My mum once asked me after she had bought me the Woodstock triple album when i was 15. Would i still be listening to this in 10 years? Guess what 50 years later...still have original record and still love it!!! One piece of advice/suggestion don't be frightened to take a holiday from listening/buying music. Don't feel guilty. There is a load of things in life to enjoy besides music. That don't cost as much, or are even free. Definitely enjoy the music you already have.
I like to keep my collection all killer, no filler. What I mean by that is only things that I PERSONALLY like, not what others think I should listen to. These days, I tend to do more research on the albums I buy, maybe take them out for a spin on Spotify first, then do my research on the quality of the pressing, and look for the cleanest record I can find, NM or M. My collection is eclectic and not what many people would even think I might have. My friends are always impressed with all the fun and exciting music they have never heard of and listening on my fully vintage, completely thrifted, gear. Last bit of advice, share your love with your friends and family, they'll appreciate being turned on to new or remembered music from the past.
I tend to agree , I really did downsize my collection recently .., that said I still have about 500 records that challenge me , that are part of rock history but may not float my boat but someday may click with me ..,
I also have killer, no filler and try to get as close to OG as possible. I keep it around 500-600 records and I'm always buying, selling, and trading. For example, I sold a bunch of records and tracked down an og US Pearl Jam Ten. Worth more to me than those filler records I sold.
To me a beginner needs to start with protecting the media. Make sure your turntable has adjustable tracking force and put a good stylus on it. Keep the record in good shape and it will continue to sound great as you upgrade the rest of your system.
Great advice. When I was starting out, the owner of a local hifi shop said, “no matter how much you spend on equipment, your biggest investment will be your records. So take care of them.”
Buying a record for the music seems to defeat the purpose of the vinyl community. I can't count the number of videos I've watched where all that is discussed is how much the presenter paid for his or her copy of a certain album. Some refuse to buy re-issues. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it says, to me anyway, that there are more reasons for buying records than just the music. I would also add, you don't really need all 12 (or whatever number released) variants of the same record. The king of the fomo cash grab is, of course, Dark Side of the Moon. I've been happy with my original copy since 1973. I don't need 47 different takes on the same album I've heard 500,000 times. The tips you've highlighted here are very helpful. Thanks Frank.
Amen, Frank. There is nothing exciting about shipping and packaging records for resell purposes. Had I wanted to do this, I would look to be a record store owner!
I can totally agree on not paying too much attention on records that everyone should own. Everyone is praising the heck out of the FleetwoodMac Rumors. I listened to it and it didn’t do anything for me. I love classic rock, but I never cared for that band. So like what was said before, only buy what you like and not what everyone thinks you should like.
Our collection is a size that we can still listen to the entire collection, currently about 620. My wife and I listen a lot, so we can make it through our entire collection in less than six months. When we add a record now, it’s kind of a big deal. Also, if you buy an upgradeable turntable like the Fluance RT 82, upgrade PLATTER first, then the cart. I did it the other way first, and many of my records were instantly unplayable the second I added the 2m blue, a far more sensitive cart than the om10 that came with the turntable. That took me down another whole record cleaning rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to save significant parts of my collection, not realizing that my records weren’t sitting flat in the first place! The acrylic platter fixed that problem instantly! All of my records play now, and they ARE a lot cleaner too! FYI, the spin clean is all you need, even for a collection my size! Make sure you are changing the brushes regularly, about every few months. Once you start to see a gap between the brushes, order another set. Also, don’t try and clean more than 10 records without changing the water. Then just make sure your stylus is clean! I gotta say, that platter upgrade was amazing!
Don't strive to be a "collector." "Collector" has the connotation that you must have certain things. If you collect stamps, there are certain ones you need to complete your collection. Coins, baseball cards, national park buttons, etc. Buy what you like, and you will end up with an "accumulation" of music you'll enjoy for a lifetime. I've always said I've accumulated a lot of music over the last 40 years, but I don't have a collection.
Great advice but I do have my own thoughts regarding these “Tips”. First, Yes do buy what You Yourself Enjoy not what others think you should be listening to. It is also healthy to occasionally take suggestions from others and buy something outside of your comfort zone. It’s called exploring & learning. Second disagreement was with Aki Tree & his/her “Tip” to “Buy what you Think you will Still Listen to in 10 years”. That’s sorta impossible as we mature we tend to reject some music from our past and embrace new music that is more to our listening style at present. I don’t enjoy my hardcore Industrial & repetitive Techno that I loved 25-30 yrs ago. I still own those cds & records but never really played anymore. There is music I purchase now that I would never have yrs ago. So don’t try to buy for the future too much. You never know ?? Last is ALWAYS remember to put some $$ into your audio system. I mean don’t spend $$ constantly on albums & cds with out considering upgrades & improvements to your audio gear. The music is only as good as how you hear it, this is too often ignored & sometimes shunned by record enthusiasts. You will definitely hear more details & less listening fatigue. Cheers 🍻.
