second-hand store and it's not perfect, but it provides us with lots of enjoyment. I really have a hard time with the elitists who tell people not to buy this or that turntable or to only look for certain pressings and other overly pedantic pursuits. I have to take what they say with a grain of salt and remember that they have their opinion and that does not mean that they are absolutely right. My niece has a suitcase player and she spins her Kiss records on it and I think that's great. She doesn't have money or space for a nice rig, but she's getting exposure to good music and learning to take care of physical things. That's something that's kind of lost on folks who have only ever experienced music by download.
Now I’m hearing about these UHQR pressings that are coming out that cost up to $150. They get you by running about 10,000 copies and that’s it. Then you feel like if you don’t buy now, you’ll cry later. This can be a very expensive rabbit hole to go down.
It's simple, buy what you like.
Almost 30 and getting into records, got to sort through Mom and Dads collections and got a lot of good OG pressings, parents never knew how DIRTY records got and Ive started to clean my collection and show them the water after about 4 records and its almost black. CLEAN your records people. you really dont know how much gunk is on them.
I agree with it all. Buying only what I love or super cheap and I can try new stuff without losing a bunch of $.
My biggest tip is do your setup how you want. At the end of the day it doesn't matter if you've got a 100 dollar audio Technica table with entry level speakers. As long as you enjoy listening to the music that's all that matters. Another is for storage at first a milk crate is ok but eventually you should invest in a nice shelf
My best advice don't take record collecting to seriously. Too many people seem to have thier ego wrapped up in this hobby . It's a hobby that sometimes invites a bunch of arbitrary elitism. No pressing is ever good enough, No gear is ever good enough.You fall into a game of spending lots of money on constant upgrades for both records and gear., These ppl are NOT really enjoying the hobby. Too many collectors fall into the trap chasing perfection that doesn't really exist. I think this is what Frank mean when he said "have fun"
Commandments sounds so Biblical!... But with Vinyl, I follow ALL of these, Amen!
However, with CDs, not so much. I'll pick up stuff that I will rarely listen to just to be a completest with certain artists, and with 7000+ CD titles, I'm guilty of quantity (but quality is in there too).
It's really addictive I spend ~200€/month at my local Store but I always keep in mind that I have to buy food too.
I bought record of a 1970 high school band camp. I got it for 50 cents at a thrift shop. I got it because I am in a community band with some people on the record. It is a fun listen.
Ah...a fellow Canadian, much has changed since growing up in the seventies, we had numerous record stores all over Calgary, like Kelly's or A&A records, Sam the record man (yes that was an actual store name) and I would spend a good portion of my time out shopping with the family in these stores, at the moment there is only one record store chain in Canada (sunshine records). Ever since the internet happened we saw the slow decline of many businesses falling by the wayside as the result of people using the internet to get music be it through downloading it legally or not and as a result a lot of the music industry is now non existent even more so for the artists that made the music in the first place and with the pandemic occurring the public cant go to see their favorite bands when they would come to town. All we have now are memories of a time that is almost at the end...and I hope it isn't.
I started "collecting" at a time when there was no other way to access music other than the radio. That has kept up with me so that now I buy what I can't get any other way (I don't like streaming). I have a number of albums that aren't available on Spotify so there you go.
This is a good point -- I am often surprised by the albums I own (records and CDs) that are not available via the streaming services.
Frank
When you look at the condition of albums check for warping.
Covers & surface is obvious but warping vinyl is often overlooked and unnoticed.
Good tips.
If you have a target where you live, the Hayday player is very good to start with and it under $100
Heyday
Excellent point buy what your going to listen to; learn how to read the dead wax and pay attention to the bargain bin. When building a system spend the most money you can on your speakers that’s where the sound comes from; buy separates and if you have to take your time putting it together
👍🤠My advice: Tune U're ear!! Meaning listen to a CD, a casette and the Grandmother for just folks an 8 track; if U can get U're hands on one and HEAR the harmonic differences!! I know Hot rods', muscle car folks that have 8 tracks and cassette players for the era!! And if U're lucky someone with an old reel to reel. Pragmatic advice Frank and enjoyed!!
Good video. Sound advice
Thanks for watching!
When I started collecting my records in the late 70’s early 80’s that was one format that was available for listening there was no social media or You tube (only Hit Parader for those who remember). The only people that had good vinyl gear were the adults and older teens, listening to my records on my parents Magnavox player sounded great to me. (Ceramic cart)😬
So if your building your stash of vinyls start small like in prior comments and if you don’t have a record player, preowned ones and open box players are a great deal and some still with factory warranty.
Keep the format alive!!
Oh man... when I got into music in the 80s, Hit Parader and Circus were my bibles. I still have most of my original magazines in a box.
Frank
@@Channel33RPM that’s cool!
I forgot to mention Circus . Where has all the time gone! I still remember the first album I bought was the first Kiss album. Then I went on a trip with my parents to Mexico City and made my dad walk 12 blocks with me to find the Kiss individual albums that came out in 78.
