How You Should Collect Vinyl | A Vinyl Geek Opinion
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- Опубликовано: 28 мар 2023
- I've been collecting vinyl for almost 30 years and I've only recently realized I've been doing it all wrong. In this video I go over how I think you should collect vinyl records and how I got to this realization. #vinylcollectors #vinyl #vinylrewind
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Vinyl Rewind is your home for vinyl related content on RUclips. New uploads feature vinyl-based music reviews, video essays, artist interviews, and collecting tips, for both the novice and expert vinyl enthusiast. Vinyl Rewind is dedicated to preserving an analogue lifestyle in the digital age. Watch-Listen-Learn 
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I like this kind of video. Real talk about things that all collectors should think about.
I’ve really had to think about this in the past year.
In the last few years, especially during the pandemic, I was buying pretty much anything that interested me or was recommended to me, and my collection doubled in a short space of time. Not only was this expensive, it was also created a very unorganised home.
I’ve since moved into a place where I can finally have a dedicated listening room. And with that, I decided to purge my collection into what I could fit in there (a 4x2 and 4x1 Kallax shelf)
I sold a big chunk of my collection, and noticed that a lot of the stuff I sold was the stuff I that I had bought during the time my collection ballooned, and hardly listened to in that time.
It’s taught me that there really is no need to own everything, it’s okay to listen to things online before you buy it, and you don’t need entire discographies of artists. Pick the albums and artists you love and want to listen to.
I’m now in a situation where my collection is much more manageable, and I can pick anything out and enjoy it. I’m also appreciating the records I have rather than just thinking about what’s next on the list. And when I’m out record hunting, I really have to think about whether a record is worth having. It’s actually made hunting more fun as it’s a case of finding and choosing the best stuff rather than just picking anything up.
100%, my record collection started as a way to own and preserve my favorite music in the world.
There really is something special, almost magical, about holding an album you truly love in your hands.
Just got my first vinyl a few days ago (Adventure by Momoko Kikuchi, 1986), so seeing this video gave me a new perspective on vinyl. I will definitely make sure to save your words of wisdom for when I collect my vinyl
Welcome to the community brother/ sister!
Awesome 🎉 welcome!!
Always had this mentality of collecting. I don’t want boxes of random vinyls. I only want to buy them at concerts I attend, and ordering albums that hold a special place in my life. Every album of mine has a purpose
I mainly collect garage rock, punk, and new wave from the 60s and 70s, with off shoots into other genres and decades. I always view my record collection as a more focused sampling of my all time favorite music styles and artists. I always try to branch out into other styles of music when listening online, I believe the disconnect I often have in conversations with other collectors is not that I do not enjoy other styles of music but that I only have so much space and time to enjoy the hobby so having some parameters for looking for records makes it more enjoyable for me personally. One of my favorite things to do with my record collection is to build a web influences, side projects, and general connections between everything I have. I find that having music that I can build a family tree if sorts is a lot of fun and how I personally like to go about my analog world. When I started collecting records a decade ago I began by buying artists I knew from the radio and general favorites, mainly classic rock. Over time I discovered my tastes a little better and moved away from a lot of more mainstream classic rock, while maintaining a small portion of that stuff with bands like The Stones, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc. What I think we all need to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to collect music, just the way you personally go about it.
I loved this video, I recently saw a similar video from a record store owner talking about purging one’s collection. It’s so easy to get caught up in the habit of collecting instead of focusing on what you really want to hold on to and cherish. So grateful to have more perspectives like this out there, it makes me feel better about letting go.
A big pull for me with collecting vinyl is that I like supporting local record stores and artists. I go big on Bandcamp fridays and rsd, and especially at the merch table when I see live music. Over time I found that ordering vinyl from other random sites online doesn’t make me that happy unless it’s a band that’s extremely special to me. I appreciate your takeaways and have always enjoyed this discussion!
7:18 You nailed it right on the head on why I collect and own vinyl. At any moment, streaming services can go down for a bit or have the music pulled off Spotify because of copyright holding (which has happened more times than I wish to admit) or not being able to find music that only exist on vinyl. Not to mention the analog sound and the tangibility of actually owning a record, which is unmatched with streaming services.
Personally why I both collect vinyl and BUY music on iTunes. Plus I can use my iPod classic and sync the library to my iPhone. While I can listen to vinyl at home, I also have something on the go, which is nice.
Vinyl is better though.
Someone who speaks sense, absolutely!
I do love the idea that a person's vinyl collection should be a reflection of their taste. Not just a record store in someone's room.