Another good question might be is, how to best keep track of how many hours you have on your stylus? My situation may be more complicated as I have a few head shells I move between. Hi end stereo, hi end mono and a mid-range stereo cartridge I use for old beat up records.
Christmas this year got me into Vinyl. Wife knew I wanted a turntable and she killed it! AT LP70xBT with some powered Edifier Speakers. I have been going at it hard in this short time picking up records to start the collection. One of those I noticed a warp/wobble. Is there anyway to fix that warp/wobble?
Some great advice here. On gear, I realise it’s a risk but used gear is essential for those on a tight budget. Turntables from the heydays of record reproduction can be serviced easily and sound much better than cheap new decks. They have the added bonus of retaining 100% of their value, providing you look after them. So when it comes to upgrading you get all your investment back. If you can invest thousands for your record collection over the years, it’s definitely worth diverting some of the investment in the gear you use to play your records.
Don’t overthink things. Starting Record collecting goes like this - you go to a record shop (which might be online). You select something you think you’ll enjoy. You pay for it. You take it home. You listen to it, probably many times. At some future date you repeat the exercise. That’s it. Don’t listen to people that try to mystify or over complicate it. One thing though - your first records will probably become your favourite records in your whole collection. At least if you buy them for the right reasons.
i am so glad i watched this! i occasionally bought records since 2018 but as of a few weeks ago i started buying more since the purchase of discovery by daft punk. i also recently found my grandparents record player and the receiver that it came with
I would add, keep your stuff in alphabetical order by artist. It's no biggie when you have 12 albums. But over, say, 50 it gets important. I have almost 900 albums, so alphabetical helps.
As much as I avoid "The essential records etc" videos, I really enjoy watching the VC best of videos, best of a genre or year etc.. It's been my number one source of finding new (to me) quality music. So this one is more for seasoned collectors than new ones (maybe) but once you have the albums you like, you might want to get out there and discover new stuff (or not you might just be happy with what you have) My best latest find was Bohannon - Gittin off from 1976, really great album if you're more into soul, funk I also look around on Bandcamp sometimes, lots of great new stuff there too. Right now I have a list of about 56 records to listen to so that ought to keep me busy for a while... (hopefully I won't like all of them or my wallet is going to hurt badly)
Speaking of maintenance. Keep track of stylus play. Nothing major, unless you got an extra counter like bouncers have at clubs so they know how many people there is inside. But use it for hours of play. Or by side, or whole album counts. Which in turn leads to an easy upgrade if its a starter turntable. I've had an ATLP20 for probably 15 years now. Been in storage for 4 years, but could definitely use a fresh needle on it. I grew up with somewhat decent units. Of course my dad had the higher end Pioneer and later Kenwood system. He also like blasting music. So my crappy Lloyd's stereo with its BSR crapomatic record player. Until i ended up with, i think it was an Akai system. The photo of me when i was 6 is kinda blurry, so i can't really tell. Then got a Realistic. These were always a hand me down kinda thing. But always go with a fresh needle. Could very well be the first upgrade that will be the best benefit for the long run. My ultimate stereo would be a p.a. system to strip the paint off the walls. But honestly. I would be happy with a half ass shelf system that will do the job. Then i could add better speakers later. I've owned many setups for over 40 years. So settling what i can get for where i live is important. My parents house was far enough away that the neighbors could never hear the tunes cranked in the house. But kinda hard to do that now when there is another family living on the other side of the wall.
Re-bought Iron Maiden vinyls due to not having the regular version, have all pic disc of early records,NOTB w/Live Hammersmith is stellar and just got 2 versions of power slave(black and 40th anniversary edition),3 more to go,and they are not cheap! To the newbies...buy to, sell if have to, because you will re-buy, re-buy,re-buy!
I’m a quite experienced but young record collector, I would say to young collectors, look for old records mostly of albums you love, I’ve found many very cheap great records. And also I would make it nothing more than a simple hobby, it’s very cool, as a special interest of mine but it can get in the way of more important stuff. Well Jesus loves ya he died for ya God bless
Good advice. Re buy/listen to what you like, it is not limited to one's generation. There is lots of cool new stuff coming out. Go out and explore. I want to be the first in my community to find some cool new release rather than having some holy grail old stuff. Just found Necrø from Portugal. Dark electronic-industrial stuff, don't even have the wax yet (pre-ordered it). And I am 57, so an old Gen-X dude growing up on wave and punk. Videotraum from 2023 is also fantastic, and is not on streaming platforms. Keep on lookin'!
I bought Dark Side of the Moon because people on line were telling me to. Good album but just not into them that much. I would have been better off buying a greatest hits CD if they have one. Bought several Mofi 45RPM albums, all the Dire Straits, and don't like turning those albums every 8 minutes. Sound great but now I stick to the 33RPM albums.
