10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Collecting Vinyl
I’ve only been collecting for about 5 years now and I already have a list of 10 things I wish I knew. Maybe it’ll help some of you! Even if you’ve already started a collection, give these tips a read, who knows. Let’s go:
Tip 1 : Buy Vinyl You Actually Like/Enjoy Listening To - You’d think “yeah duh” but I have a few records I bought through a subscription service or on sale at a record store that sit and get no use, unfortunately. I plan on giving some to friends or selling them, but the money you spend on “Meh” records could go to an album you love and will get a lot of plays from.
Tip 2 : Don’t Feel The Need to Buy 3,4,5, etc. Records At A Time - I’m a broke-ass college student who was once a broke-ass high school student. For some reason I put this pressure on myself to always buy lots of vinyl at once or else I wasn’t an actual collector or something. Whether you can buy one record a month or one a day, you are still just as valid a collector as the next guy. Don’t put pressure to accumulate records fast to be valid, take your time with it!
Tip 3 : Buy Local When You Can! - Nothing beats walking into a local music store and spending an hour or two flipping through records, making a list of albums you want and maybe picking a few to take home. Not only are you supporting local business, but you might be getting some special finds and surprises, you never know. :)
Tip 4 : Check For Vinyl On The Go - Whether that’s on vacation or traveling to the next time over, you’ll be surprised what you can find in little record stores at the beach or little hole in the wall places. I found a little place I go to every year my family and I head to vacation and it’s now one of my favorite destinations!
Tip 5 : Don’t Be Ashamed For... - I was so embarrassed in 9th Grade when I bought, that’s right, the dreaded Crosley Cruiser Turntable. It was the cheapest option for me at the time and it never damaged my vinyl records. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean it won't damage yours. Be careful and take your time and take the appropriate precautions. Is it good long term? No, but it’s fine for beginners, if you’re not sure collecting is for you. Save up for a nice one, though. Also, don’t be ashamed for getting your records from Urban Outfitters, Amazon, etc. I would recommend getting them from local places, merch stores and/or concerts as that supports local bands and businesses, but that’s not always best for people or what you might be looking for. There’s nothing wrong with getting vinyl from those retailers, Urban is usually insanely expensive though.
Tip 6 : When Buying Records, Double Check for Colored Pressings! - My first few records drive me crazy because they’re standard black, nothing wrong with that, but I could’ve gotten a cool or rare color pressing for the same price! Always check and see, especially online, if they offer another color or if you can find someone selling one, you’ll get a piece of art with your music.
Tip 7 : Store Your Vinyl Upright - My first few records I stacked like magazines, on their side and that makes me want to throw up when I look back on that. Store your babies upright so they don’t warp overtime and won't have pressure on top of the covers. In addition...
Tip 8 : Invest in Some Sleeves - At least for your favorite records, I highly recommend getting some cheap plastic sleeves for your records to preserve the art or signatures on your signed copies. Of course, covering all your vinyl will protect them best but as a beginner, protect your favorites at least.
Tip 9 : Don’t Feel Guilty About Buying Vinyl - There’s nothing wrong with buying things that make you happy in a responsible way. Collecting music isn’t a waste of money if you make sure you don’t blow all your money on it and do it in a smart way. Just like creating art or any other hobby that makes you or someone else happy, it’s okay to save some pocket change or some of your paycheck for a fresh album. Just don’t be a dumbass.
Tip 10 : Don’t Be Ashamed or Embarrassed - It wasn’t a huge deal, but I got teased for being a “Trendy hipster” for collecting vinyl and it kinda made me feel like shit. Collect them because you like them! That’s what matters. Another thing, I was incredibly insecure when I met the world of high tech, precise, massive collections and collectors and man I was intimidated as hell. Take it slow, upgrade your tech when you can and don’t feel rushed to become the biggest, best collector as soon as you start. It’s not a dick measuring contest even when some snobs might make you feel that way. It’s your collection! Make it yours and that takes time. :)
Let me know what you think or any questions you may have! Do you have any tips or things you wish you knew? Let me know and I’ll see you in the next one.