This is a great topic, thank you very much for your views on this! I look at a lot of critics' reviews, critics' top 100 lists and generally what the outside world has a positive consensus on, but in doing that I've found that I disagree with many of those. I came to realize that a person's age and personal, cultural frame-of-reference and 'taste history' dictates personal enjoyment, as it should. I've been aggressively building my vinyl collection recently and these days I always pre-listen before buying, using RUclips and a streaming service and I focus on music I really like and believe will yield repeated listenings. The nice thing about today's vinyl market is that records appreciate in value like (or even better than) stocks in the stock market. Don't get me wrong, I don't buy for flipping, but it is nice to know that money spent on reasonably good titles will hold resale value in a pinch. Bottom line, buy what you like, not what friends or music critics say you should like. Another thing to remember is that a great many fantastic albums from yesteryear have been kind of lost in the mists of time, so yes, you can find gems that have fallen off the radar, but can give you deep satisfaction in repeated listenings. Just because it isn't well known, doesn't mean it's not a great record. Also, don't get too bogged down in the audiophile culture. If it sounds great to you, it's great. Period.
Just a side note. I'm 67 soon to be 68 years old. My first record was the 7" single of The Beatles' song Help! in 1965, during the very week that it was released in the USA and hit the stores. So I've had all kinds of records for many years, but sadly sold most of them off at the time when compact discs came into being and the industry hyped them as being way better than vinyl. So, I have had to rebuild my vinyl collection since I got wise to the 'vinyl resurgence.' Long story short, if you're old like me, I suggest trying hard to remember what records you listened to as a child, like what specific records did your parents own that you loved and what are some you bought as a pre-teen and teen that you loved back then, but you don't have now. Go on Discogs and order yourself those specific titles. You'll be glad you did. It's loads of fun to hear them again, so thank you Discogs!
Eric, there is absolutely nothing wrong with owning physical copies of the albums, for the reasons you stated…Also, you’re preserving a bit of history at the same time…You also have the best space ever to unwind in, no joke! Such a fantastic room! I am also a fan of the vintage vibe…Sometimes, the best place to listen to music is in a room with wood paneled walls, which I have myself…People forget that in the old days, pre-Internet, all we had was physical media…And I still go to record stores, antique malls and thrift shops…I’m always surprised by what I find…That said, there are certain genres of music that I revel in more than others, but I also learn something from the genres I’m not as big a fan of…It’s OK to like what you like…It’s also OK to find those discoveries, enjoy the thrill of the hunt, too…I can’t tell you the great number of awesome discoveries I’ve made by just giving those “unknown” records a chance! For example, if you dig the Beatles, check out the music of Jellyfish (or the solo works of Jellyfish members Jason Faulkner and Roger Joseph Manning, Jr.) or Panic At The Disco’s “Nine In The Afternoon”, for example…Of course, Tears For Fears just might be “The Beatles of The 80’s”..If you dig Van Halen, don’t be afraid to pick up a Montrose or Gamma album…I’m also one of those people who if I like a certain album or style, I’m not afraid to pick up the next 50 albums that sound just like it or albums in the same or similar style…Keep in mind that even if you comment on the more popular stuff, you’re still doing it for likes or views, but it was that early quirkiness, the willingness to take chances, that drew me to your channel in the first place…Also, I picked up quite a few albums, based on your findings or recommendations, so sometimes it’s not only important to preach to the choir, but to take us out of our comfort zones and/or introduce us to new artists…Keeping a balance, while staying true to yourself and keeping things interesting is also important…Don’t be afraid to do deep dives once in a while with new artists, too, or do videos exploring other genres and offering your own commentaries…Talk about RSD, too, on occasion…There have been some great releases, which would be right up your alley…In any case, keep doing the great videos and I’ll be tuned in!
I wish I still had my vinyl and cassettes from years ago, but alas. I still have all my cd's, however, and will NEVER give them up.
Yeah, I was really BIG into digital music in the early to mid 2000's because it made it possible for me to not only own more music than I could ever buy, but get some ultra-rare stuff that would've forever eluded me. Then I had a couple of hard drives just stop working, and I lost years of collecting! I told myself I'd get back into vinyl but put it off for about 10-years. Now there's mountains of vinyl everywhere over at my place. I'm in heaven!
The best advice I heard when I started collecting was to only buy what you like. When I first started collecting I felt like I had to own certain albums on vinyl that I would not of bought on CD. Great video man
This channel is great! I love the way you dress and how you set up your room. You seem to take the art of music seriously, which I massively appreciate! Your demon days video was fantastic too
You're right. Buying records to impress others is the wrong way to go about it. I think a lot of people do that. They like being thought of as a record collector more than collecting records.
I don't buy records to discover music. I want what I want and that's what I buy. I don't buy "must haves"; I don't like the Beatles so I don't own any Beatles records, no matter how popular they are. I don't chase "superior" pressings or old records if a reissue is in stock.
Really, I don't buy records. I buy music. I just choose to buy it on record, if it's available, because I like the format. I don't think it sounds better, I just enjoy it more. I like the larger format artwork, I like the physicality of playing them, and it's what I grew up with.