I think you pretty much covered it my Brother! My one piece of advice you covered perfectly and that is purchase what you like and what you will listen to. Don't worry about Top 50 or 100 lists. I tried listening to some artists on those lists and some weren't my taste. My collection is what I like to listen to. Much of it is music from when I was a kid. Some Motown, Osmonds, Partridge Family and as I got a little older, Boston, Springsteen, Beatles, Billy Squier, George Michael and I also have Foo Fighters, Darius Rucker, Alanis Morrisette, Jelly Roll and much more. My plan was to have no more than what could fit in a six cube shelf. I am failing miserably. 🤣😉
I live by point #2. When buying vinyl, I only buy the albums I want. I am a CD guy and most of the albums I want, I already own on CD. I only buy vinyl if it's one of my personal all-time favorite albums or if it's a favorite band and they release a new album (even then I typically buy the CD). Ultimately, it's about the music on the physical format. I will buy vinyl to go on a journey. Nothing better than holding the large physical lyric sheet and listening along.
More advice…don’t just scan the barcode on discogs to add to collection. Different pressings could share the same barcode. Always double check everything.
Frank here is a question for U to do a video on where is the best place to store your records like for example the basement & what should the temperature be in the room for your records
Ideally store them next to a radiator with a leaking pipe above them, I'm pretty sure that's right looking at the state of the records in charity/goodwill shops!
In my humble imagination, there's nothing wrong with having "too many records", worrying about "what I'll be listening to in a year, five years, ten years",etc....focus on what's out there, now, if it looks good, get it (especially used)...of course, your mileage may vary, room allowance, and so on.. And yes...ENJOY your hobby/lifestyle/obsession...!
Sound Advise Frank....buy what you like, not what others tell you to buy. RSD is a tricky one and the list can sometimes tantalise you into feeling FOMO. My only advice to a new vinyl collector would be - buy an album, play it all-together, so side A and B - It was made that way for you to listen. Enjoy, try headphones and play it again after its finished.....aahh the good old days !!
As music from my own generation is concerned, I like Billie Eilish and have heard good things about The Warning. I discovered Christone "Kingfish" Ingram a couple years ago when he released his signature Tele Deluxe. He's the first ever Gen Z blues player I've heard and has a mixture of blues and rock greats as his influences. I picked up 662 on RSD 2023.
The advice I'd give to other people ( only if they asked me for it ) is pretty much what some of your viewers & you Frank pretty much said from the start - " Buy records that you want & Love. Don't buy records that others tell you to because of different taste in your passion for the Music , Artwork etc ". That's my opinion & advice to everyone. Also Frank , I hope that you & all of your viewers have a wonderful New Years Eve & Day. As for me , I'll be drinking Champagne with my wife & I'll Keep on Spinning !!! 🎊 HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE 🎊
The comment about buying what you like applies to today. Back in the day when I was younger, it was not always possible as we didn't have the Internet. We had to rely on the radio, TV, and reviews in the music press. Thankfully, most items I purchased I liked. I was fortunate as there were maybe up to 3 items I wasn't keen on.
This might sound strange. The only reason i bought records was to listen to them. I bought all the records i needed back in the 60's and 70's. I mostly listen to instrumental popular music, some classical and vocal. The quality control of manufacturing records back then was very high. As a result many were recorded with the best equipment at the time. I only kept about 200 of my favourite records to listen to. This is all i need.. Each time there are new stylus tips invented, i hear more music on my old records as if they they are brand new. because the stylus plays a section of the groove wall that is not damaged.
My advice is to *consider* not collecting records. With today's prices, someone just starting out building a music collection should consider digital discs. They are cheaper to buy, consume less storage space & can sound at least as good as LPs. CDs are also fun to lend, with no fear of being scratched upon return. Some classic albums are appearing as Bluray discs with extra features not available elsewhere. The dollars you save (US or Canadian) on music can go toward buying a nicer disc player or DAC.
For new vinyl enthusiasts, especially if space is also an issue (along with budget), look into powered speakers and a turntable that has a phono preamp, rather than an all in on solution. It will sound better and has a more open path for upgrades Also, you could use the same powered speakers with a computer if you have one in the room. 2 usages for 1 product.
Hi great video👍 just wanted to know what your thoughts are about the new AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP70XBT? Up till now I have had a vintage Technics SL-BD 22D which broke down over Christmas 😢 and I can't find spare parts. So I am in the market for a new turntable and can't decide between the AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP70XBT & Pro-Ject Essential III. They have more or less the same price here in Italy or should i try saving my old vintage turntable. This could be an idea for a video for your canale Stay vintage or upgrade? Thanks and happy holidays.
Buy what you like, not what old collectors think are records "essential" to a collection. You wouldn't tell a car collector to buy a Honda Accord just because it's a car, don't tell someone to buy The Beatles/ Pink Floyd or any of the other old acts they like. Try new bands, you may find something you like.