Now that I think back I was kinda crazy.😝
I don’t collect vinyl. I listen to , and have a small collection of, RECORDS! Lol
I just want playable copies of my favorite music/bands. I don’t care about what pressing, what batch,, just as long as it runs good. I’m too poor to be a collector.
Ps,, a ceramic cart player can sound good, if you know how to deal with them,, ie’ , if you know how to wire things up yourself. (Tinkering). (Tip) you can find some amps that have a phono input that accommodates both types of cartridges.
My advice (and this is much like the advice you give to gardeners) is start collecting 35 years ago. They were practically giving away records. People were stupidly dumping their collections to buy overpriced CDs. All those 50 - 100 buck albums were going for $3.99 or less. It was a golden age of vinyl consumerism and if you kept all your records from back then (which so many people didn't do), you have an impressive collection that you couldn't afford now, if you won two lotteries.
So true. I started collecting in 1970 and have over 5000 LPS. All those reissues from that era that people buy now , I bought the originals when they were first released.
I would say don’t be afraid to experiment and buy some albums blind, may not be a good tip for a beginner, but overall bling buys are a great way to discover new music and expand the collection in weird ways. At the same time though, going to your money point, I never do a blind buy that’s more than $10, helps my wallet if I end up not digging the album
Today's *hot-off-the-presses* latest release *must-have* album is tomorrow's bargain box filler at second-hand book & record shops.
the unwanted albums
Whenever I buy records on ebay I only buy ones that have been tested. Too many times you get what you pay for. I've found that a lot of sellers are in the same price range even if they are tested.
If all you can afford is a Crosley, wait and save until you can afford a better table!
Could I be so bold as to add another? That's 'Be Adventurous' For example, I'm sure we all at some point have bought a record just for for the artwork. Now sometimes, it's a piece of crud, but hey, you can sell it on again. And sometimes is a gem that introduces you to a whole new World of musical delights. Or, you're in a strange city, you go into the local record store and ask the guy, hey what's happening here, and he points you to something new and exciting.
Everything is based on what you can afford. From equipment to vinyl. I always find used, do research (most time spent). Look for sales on vinyl. Target has buy two albums get the third free. Or Walmart has 15.00 records. Thrifting for vinyl is the most fun. I have found over a hundred albums for 99 cents each. But keep your standards high. You can find near mint albums at Goodwill. Keep records clean. Frank love your channel. Peace love and rock and roll ✌️
Privately owned record stores are the best, I'm lucky, im in Rochester N.Y where we have the Legendary House of Guitars...also The Record Archive. And my favorite good friends of mine The Bop Shop..check em out..these are the only places i buy from unless i see the " deals" on new stuff.
Great Advice. I’m 52 and have been collecting since the age of 10 or so. Buying my own since about15 years old. Now I’m happy to have been able to pass on the bug over to my son who’s’ first record was a Red 45 of The Beatles Paperback Writer. Now, other than Beatles, he’s into Genesis, Talk Talk, Jamiroquai and host of many others.
He started out playing his records on my Technics 1200. I had 3 so he bought the third from me.
So cool that we both share the love of music on vinyl!
I do both I buy what I love and what I won’t have trouble selling someday! 2 birds one stone! But my plan isn’t perfect!
I agree with the list, good advise. Just don't let record snob influence what you need in your collection. Also stay away from Discogs, you will be more disappointed than happy with what you end up with...the return process is also a pain, and some sellers very dishonest. Yes I'm bitter, I lost $200 on an Alice Cooper Billion Dollar Babies so called archive/never played record. The seller lied about the condition, it wasn't even worth $1.00. I was promised to be reimbursed once I re-sent the record (on my dime) ...sent it back and eventually I was ignored and lost $$$. Discogs said they couldn't help and Paypal wouldn't help.
Oh, that sucks. Sorry to hear. The unscrupulous sellers ruin it for the good ones.
Frank
As usual Frank, you hit all the top topics on this subject. Keep within your wallet, take your time and have fun and enjoy the music you like.
I just recently bought a new record, a very rare event in my life as it is today.
My rules include:
Never pay more than $2 for any record unless it is something you KNOW you will like.
Always use a turntable and cartridge good enough that you can hear why records are inferior to CDs.
Down here in New Zealand..new reieases are $60..TO $100.00 DOLLARS NOW ..Thats going to change things now...
That's up there ... getting costly.
My advice would be to buy cd’s. Saves you a lot of annoyance with warped, scratched, noisy, static, bad sounding records... If you’re not willing to comply > do your homework before buying. Investigate what’s on your list in terms of sound and pressing quality. Believe me; there’s a lot of garbage on the vinyl market and it will save you a lot of money...