Really enjoyed your discussion on this. I also have been grappling with this same idea around collecting. Thank you so much for having this talk and adding value to my life!
I've picked up albums that were cheap at a record store because I enjoyed them in the past. However, they were not S Tier, A Tier or even B Tier. Those always fill me with regret later on when someone flips through my collection. I feel compelled to explain the purchase. Lately I've only been purchasing albums of my own personal highest esteem.
thanks for sharing this real vulnerable insight, pure gold.
Just found this channel. It has been great. Thanks for the perspective.
I agree 100% with you I am collecting vinyl that I like and they are special to me.
Couldn’t agree more. Collect for you and no one else. Collect what you love. That means different things to different people as you say. But music is meant to be heard. If you don’t have time to listen and invest in an album why buy it? Stream it. My collection is currently around 100 and it will max out at about 250-300 (I also have hundreds of CD that I love). I curate my lists for vinyl and CD. Like you said it never actually ends so along the way I have found some wonderful albums I didn’t know I wanted which often leads to exploring ither artists and albums I didn’t know about. But I will never have time to invest in mkre than about 300 records max on top of the CD I love (I listen to those in the car almost exclusively 😂). This is a great video. Share it widely in the community (may help prices go down too!).
Man, I thought you’d stopped making content as I’ve had to go looking for your videos.
I started my vinyl collection just to have my favourite albums which I plan to hand down to my kids and hope it get the going on the musical journey.
I collect both CDs and records. First I buy the CD. If there's a certain album that I absolutely love, then I'll buy it on vinyl as well.
I absolutely love this video, thanks for opening up my friend!
I love bad condition records as “fools gold”
Hey man, you know I'm kinda of new kid on the block. You were one of my inspiration to start collecting seriously and with proper knowledge. Thank you for all!
Great point, man. I am, and always have been, a collector. I even tried to pick it apart recently to understand the significance of my habits. My father was born in 1936 Kansas and I was born in 1980, raised in Leavenworth, KS. Although there is a huge gap, he managed to raise me with his ideals. He was definitely a collector of many things. I suppose when it comes down to it, he’s the reason behind my habits. I’m not at all saying that from a bad perspective though, I respect him. It’s just nice to know where you come from. 😊
I loved collecting box sets, both CD and Vinyl for many years but I feel like the current collections don't offer value for price. I wish the 50th anniversary Dark Side Of The Moon box set offered more considering the price.
I'm returning to vinyl, after some decades of distance. I always loved vinyl, but grew up during the advent of CD's, and collected those instead (I've got close to 6000). With the prices of vinyl LP this high (but not just because of the price) I ended up buying just records I absolutely love (my all time favourites, as you mention). And you're absolutely right, you don´t have to have everything. Your collection should reflect what you like and you should want to listen to every single one of your records. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I was very impressed with your honesty and information regarding collecting. I go thru these same issues, worries and addictions with my music collection. For me it is amplified because I collect other “stuff” aside from just vinyl or CD’s. I’m a bit of an additive personality regarding wanting to own and keep certain things that give me that buzz. Good job.
I am having similar thoughts about my own vinyl collection, which now about 1,200 records. Five to ten years ago I became completest, wanting to have all the top albums by someone list. I’m in my 60’s and I have realized I need to be more like a 20 year old version of myself and only own the music I really like (I still have most of those albums). I am starting to purge my collection getting rid of duplicates and records I am not listening to. I am keeping certain duplicates like you mentioned, but the goal is quality over quantity.
I always enjoy your videos, they are always entertaining, insightful and informative. Thanks.
Since 2008 literally all I’ve collected is 60s Surf and Hot Rod music because that’s what I enjoy most. I sold all my Beatles, Zeplin and everything else that wasn’t related. It’s helped me keep my collection focused and saved me a ton of money when I go to record stores.
I really like your transparency and enjoy your channel. I also have come to terms with the notion that I can not and should not attempt to buy records just for the sake of having them. I only buy when I have a real connection to the music. Thanks for what you do and for the excellent content.
Interesting musings on the pros and cons of vinyl collecting. Recently, I've started splashing out on some grails that I've had in the back of my mind for a long time. I know what you mean about just buying records on a whim. It usually results in stuff that you discover you're not that keen on and hardly play. It also clogs up your shelves and gets in the way of your living space. Time to prune the collection.
It's important to recalibrate one's collection - otherwise, it becomes hoarding. I re-realized now that the tide of the pandemic is washing out that a large part of collecting for me is buying records from small artists at their shows or new artists that their songs have just captured me.
One big part of having music on records is that very thing you mentioned at the end; in the event of armageddon, I'd like my cans in my own cellar and not in a central storage 500 kilometers away, likewise I want my music in my own home and not stored and at the mercy of a streaming service. Apart from that, it's simply nice to own things, it's part of human nature. Also there's something to a physical record in the form of an LP that just lends itself so nicely to the appropriate length of an album - long enough to drag you in but not too long as to cause fatigue which was a big problem especially when CD:s gathered steam towards the 90's. And you can't beat the artwork possibilities of a 12" gatefold sleeve.