If somebody's buying records as an "investment," with the idea of flipping them or storing them away because they might be more valuable someday, I have some swell superhero non-fungible tokens they might want to consider...
Advice for a new record collector? Enjoy your own journey with music and let the music take you where it takes you. Buy the groups that inspire you. Collectable records are nice, but collectability does not bring status. Only follow record collecting advice that makes sence to you.
@Channel33RPM Frank, this lyric has some advice from a slightly different point of view. It works best if you are sitting on a small piece of carpet facing your speakers while playing some music. "I like to dream, right between the sound machines. On a cloud of sound I drift through the night. Anyplace it goes is right. Fly far go near to the stars, away from here". Doing this, you can have your own personal magic carpet ride.
No advise to give. If you have a love for music. You are going to do what you want to do no matter what. Let the music help your mind soar to places where your body can't get to.
I started to move mine to discog and have decided to listen to the vinyl and load to discog that way I can say that I listen,loaded and filed. It's fun to enjoy my collection all over.
I can't agree with "things will get reissued", not at all. (spoiler: doomsday prophecies below) First, our own time is running out; some of you can easily wait another ten years, but for me the horizon is much closer. Second, reissues may be the case for mainstream Anglo-American catalogue, but one or two steps away from it and it's vintage or nothing. The populations that supported this or that music are dying out or dispersing, the people who cared after master tapes are dead and the master tapes are often lost.
Not a huge Beatles fan? That's it, sell all of your records, you're out of the vinyl community 😂 I tried in the beginning to collect what I like - the problem is I like too much. I had to narrow my focus on what I collect, otherwise I would have 10,000 records and be divorced.
I only buy records I want and like to listen to , I only what I can afford . If I miss a record I can wait for it to come round again . Happy new year everyone .
I think the very last thing you said is exactly right: Don't listen to other people's advice. And that's talking about you, because as I watched this video I was disagreeing with a lot of the things you said. I'm 63 and I have been surrounded by vinyl my entire life. I was the last of 8 kids with 4 older sisters, so records were all over the house before I even knew how to suck my thumb. I have well over 5000 records in my collection currently, and I make it a point to pull out music I haven't played in a while because there is so much great music on this planet My massive Beatles collection dominates the shelf directly under my record player, but there is so much more. My records cover so many genres, including obscure world music. Since I am also a musician, it's always good to know what else is out there. And I have discovered a lot of great music by taking chances and buying things I had no knowledge of beforehand. Buying records blind have led me to a lot of great sounds I would never have known about had I not taken the chance. When shopping for records, I'm always keeping an eye out for things new to me and different. If you just buy what you like, you'll never learn new things.
Frank, I got about 3 minutes into your video and I want to make a point of clarification about something you said about Record Store Day. Record Store Day is NOT about FOMO. Record Store Day was created as a way to encourage people to support their local independent record shops. They do this by offering the exclusive or semi-exclusive records but it's not because of FOMO, it's because independent record stores are at risk of going extinct. These days there are a million different places you can buy records at online without ever stepping foot inside of a record store and so the exclusive records are exclusive to these indie record stores so you are encouraged to go visit them. If someone doesn't think record stores are important then you can just skip the whole thing and buy online or wait for them to be repressed or whatever, but again... that's not the point of Record Store Day. I really wish people would stop bad mouthing Record Store Day.
My mum once asked me after she had bought me the Woodstock triple album when i was 15. Would i still be listening to this in 10 years? Guess what 50 years later...still have original record and still love it!!! One piece of advice/suggestion don't be frightened to take a holiday from listening/buying music. Don't feel guilty. There is a load of things in life to enjoy besides music. That don't cost as much, or are even free. Definitely enjoy the music you already have.
I like to keep my collection all killer, no filler. What I mean by that is only things that I PERSONALLY like, not what others think I should listen to. These days, I tend to do more research on the albums I buy, maybe take them out for a spin on Spotify first, then do my research on the quality of the pressing, and look for the cleanest record I can find, NM or M. My collection is eclectic and not what many people would even think I might have. My friends are always impressed with all the fun and exciting music they have never heard of and listening on my fully vintage, completely thrifted, gear. Last bit of advice, share your love with your friends and family, they'll appreciate being turned on to new or remembered music from the past.
Great approach.
I tend to agree , I really did downsize my collection recently .., that said I still have about 500 records that challenge me , that are part of rock history but may not float my boat but someday may click with me ..,
I also have killer, no filler and try to get as close to OG as possible. I keep it around 500-600 records and I'm always buying, selling, and trading. For example, I sold a bunch of records and tracked down an og US Pearl Jam Ten. Worth more to me than those filler records I sold.
@@TheHSIHP I managed to pick up an OG Vs myself, great deal and a jewel in the collection.
@@andrewpannelli8016 fantastic! Love that record. I saw them on that tour.