Great video. I just got into records recently and started with a Victrola suitcase player. Dumped that for a Crosley Dansette Bermuda with a pretty decent AT-3600 diamond stylus and way better cartridge than on the Victrola. The built in speakers sound alright but I also go RCA out to a Crosley Fleetwood CD player that has some nice ported speakers. The 4 speakers together make for a great listening experience IMO. About that 1st rule. I lucked out with my 3rd record purchase. A used copy of Zeppelin II in great condition that sounds excellent compared to my 2016 Germany Zeppelin IV. . Looked it up on Discogs and turns out its a Robert Ludwig "hot" copy from Monarch pressing and the median price is $187...I paid $26 for it in a local used record store. My Zeppelin debut is apparently a slightly sought after copy too, its also a Monarch press from 69, the one that has the incorrect time for How many more times on the back cover. Anyways, I do plan to only buy what Im going to listen to and only 60s to early 90s. Seems the quality for records drops way off after that. I tend to go 60s-70s for records, 80s is cassettes thru my Crosley Boombox, 90s to early 00s CD thru the Crosley Fleetwood and then I stream Tidal on my iMac with Bose system for most my newer music. I love having the different formats as they all vary in listening experience thru the various players. Thanks
Don't buy new digital recordings (or digitally remastered analogue ones) in vinyl unless perhaps there is a special mastering for LPs. These recordings sound by far better in CD, SACD, DVD/A and Blu Ray Audio.
Yes. Buy what you love. I’ve been buying cassettes that I adore front to back. If I would skip more than one track per side, I skip it. Plus, after enough plays I find myself understanding more clearly the importance of the tracks I used to skip while listening digitally. Anyone have an album recommendation released on cassette that has no skips? I love discogs. But I also really love finding gems locally from second hand stores or record shops.
Good advice for everyone Frank! Love what you can afford as far as gear goes.i gave up watching all those reviews for shiny new equipment. I've had my TT since high school and love the automatic features of it which many newer models don't have at all. I've upgraded my speakers which might not have been necessary but I felt my old ones were lacking in definition and am glad I did. Buy what you like is right on advice. If you like it you'll play it more often. Don't over buy either. As we get older lifestyles change. We have kids, a home to care for as well as your job. These can cut into your time to listen and enjoy your record collection. I'm 64 now and the majority of my collection was bought in my high school and university years. I treasure them..... but have little time to listen to them. Maybe once I retire? Lol. Yes to take care of your collection. It's an investment that will hopefully last you for years to come. I'm going to make a cleaning station with my Spinclean one of these days.
Anyways..... keep on spinning Frank!!!
A big one for me (and something I can see you adhere to from just a few of your videos I've watched thus far) is to not be 100% only vinyl. AKA Vinyl Snob. I love vinyl myself and I would always try to buy music in that format first, but sometimes, that's just not possible. Example for me is the final Dio with Sabbath recording under the band name Heaven & Hell. I would love to have the album "The Devil You Know" on vinyl, but come on. It's ridiculously priced. I finally gave up and just ordered the CD on Amazon and it was about $15 and arrived in perfect condition and sealed still. I'm so happy I did this despite moving away from buying anything except vinyl. So, if you have to have it, it really doesn't matter if it's vinyl so much. Now, De La Soul albums are killing me as they're a small fortune each, but it'll happen.
Good solid advice. Your first tip rang truest. Like what you buy. It’s so easy to get caught buying “good deals” because we see it on discogs. Just get what you will listen to regularly. Thanks for the vids.
I only have three.
1. Do not buy online and buy LOCAL. Keep record stores alive. Digging through records is half the fun!
2. You don’t need to speed thousands on gear. At the very least a good stylus so you don’t ruin your precious records!
3. Take care of your records! Keep them clean and store them in a safe manner.
I waited a long time to get into Hi Fi and vinyl. I bought a Rega Planar 2, a Sprout 100, and Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 on stands. First Album was Diana Krall's Very best of. Track 3 Pick yourself up made the sound stage appear, I was blown away by how good that sounded. I plan on upgrading to a Nagaoka MP-110 cart in a month. and I pour over the reviews to get the songs I want, but as importantly the quality of pressing that will come alive. I will be upgrading my amp, and Speakers, as time goes by. But will keep buying good music off my list each payday. So it looks like I unwittingly was following those guidelines.
Your records will only sound as good as your system. Instead of buying tons of records and playing them on a cheap system, save your money and get a decent system---not just the turntable. Get a decent amplifier and speakers. It will pay off!
Frank, did you know that back in the 60's and 70's, We never said "vinyl" We had "record collections and album collections". We typically paid $5.99 each for them or $13.00 for a double LP. The term "vinyl" wasn't even a thought until the resurgence.
I think the term vinyl was popularized by DJs in the 90s. That said, I was recently reading some of the music magazines I bought in the 80s, and there were a few references to vinyl, which surprised me.. As a kid, snd as a teen, we called them records and tapes.
I agree I collect and buy what I like. I buy allot of pop music, EDM, and stuff. Allot of people try to tell me “you should buy this record” and it’s something I don’t even know nor care about. I have bought random records of different genres from artist I may know of but never heard and been very pleased with it.
My rule of thumb to anyone. Dont use a turntable that doesn't have a counterweight
nah, i say put that quarter on the head like it's 1981
I just put up a video on cleaning records with a low budget: Adventures in Low Budget Record Cleaning