Very honest and very good topic and video you made!
In my opinion, most people in this world are collectors of something they like. I think it's just human nature to do that. Even if people don't realize it.
This may sound a little strange, but I used to be a collector of something with no monetary value growing up. I've always, since the age of 12 anyway, been real big into radio communications. Scanners, ham radios, satellites, just anything to do with communications. And I started out around 1985 creating a database of frequencies from what I had confirmed through the years. Back in those days we didn't really have the internet yet and when people wanted information on radio frequencies for an area they had to buy frequency guides and manuals. I didn't do it for the monetary reason but I just wanted to log and confirm frequencies of interest from everywhere I went and I did go a lot of places. As I traveled I had a notebook I would be logging things I confirmed in. It was a lot of fun until it really wasn't as much fun. It became a lot of work in fact. But I still kept doing it.
In 2001, I had some eye surgeries that wound up leaving me legally blind. It was at least a good 2 years before I could even see a little. I got so far behind on what I was doing with the radio frequency stuff that I just never got caught up. And by then of course everybody was getting on the internet and new sites had come out for the resources I'd spent years creating and sharing myself. It really became a useless endeavor even though I still keep my own semi database today when I come across new stuff of interest. But I don't put the effort into it that I used to because it's just too much work.
I've also been a lifelong music fan and I went from keeping all the data on one passion, the radio stuff, to the music passion I had been doing the same thing on which was collecting and cataloging live and rare audio and video. There is a lot of work when you're trying to do everything0 meticulously perfect from putting the information on a trading website you built, to making artwork, looking at the audio to be sure it wasn't lossless, and even fixing issues that sometimes would be in the audio or video.I started with my music passion when I was about 14 but then started all this extra stuff a few years after the frequency collecting database creating started. It was probably around 1992? I have hundreds of thousands of what people call bootlegs even though that's not really the right term. I still have all that today but I finally reached a point with it where I didn't have to have every single thing of interest to me that came out. It just took up way too much time and with my slowed down capabilities the fun kind of wore off. I still enjoy doing it today but I don't have to have everything out there. And I don't have to put so much time and energy into creating an updating things dealing with either hobby.
That's kind of where I've gotten to be in life is realizing yes, I really love this or that and I do enjoy collecting as much of it as I can, but keeping up with it and making it something that takes up all of my time is not something I feel I have to do nowadays. I still want to. I just don't always do it and I don't feel like I have to. It really becomes a time-consuming thing. But it also gives me a lot to choose from and I never burn out on what I have so to speak. In one sense, it's kind of like working really hard so that you can retire and benefit later. I'm glad I did what I did but I just don't want to not enjoy what I did and I had to figure out what is it that I don't really need or want to do. It's time to continue doing what I like but not make it a chore.
I think a lot of people have to do it the hard way to realize that it's not really a goal many times you can ever really reach or complete in this passion of music collecting or LP collecting.
I just got back into vinyl collecting over 2 years ago and I started off doing the same things I've done in my passion dealing with radios and communications and music so many years ago. It seems like a repetitive disease haha. But I soon realized I don't have to do this and I'm only going to get the things I really have an interest in. Yes I will get some vinyl to try out that I'm not sure about sometimes. I'll also get something that looks interesting to me but I don't have to do it and I can get what I want, not worry about stuff I have no interest in. And it's not a contest or something I have to constantly do. It's way too expensive to try also. I want to enjoy these things that I enjoy and not make it a task or something I will burn out on because I do it so much. We all get wiser and usually better at trimming things down as we jump into passions we have. But deep down, we, as humans, really like collecting what we like I believe.
I love collecting the things that I like. But it doesn't have to come to the point of where I burn out because I'm trying to do so much of it. I've slowed down, not only because the price is keep jumping, because not everything I see in the vinyl world is something I have to have. If I want it bad enough I will get it. But I'm not going to get it just because I see it and feel like I should get it.
I'm starting to repeat myself a lot so while finish this up :-)
I like how you opened up and really were honest and questioning at the same time. I enjoy your channel and I think your videos are great. But deal with what you want and what you know is my personal advice. Don't feel obligated to do a video either just because someone sent something to you. I can understand how that would make you feel obligated but you're not necessarily asking for it and there is only so much time in a day as well. I think the best videos a person can do are on the topics they know and they enjoy which would mean the artists and records that you want to do them on because you like them. Keep up the good work but don't let it burn you out either!
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
I agree. Buy the albums that you absolutely love, and if you have some spare cash, then spend it on other albums you thoughtof buying but was really sure. But at the end of the day, you shouldn't feel any pressure about buying vinyl records, because that just takes the fun out it in my opinion.