Happy New Year to you Frank, hope its better than the last one.
To me a beginner needs to start with protecting the media. Make sure your turntable has adjustable tracking force and put a good stylus on it. Keep the record in good shape and it will continue to sound great as you upgrade the rest of your system.
Great advice. When I was starting out, the owner of a local hifi shop said, “no matter how much you spend on equipment, your biggest investment will be your records. So take care of them.”
@ So true. A bad speaker or amp won’t ruin your records. A bad TT/Stylus can.
Great vid my friend. Thanks for the shout out and happy New Years to you and the fam!!! \m/
Thanks for using my comment, Frank!! Happy Holidays to you and the fam!!
Dont buy records for street cred Beth lol
Happy New Year to you and your family, Beth. Thanks for leaving the comment.
Buying a record for the music seems to defeat the purpose of the vinyl community. I can't count the number of videos I've watched where all that is discussed is how much the presenter paid for his or her copy of a certain album. Some refuse to buy re-issues. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it says, to me anyway, that there are more reasons for buying records than just the music.
I would also add, you don't really need all 12 (or whatever number released) variants of the same record. The king of the fomo cash grab is, of course, Dark Side of the Moon. I've been happy with my original copy since 1973. I don't need 47 different takes on the same album I've heard 500,000 times. The tips you've highlighted here are very helpful. Thanks Frank.
Amen, Frank. There is nothing exciting about shipping and packaging records for resell purposes. Had I wanted to do this, I would look to be a record store owner!
You got that right!
I can totally agree on not paying too much attention on records that everyone should own. Everyone is praising the heck out of the FleetwoodMac Rumors. I listened to it and it didn’t do anything for me. I love classic rock, but I never cared for that band. So like what was said before, only buy what you like and not what everyone thinks you should like.
Great video to watch while on a roadtrip to the nearest record store 🤘
I hope you found some gems!
Our collection is a size that we can still listen to the entire collection, currently about 620. My wife and I listen a lot, so we can make it through our entire collection in less than six months. When we add a record now, it’s kind of a big deal. Also, if you buy an upgradeable turntable like the Fluance RT 82, upgrade PLATTER first, then the cart. I did it the other way first, and many of my records were instantly unplayable the second I added the 2m blue, a far more sensitive cart than the om10 that came with the turntable. That took me down another whole record cleaning rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to save significant parts of my collection, not realizing that my records weren’t sitting flat in the first place! The acrylic platter fixed that problem instantly! All of my records play now, and they ARE a lot cleaner too! FYI, the spin clean is all you need, even for a collection my size! Make sure you are changing the brushes regularly, about every few months. Once you start to see a gap between the brushes, order another set. Also, don’t try and clean more than 10 records without changing the water. Then just make sure your stylus is clean! I gotta say, that platter upgrade was amazing!
Don't strive to be a "collector." "Collector" has the connotation that you must have certain things. If you collect stamps, there are certain ones you need to complete your collection. Coins, baseball cards, national park buttons, etc. Buy what you like, and you will end up with an "accumulation" of music you'll enjoy for a lifetime. I've always said I've accumulated a lot of music over the last 40 years, but I don't have a collection.
Great advice but I do have my own thoughts regarding these “Tips”. First, Yes do buy what You Yourself Enjoy not what others think you should be listening to. It is also healthy to occasionally take suggestions from others and buy something outside of your comfort zone. It’s called exploring & learning. Second disagreement was with Aki Tree & his/her “Tip” to “Buy what you Think you will Still Listen to in 10 years”. That’s sorta impossible as we mature we tend to reject some music from our past and embrace new music that is more to our listening style at present. I don’t enjoy my hardcore Industrial & repetitive Techno that I loved 25-30 yrs ago. I still own those cds & records but never really played anymore. There is music I purchase now that I would never have yrs ago. So don’t try to buy for the future too much. You never know ?? Last is ALWAYS remember to put some $$ into your audio system. I mean don’t spend $$ constantly on albums & cds with out considering upgrades & improvements to your audio gear. The music is only as good as how you hear it, this is too often ignored & sometimes shunned by record enthusiasts. You will definitely hear more details & less listening fatigue. Cheers 🍻.
Another good question might be is, how to best keep track of how many hours you have on your stylus? My situation may be more complicated as I have a few head shells I move between. Hi end stereo, hi end mono and a mid-range stereo cartridge I use for old beat up records.
Christmas this year got me into Vinyl. Wife knew I wanted a turntable and she killed it! AT LP70xBT with some powered Edifier Speakers. I have been going at it hard in this short time picking up records to start the collection. One of those I noticed a warp/wobble. Is there anyway to fix that warp/wobble?
Some great advice here. On gear, I realise it’s a risk but used gear is essential for those on a tight budget. Turntables from the heydays of record reproduction can be serviced easily and sound much better than cheap new decks. They have the added bonus of retaining 100% of their value, providing you look after them. So when it comes to upgrading you get all your investment back.