A great discussion of the matter. Most collectors - nearly all collectors- will reach a point where they realize that the concepts and compulsions behind collecting have taken over at some point and wasted one's time, money, and focus. Less can be more! If you become too-serious a collector you'll have less mental/emotional bandwidth to enjoy each particular record you own. And remember that music, and particularly vinyl, is (hopefully) just one area of your life. Focus on what you love most, then limit yourself a bit! Quality- not quantity- should rule your pursuits.
Part of my perspective comes from my having grown up in the pre-digital era. When done right, on a decent system, IMO vinyl usually still sounds better than digital delivery, but I firmly believe that the sound, and secondarily the lp art (or flip that order if you're into lps for their art) should have much greater importance than a record's rarity, provenance, and such- what the 'market' says about it. Back in the day, to the public, lps were somewhat like cds were, oh, about 15-20 yrs ago- just a prime way to listen to music. The collector's urge for completeness becomes a never-ending trap; and beyond that, vinyl shouldn't be worshipped or used as a lifestyle signifier.
I am 66 years old, put my music system together in 1981 / 82 and for some unknown reason hauled around all the albums I bought as a youngster. So...the term collector is fairly recent. It implies that one buys an item within a specific genre with anticipation that it will increase in value. Back in my day we bought music because we enjoyed listening to it. That is where I stand. I am a music lover not a collector.
I absolutely agree, and very well said.
I certainly have got some albums to impress some people in my life but i’ve found I don’t need to do that and I need to have enjoyment and expression for myself. It’s really opening to feel that. I’ve definitely been buying way less that’s for sure 😂 Love the video ❤️
I've got a small collection of vinyl albums 'cause I bought 'em when they were new. My brother's collection is immense. Vinyl was the best!
It’s definitely changed for me through the years too. I used to buy anything remotely recognizable at the thrift stores, even if it was in trashy condition, but I discovered a lot of music that way. As I’ve upgraded my system, I started getting rid of scratched records and cleaning the ones I wanted to keep, prioritizing albums I wanted to hear in good quality. And of course I’ll try to collect albums by artists I like as a way of expanding my knowledge of their discography.
More recently, I’ll go to a record store and buy stuff that just looks interesting, or stuff I have heard of/heard a single of just to be able to deep dive into it. It’s an expensive way to discover new music but there’s nothing like hearing something for the first time on a record on a really nice system. I would never have bought a brand new record when I first started but thankfully I can afford it now.
I think as vinyl becomes the main way you listen to music (something you said on this channel previously and made me reconsider why I listen) you’re more open to thinking of it less like a “collection” and more like “stuff I’d like to own and hear” whether it’s an all-time-fave or not. Maybe I won’t dig it and give it away or sell it later on, but if I bought it and spun it, I gave it a fair chance, whereas loading something up on Spotify I don’t pay as much attention to the album.
I really like this talk. The way i see it, i do look at the specific version to keep. Its kinda like how i choose a colored pressing. I will generally not own two copies unless there are drastic differences like sgt pepper. (Lucy in the sky sounds different on other pressings) Back in the day i bought used dirty rush albums to have, and now if i find a new copy that i want i kinda give the old ones to a friend. Aside from those rules, i do have limitations like buying albums i only really like or love, otherwise whats the point. To close, my overall impression of this hobby boils down to two questions, will i actively sit down and listen to these albums regularly? And in what condition are they in?
Absolutely spot on….buy records that please you and not others and who knows the others might enjoy what you have purchased…
I started my own collection recently, and I literally only have like 10 records right now, but all of them are records that I just LIKE. Some of them are super well known, and some are super unknown. If it’s got a handful of songs that all make it onto my favorite Spotify playlist, I buy the album. I see no reason to pay for an album I don’t enjoy
I was never too picky at the start. I was lucky to be down the road from Amoeba in Hollywood when I started collecting, and most of their stuff was in good shape when I got it. This carried into pandemic but over the last couple years I've stopped randomly buying crap and began doing research for what sounds the best. Now instead of going out and buying indiscriminately, I just wait and only buy what I want, and what I know will sound good, even if it means paying a little more. It's just better overall.
I'm nearly 50. As a lifelong collector of various things, it was hard to set limits. Comic books, action figures, Scifi books. I gave them all up. The comic book collecting nearly bankrupt me(gotta have all the variant covers!!). Now a days, I collect things I strictly want. I have some Genre statues from Star Wars, DC, Marvel etc. I limited myself to 1 representing each genre. If I want another, of a genre I already own I would have to sell the old one. Period.
As far as vinyl is concerned, I get the ones that represent me a person. I get the bands I actually like(mostly from my high school years). But I really like instrumental stuff more today. So I have a lot of soundtracks/instrumental from artists I like.
Setting boundaries was hard. It still is a struggle, but I'm getting better and I hope everyone else is too.