If you can invest thousands for your record collection over the years, it’s definitely worth diverting some of the investment in the gear you use to play your records.
Don’t overthink things. Starting Record collecting goes like this - you go to a record shop (which might be online). You select something you think you’ll enjoy. You pay for it. You take it home. You listen to it, probably many times. At some future date you repeat the exercise. That’s it. Don’t listen to people that try to mystify or over complicate it.
One thing though - your first records will probably become your favourite records in your whole collection. At least if you buy them for the right reasons.
I like to still be surprised and have the first experience in vinyl, but what I do is sample maybe a min of a song. If I like the vibe, I buy it.
i am so glad i watched this! i occasionally bought records since 2018 but as of a few weeks ago i started buying more since the purchase of discovery by daft punk. i also recently found my grandparents record player and the receiver that it came with
That's awesome! I hope you enjoy the journey.
I would add, keep your stuff in alphabetical order by artist. It's no biggie when you have 12 albums. But over, say, 50 it gets important. I have almost 900 albums, so alphabetical helps.
As much as I avoid "The essential records etc" videos, I really enjoy watching the VC best of videos, best of a genre or year etc..
It's been my number one source of finding new (to me) quality music.
So this one is more for seasoned collectors than new ones (maybe) but once you have the albums you like, you might want to get out there and discover new stuff (or not you might just be happy with what you have)
My best latest find was Bohannon - Gittin off from 1976, really great album if you're more into soul, funk
I also look around on Bandcamp sometimes, lots of great new stuff there too.
Right now I have a list of about 56 records to listen to so that ought to keep me busy for a while... (hopefully I won't like all of them or my wallet is going to hurt badly)
Speaking of maintenance. Keep track of stylus play. Nothing major, unless you got an extra counter like bouncers have at clubs so they know how many people there is inside. But use it for hours of play. Or by side, or whole album counts.
Which in turn leads to an easy upgrade if its a starter turntable. I've had an ATLP20 for probably 15 years now. Been in storage for 4 years, but could definitely use a fresh needle on it.
I grew up with somewhat decent units. Of course my dad had the higher end Pioneer and later Kenwood system. He also like blasting music. So my crappy Lloyd's stereo with its BSR crapomatic record player. Until i ended up with, i think it was an Akai system. The photo of me when i was 6 is kinda blurry, so i can't really tell. Then got a Realistic. These were always a hand me down kinda thing. But always go with a fresh needle. Could very well be the first upgrade that will be the best benefit for the long run.
My ultimate stereo would be a p.a. system to strip the paint off the walls. But honestly. I would be happy with a half ass shelf system that will do the job. Then i could add better speakers later. I've owned many setups for over 40 years. So settling what i can get for where i live is important. My parents house was far enough away that the neighbors could never hear the tunes cranked in the house. But kinda hard to do that now when there is another family living on the other side of the wall.
Re-bought Iron Maiden vinyls due to not having the regular version, have all pic disc of early records,NOTB w/Live Hammersmith is stellar and just got 2 versions of power slave(black and 40th anniversary edition),3 more to go,and they are not cheap!
To the newbies...buy to, sell if have to, because you will re-buy, re-buy,re-buy!
I’m a quite experienced but young record collector, I would say to young collectors, look for old records mostly of albums you love, I’ve found many very cheap great records. And also I would make it nothing more than a simple hobby, it’s very cool, as a special interest of mine but it can get in the way of more important stuff. Well Jesus loves ya he died for ya God bless
Discogs! Great sponsor. I need to catalog my collection, but at least 1/3, maybe more, don't have bar codes. A major task with at least 4,000 lps.
Good advice. Re buy/listen to what you like, it is not limited to one's generation. There is lots of cool new stuff coming out. Go out and explore. I want to be the first in my community to find some cool new release rather than having some holy grail old stuff. Just found Necrø from Portugal. Dark electronic-industrial stuff, don't even have the wax yet (pre-ordered it). And I am 57, so an old Gen-X dude growing up on wave and punk. Videotraum from 2023 is also fantastic, and is not on streaming platforms. Keep on lookin'!
My rule is I do not need every album on vinyl from any artist. Not a cmpletist.
I bought Dark Side of the Moon because people on line were telling me to. Good album but just not into them that much. I would have been better off buying a greatest hits CD if they have one. Bought several Mofi 45RPM albums, all the Dire Straits, and don't like turning those albums every 8 minutes. Sound great but now I stick to the 33RPM albums.
I think you pretty much covered it my Brother! My one piece of advice you covered perfectly and that is purchase what you like and what you will listen to. Don't worry about Top 50 or 100 lists. I tried listening to some artists on those lists and some weren't my taste.