Mine is my dads plus what I listen to. Their are records that I will never play but my dad loved and the only thing we shared was our love for vinyls and old school heavy metal. I don't buy often but I buy to replace those I've worn out or a new band I listen to.
Your start was a lot like ours - it was a novelty and we weren’t very picky and certainly not focused on condition. We still really need to pare down our collection and get rid of the stuff that doesn’t meet the standards we have today.
I like the vinyl because some albums sound like the band or performer is in the room with you. I still buy records that I know nothing about because I like the cover. I've found some great music that way. A fair amount of first pressings that I have are from buying them the day they came out, while others (going back to 1939) are because I like the history of it. I have very few multiples of the same album, and it's only because I get the second if the first has a skip or worn grooves. It bothers me that I don't have the time to listen to all of my records all of the time. Yet I keep buying more.
I love your Awesome Finds but it’s fair enough that you have to be pickier as it can become excessive. But digging around is still fun and a way to discover something you never knew existed.
The most wonderful thing is that no two people have the exact same collection
I’ve discovered that ever so often I need to trim my collection. I’ll have albums I’ve bought for a song or two & end up not caring for the rest of the album or I’ll be given an album that I’m just not into. So every few months I’ll take those albums to my local shop for either cash or credit.
One should definitely have a record collection that is primarily stuff that you love, find interesting or meaningful. Evaluate and edit the collection based on your enjoyment regularly, and not on monetary value. One only has so much time, energy, space to put things and money so make it count.
I only started collecting vinyl during the pandemic. My friend bought me a new version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, one of my favourite records. I initially started with buying my top five favourites, High Fidelity style. Now, I have a collection of 115 and counting. My goal in collecting is to just get albums from my favourite artists or my all time favourite records. Sometimes I'll go crazy and buy a random one I find or from bands I don't know of, but generally I try to buy the records that mean the most to me and just show those of. LOTS or Oasis and Rush...
When i first started with vinyl it was just a fun thing with a few records in a case. At some point I started thinking I want every important album to me on vinyl, then it went to I want to have a library of music of various genres which eventually I realized that wasn't sustainable or affordable. Then I thought instead of buying a bunch of different records I want many variants of my favorite records. Spending hundreds for a mono first press of Piper At The Gates Of Dawn despite having a perfectly good mono RSD copy or hundreds on a first pressing of the first Velvet Underground album was a bit crazy but there is something about owning the originals. Variant collecting was fun for a while but pretty pointless when most just sit there and you play the one that sounds the best which led me to what I am doing now, keeping only what sounds the best, forget color and what looks the best. Though sometimes you need both mono and stereo which can be a pain but i am currently selling 100's of multiples and some I just don't listen to. I am still up to about 4000 records though and I still keep buying them but trying to be more picky and definitely not variant buy.
I started collecting vinyl 4 years ago now. Had a small collection of CDs before, but am a musician so have always loved music.
I have about 560 records in my collection and have sold probably close to another 500 in my time collecting. A lot of swap meets, garage sales, and thrift stores. I have found some great finds, but as I comb through my collection I’ve also discovered that some records are not in great condition. I’ve also acquired mint records of albums I don’t truly love.
It’s been difficult deciding time and time again, should I keep this when I truly don’t need to keep any physical media.
4:24 - this is my "fake" dilemma - I have this fantasy that some awesome collector is going to come to my house some time and say how cool it is that I have this particular record - its all in my head! I never even have people over to listen! So when is that going to happen!?
My sister always said to me that i always buy beatles and pink floyd records.
But i don't really care because that's the type of music that i love.
In the 1990s, I bought vinyls because they were 10 times cheaper than CDs. Bowie for two bucks beats twenty. Glad I kept them all.
I just collect the whole discography of all the bands/artists I love, LOL!
I 1,000% agree!
I buy my absolute favourites on vinyl only, like the top 20 or 30. Save the rest of the albums I love for CD because they’re cheap and easy to find nowadays (in good condition) or Spotify if I want to listen to a playlist.
A previous commentor here nailed it for me. I don't 'collect' vinyl, I buy the music that I like. If it's on vinyl, awesome. Where possible I avoid "limited collector numbered half speed master audiophile deluxe $800 box set" bullshit like the plague. I just want a decent pressing so I can enjoy my favourite music and support physical media so it doesn't go extinct.
What are those beatles records on the shelf behind his head
I just buy music that I like be it vinyl or CD. As for older second hand records I find a good record cleaning system can work wonders but for those that still crackle and pop I use a second deck with a conical stylus that rides higher up in the groove and surface noise then isn’t such a problem. I am now planning on getting a third deck with a dedicated mono cartridge to get the absolute best out of my mono records. Probably something like a Rega P1 or Project that doesn’t cost a fortune as it’s use will be limited.