My collection is what I like to listen to. Much of it is music from when I was a kid. Some Motown, Osmonds, Partridge Family and as I got a little older, Boston, Springsteen, Beatles, Billy Squier, George Michael and I also have Foo Fighters, Darius Rucker, Alanis Morrisette, Jelly Roll and much more. My plan was to have no more than what could fit in a six cube shelf. I am failing miserably. 🤣😉
I live by point #2. When buying vinyl, I only buy the albums I want. I am a CD guy and most of the albums I want, I already own on CD. I only buy vinyl if it's one of my personal all-time favorite albums or if it's a favorite band and they release a new album (even then I typically buy the CD). Ultimately, it's about the music on the physical format. I will buy vinyl to go on a journey. Nothing better than holding the large physical lyric sheet and listening along.
More advice…don’t just scan the barcode on discogs to add to collection. Different pressings could share the same barcode. Always double check everything.
Excellent point.
If I really want an album, I get the CD. 📀 Used vinyl LPs were my way of testing music I may not have been open to.
Frank here is a question for U to do a video on where is the best place to store your records like for example the basement & what should the temperature be in the room for your records
Ideally store them next to a radiator with a leaking pipe above them, I'm pretty sure that's right looking at the state of the records in charity/goodwill shops!
In my humble imagination, there's nothing wrong with having "too many records", worrying about "what I'll be listening to in a year, five years, ten years",etc....focus on what's out there, now, if it looks good, get it (especially used)...of course, your mileage may vary, room allowance, and so on..
And yes...ENJOY your hobby/lifestyle/obsession...!
Sound Advise Frank....buy what you like, not what others tell you to buy. RSD is a tricky one and the list can sometimes tantalise you into feeling FOMO. My only advice to a new vinyl collector would be - buy an album, play it all-together, so side A and B - It was made that way for you to listen. Enjoy, try headphones and play it again after its finished.....aahh the good old days !!
Good tip Graham... playing an album all the way through is becoming a thing of the past, in too many respects.
As music from my own generation is concerned, I like Billie Eilish and have heard good things about The Warning. I discovered Christone "Kingfish" Ingram a couple years ago when he released his signature Tele Deluxe. He's the first ever Gen Z blues player I've heard and has a mixture of blues and rock greats as his influences. I picked up 662 on RSD 2023.
The advice I'd give to other people
( only if they asked me for it ) is pretty much what some of your viewers & you Frank pretty much said from the start - " Buy records that you want & Love. Don't buy records that others tell you to because of different taste in your passion for the Music , Artwork etc ". That's my opinion & advice to everyone.
Also Frank , I hope that you & all of your viewers have a wonderful New Years Eve & Day.
As for me , I'll be drinking Champagne with my wife & I'll Keep on Spinning !!!
🎊 HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE 🎊
Happy New Year's David. All the best!
@Channel33RPM - Thank you Frank. Best Wishes Now & Always 🎊 🍾 🎊
The comment about buying what you like applies to today. Back in the day when I was younger, it was not always possible as we didn't have the Internet. We had to rely on the radio, TV, and reviews in the music press. Thankfully, most items I purchased I liked. I was fortunate as there were maybe up to 3 items I wasn't keen on.
Absolutely - the internet makes it so easy now to sample before buying (and even researching information and reviews about specific pressings).
This might sound strange. The only reason i bought records was to listen to them. I bought all the records i needed back in the 60's and 70's. I mostly listen to instrumental popular music, some classical and vocal. The quality control of manufacturing records back then was very high. As a result many were recorded with the best equipment at the time. I only kept about 200 of my favourite records to listen to. This is all i need.. Each time there are new stylus tips invented, i hear more music on my old records as if they they are brand new. because the stylus plays a section of the groove wall that is not damaged.
proud to have over 650 records in my collection but 0 led zepplin, beatles or rolling stones records.
Is there any way to enter records that don’t have a barcode on discogs?
You have to enter those manually.... I usually start by inputting the catalog number.
My advice is to *consider* not collecting records. With today's prices, someone just starting out building a music collection should consider digital discs. They are cheaper to buy, consume less storage space & can sound at least as good as LPs. CDs are also fun to lend, with no fear of being scratched upon return. Some classic albums are appearing as Bluray discs with extra features not available elsewhere. The dollars you save (US or Canadian) on music can go toward buying a nicer disc player or DAC.
For new vinyl enthusiasts, especially if space is also an issue (along with budget), look into powered speakers and a turntable that has a phono preamp, rather than an all in on solution.
It will sound better and has a more open path for upgrades
Also, you could use the same powered speakers with a computer if you have one in the room.
2 usages for 1 product.
Boxer - Below the belt.
Hi great video👍 just wanted to know what your thoughts are about the new AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP70XBT? Up till now I have had a vintage Technics SL-BD 22D which broke down over Christmas 😢 and I can't find spare parts. So I am in the market for a new turntable and can't decide between the AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LP70XBT & Pro-Ject Essential III. They have more or less the same price here in Italy or should i try saving my old vintage turntable. This could be an idea for a video for your canale Stay vintage or upgrade? Thanks and happy holidays.
Good question and suggestion. I have never tried an LP70. Maybe I'll get my hands on one in 2025.
Does the last bonus comment negate the video?! 🤔 😉
Indeed it does.
@@Channel33RPM Right on. 👊
#6: Don't think as records as an "investment" (meaning money). It's an "investment" in your human and artistic interests and that's enough.
All good. Buy what you like.
What if your record does not have a bar code
Then you will have to inout the record manually. I usually start with the catalog number, which can usually be found on the spine.
Gily Beck!! He hasn't been active for long time. Say hello if you see him.
I miss seeing Gil's videos. He is doing well though - we still text often.
Solid advice even for us old collectors. I've always told new collectors to just buy what you like.
That's the best tip, for sure!
I would say only buy stuff that I say to buy...i am the best.
Buy what you like, not what old collectors think are records "essential" to a collection. You wouldn't tell a car collector to buy a Honda Accord just because it's a car, don't tell someone to buy The Beatles/ Pink Floyd or any of the other old acts they like.
Try new bands, you may find something you like.
If somebody's buying records as an "investment," with the idea of flipping them or storing them away because they might be more valuable someday, I have some swell superhero non-fungible tokens they might want to consider...
My advice do not start if you’re not gonna put the time in for the long run
Advice for a new record collector? Enjoy your own journey with music and let the music take you where it takes you. Buy the groups that inspire you. Collectable records are nice, but collectability does not bring status. Only follow record collecting advice that makes sence to you.
Couldn't agree more!
@Channel33RPM Frank, this lyric has some advice from a slightly different point of view.
It works best if you are sitting on a small piece of carpet facing your speakers while playing some music.
"I like to dream, right between the sound machines. On a cloud of sound I drift through the night. Anyplace it goes is right. Fly far go near to the stars, away from here".
Doing this, you can have your own personal magic carpet ride.
No advise to give. If you have a love for music. You are going to do what you want to do no matter what. Let the music help your mind soar to places where your body can't get to.
Just save all your money and dont collect anything.. and you can retire at 50... lol
Ha! Fair enough,
Then you'd be bored!
;)
Hey Frank. Great video and info! Cheers
Buy more Beatles, Stones and Zeppelin.
All good advice for sure but because of last advice given can no longer listen to that advice. LOL.
I started to move mine to discog and have decided to listen to the vinyl and load to discog that way I can say that I listen,loaded and filed. It's fun to enjoy my collection all over.
I can't agree with "things will get reissued", not at all.
(spoiler: doomsday prophecies below)
First, our own time is running out; some of you can easily wait another ten years, but for me the horizon is much closer.
Second, reissues may be the case for mainstream Anglo-American catalogue, but one or two steps away from it and it's vintage or nothing. The populations that supported this or that music are dying out or dispersing, the people who cared after master tapes are dead and the master tapes are often lost.
It's all common sense
Not a huge Beatles fan?
That's it, sell all of your records, you're out of the vinyl community 😂
I tried in the beginning to collect what I like - the problem is I like too much.
I had to narrow my focus on what I collect, otherwise I would have 10,000 records and be divorced.
I only buy records I want and like to listen to , I only what I can afford . If I miss a record I can wait for it to come round again . Happy new year everyone .
I think the very last thing you said is exactly right: Don't listen to other people's advice. And that's talking about you, because as I watched this video I was disagreeing with a lot of the things you said. I'm 63 and I have been surrounded by vinyl my entire life. I was the last of 8 kids with 4 older sisters, so records were all over the house before I even knew how to suck my thumb.
I have well over 5000 records in my collection currently, and I make it a point to pull out music I haven't played in a while because there is so much great music on this planet My massive Beatles collection dominates the shelf directly under my record player, but there is so much more. My records cover so many genres, including obscure world music. Since I am also a musician, it's always good to know what else is out there. And I have discovered a lot of great music by taking chances and buying things I had no knowledge of beforehand. Buying records blind have led me to a lot of great sounds I would never have known about had I not taken the chance. When shopping for records, I'm always keeping an eye out for things new to me and different. If you just buy what you like, you'll never learn new things.
Frank, I got about 3 minutes into your video and I want to make a point of clarification about something you said about Record Store Day. Record Store Day is NOT about FOMO. Record Store Day was created as a way to encourage people to support their local independent record shops. They do this by offering the exclusive or semi-exclusive records but it's not because of FOMO, it's because independent record stores are at risk of going extinct. These days there are a million different places you can buy records at online without ever stepping foot inside of a record store and so the exclusive records are exclusive to these indie record stores so you are encouraged to go visit them. If someone doesn't think record stores are important then you can just skip the whole thing and buy online or wait for them to be repressed or whatever, but again... that's not the point of Record Store Day. I really wish people would stop bad mouthing Record Store Day.