For me, an album is a tangible thing that you can hold, its the artwork, the track listing, and being physically involved with its playback..
It's not some digital file in cyberspace.
100% agreed
Nice thoughtful talk. But people shouldn't stop and think about why they collect. Just don't do it. There's an original pressing of some album that needs a home right now. That's what really matters.
I vacillate between wanting everything afavourite artist has recorded and wanting to collect in breadth rather than depth.
Never buy art/music because it matches/goes with the rest of it you already own. Buy what you're into, what you like, and without a single thought as to what someone else might think about it.
I've only ever collected what I love, never seen the point of owning a bunch of records I have little interest in musically.
Collections are sacred. Collect what you love. Talk about what interests you. If you don't hold sacred what you talk about, sell it/them. As a sports card collector, I will sell what I don't hold sacred. This definitely applies to vinyl. I have records that no one really knows about, but I personally love them. They are going nowhere. It's the same with some of my sports cards. Not a lot of people are super into Mark Grace cards, but he's in my collection because he was one of my favorite baseball players growing up.
Quality over quantity. Buy albums you truly love and get them in near mint condition (or as good as you can afford) if buying used. You’re so much better off with a collection of 100 great condition albums you love than 1000 beat up albums you rarely play. When it comes time to move, you’ll discover another reason why this is good advice.
The nice thing is that collectors today can sample just about everything digitally first, so you can find out if it’s something you “need” on vinyl. Back in the day we had to take more chances, hoping an album was worth it based on one song we heard on the radio.
I collect because its a hobby and value for me does not come into play. I have played drums for 44 years and have 4000 lps. I listen to everything, for me if the record is clean and the cover is not thats ok because I play my stuff everyday.😊
I don't think that there is a right or wrong way to collect records. I relate to both versions of you (the eager young thrift store hunter and the older wiser curator).
As I've gotten older, I prefer buying less records. I seek out VG + to M for when I do buy. I try not to get caught up in audiofile pressings (tone poets being an exception; hey, I need a little fun!)
I feel like quality over quantity is a good way to exist in this hobby.
Yeah buying records should be a endrevour where you buy your favorite albums and artists that reflect your music taste
I made a decision several years ago to put boundaries on what I wanted to collect on vinyl, as I realised this could become a very expensive hobby. I wanted Beatles and solo Beatles on vinyl (although I don’t go for all the minor variations - if I have an original copy from around the year it was manufactured, I’m happy), but beyond that I have a couple of bands I really want on vinyl and after that CD works fine for me. In the 80s and 90s vinyl was half the price of CDs, not it is about 3 or 4 times the price of CDs, otherwise I’d be buying a lot more vinyl.
A suggestion - if you want to review certain albums, or maybe compare, why not reach out to your audience? Maybe some people live close by and can come round with something from their collection that you can then look at without buying it or cluttering up your place? I’m sure some viewers would be happy to do this, or you could offer viewers a vinyl from your stack you don’t want to keep as an incentive for people to help in this way. Just a thought.
I stream on the go but when I am home I like to listen to high quality music. There is a discernible difference between vinyl (and CDs) and compressed streaming music bluetoothed to your truck speakers. I don't have any weird feelings about owning vinyl in this digital age because the quality of the sound of streamed music just doesn't compare to vinyl or cds played over good wired speakers. It just doesn't. I have ears. I can hear the difference. By all means, stream your music from your phone when you are running to the grocery store, but when you are home and you are taking time for yourself and listening to music, treat yourself to something a little better. Besides, it is fun to collect things. It is nice to have hobbies other than playing beepy beepy games on your iphone.
Hear are my rules for buying vinyl in this order:
Did I own it and love in the past? Buy on vinyl
Is it a new release that I know I am going to play and love? Buy on vinyl
Listen to it online to make a further decision...
Does it now fit into the above? Buy on vinyl
If I am going for it on vinyl but can't get it at a fair price? Buy on CD.
Do I still want to own it but is less essential? Buy it on CD (a lot fits into this category and I still buy a lot of CDs)
Not available on CD? Do I really want it? Buy on vinyl
Don't buy. 😀
We all did this man. Im 60yrs old now. There was Radio, Movies and Friends to hear what new music there was, no internet. I bought records based on those things OR because of the album art. As I listen to this I am wondering WHY you have to own a record to talk about it? Even if that 1971 record has something different than the 2023 release, you can still talk about those differences without owning them. I'm certainly no completest but I will buy a 50th Anniversary DSOTM because it is 50 yrs, no other reason and it will stay sealed because I have a Canadian '78 copy I can play. Advantage to streaming is the ability to hear so many other people and find records I like. I'm a small fry, just a hair over 1300 records and I will still buy ones that appeal to me but I definitely have slowed since greedflation has arrived....coming back in I have A TON of digital media, 8TB external drive and a 1TB stick in my phone. I do not travel with records but if the internet croaks I have enough music for a lifetime, or what time I have left
I'm 66, and have literally been collecting records all my life. Plain and simple? I just like records.
I have one piece of advice for ANYBODY just starting collecting. Buy what YOU like, buy what YOU want. Don't listen to anyone about what you should or should not collect. Because, wouldn't you rather have a room full of records you love, rather than a room full of "why did I buy this"?
One last item...just because you've never heard of the artist's name or they didn't sell a million copies, doesn't mean it's bad music. Most of my collection you probably never heard of....but I love them.
Enjoy your collecting, don't turn it into a job you hate. Have fun .
What will people think of me when they come across my Harry Secombe and James Last collections?
I like to have physical media because maybe one day I'll actually decide to go off the grid and kiss this internet stuff goodbye though I'm not even sure it's possible. I have no doubt I could exist for a few months with just my stereo components and Vinyl, cd's, dvd's, blu-ray, etc.
You might be thinking about it a tad too much brother
Vengo aquí por sugerencia del chat de inteligencia artificial, deseo escuchar una canción que es difícil de encontrar, en cuestión es la cancion cant take my eyes off you pero cantada por frank sinatra, si alguien sabe donde encontrarla se los agradecería
People have sent you records for one reason: so that YOU would do the sales pitch for them by reviewing them on your channel. I highly doubt that the reason they sent you the record was just to add to your personal collection. Getting people with RUclips channels to review their records always means that they sell more-period. So it’s an easy investment for them to send you a record, for, after your review, their sales will go up, meaning they ended up with far more money than they spent in sending it to you.
I will admit that I sent an album to a RUclips reviewer once, just to see what they thought of it. But that was only once, and I wasn’t selling anything. I made absolutely no money from their review. I simply wanted to hear what they thought of that album. And I knew it was a record that they would never buy themselves. So that’s why I sent them a copy (please do not ask me what I sent or what channel I sent it to, because I won’t tell you!!! 😀😀😀).
Anyway, keep up the good work and know that I’ll be watching (so you’ll always have at least one viewer 😂😂😂).
Actually IT IS practical! History is recorded on those things as well as physical books! Whether you know it or not, we're custodians of History and the works of these artists! Trust History to the internet? Trust History to a system that doesn't care about us? I don't think so! I care more about art than that (we all should)! I can't imagine as a "physical being" not being able to have a piece of History in hands! Practical? You have no idea!
This video has like the most likes.
I’d love to watch but I can’t cope with the constant changing of the focal length. Sorry.
yes~thats why i stop collecting records
There are two moments of letdown record collectors confront. That puzzled look you get from other vinyl people when you enthusiastically show them your favorite gold nugget, and you have to come to terms with the fact that it has little value to anyone but you. Tough lesson. And after becoming a vinyl guy there is that conversation you hate to have with a civilian, where you have to break the sad news that Fleetwood Mac's Rumors IS a very good album, but unfortunately it went triple titanium so the album itself does not have much value, unless it has a rare characteristic like.......blah blah. You just told that guy a piece of art that he holds sacred has no value. He wont be getting into vinyl collecting.
Its not like we don't know those beat up albums we got at that beat up store are in bad condition, or are as rare as we think they should be. WE JUST LIKE SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. It may not even be the music-- (Whipped Cream and Other Delights?)
In all honesty that -- "Oh my god, I haven't heard this in years....." -- kind of collecting is just more fun.
Scrutinizing over quality, and how rare the Japanese release was, is intriguing, fascinating, cerebral, skilled, and monetarily rewarding(kind of).
But for some reason, I remember more often the time I found that first release Fugs album on Bleeker St. in the store that The Fugs used to own. Its not worth much to anybody else ----except me!
I think you’re too hard on yourself on a couple of points: your early days and freebies.
I miss those days of garage sales and thrift stores and discovery. I got rid of 2/3 of the crap I bought back in the day a couple of years ago but it was a lot of fun acquiring.
As a former album reviewer, you’re not obligated to review everything you receive. If the supplier makes that a condition, I think that is slightly unethical to accept. The records you receive should be free and clear of obligation. If a supplier isn’t ok with that, you have to be comfortable with losing submissions from that supplier.
We collect because we’re biologically wired as Homo sapiens to acquire resources. Modern humans substitutes material goods for nuts and berries.
I collect because I love music - and I also listen to a lot of digital music - but I also have this fantasy of cool people dropping by and admiring my collection. Totally unrealistic. But I still want my collection to be cool at least to me, by my standards. But hey, you’re welcome to drop in any time and check out my vinyl.
Answer: Don't
I disagree with your closing comments. I think these days more than ever, it is vital to own physical media. Not just records or CDs but books also. The way government has so much control over our daily lives... this is the single lesson Covid taught me.
My entire Vinyl Worthy Albums series is built off of this question: What makes an album vinyl worthy?