Tips for Starting a Vinyl Collection

8 Min Read

With the resurgence of vinyl’s popularity, many people are left wondering what all the noise is about—pun intended. And if you’re like most people in the modern age, vinyl is little more than a bunch of big square pouches that hold round discs your parents keep somewhere in storage.

We’re here to tell you that those square pouches and discs can send you reeling down into Wonderland—just instead of the Mad Hatter, you’re getting the most wonderful music listening experience you’ve ever had.

If you’re starting a vinyl collection, look no further. The seven tips below will prepare you for the real world of music.

#1 Buy A Turntable

You can’t listen to music without speakers, right? The same goes for vinyl. Before you dive into record collecting, you need a turntable. Don't stress about the cost. Modern turntables are high-quality and affordable. We recommend Victrola Turntables, the original record player producer, offering fantastic products in the $100-$300 range. For more on the history of record players or tips on choosing the right Victrola, check our related posts.

After expanding my vinyl collection, I’ve become quite knowledgeable in turntablism. If you’re new to vinyl, you’re in luck. In this post, I’ll help you find the perfect record player. Collecting vinyl is a rewarding hobby, and you’ll enjoy it more over time.

Ask yourself these questions to focus on what you want from a record player:

What is my budget?
Do extra features like Bluetooth matter to me?
What is my style?

Determine your budget first. Record players range from under $100 to over $500. Think about how serious you are. Do you want the latest features, or do you prefer simplicity? Lastly, choose a player that fits your style as a collector.

In the $100 or less range, you'll find essential record players that get the job done but may need more quality and features. If portability is key, check out options from Victrola and Crosley. Serious audiophiles should consider higher-end models.

The $200-$400 range offers a sweet spot of quality and affordability. Brands like Audio Technica, ProJect, and Denon provide excellent turntables here with better sound quality and durability.

For those ready to spend $500, high-end models deliver top-notch sound and advanced features. Research and compare to find the best option.

Whether you prefer belt drive or direct drive, manual, automatic, or semi-auto, there’s a turntable for you. Are you interested in digital features like USB or Bluetooth? Many modern turntables have these, making digitizing your collection or playing music wirelessly easy.

#2 Find A Place, Explore

Starting your vinyl journey by typing "vinyl for sale" on Google and browsing online is natural. However, the true charm of vinyl lies in the physical experience: the texture, cover art, smell, and the tangible nature of the album. For the full vinyl experience, visit a local record store. You'll find a wide selection, knowledgeable staff, and the joy of discovering hidden gems. If you don’t have a local store, try visiting online record stores, but prioritize in-person shopping for the best experience.

When you visit a record store, explore the prices and discover obscure bands. Make a few purchases to start your collection. If you're uncertain about pricing, check out Victrola’s Vinyl Record Price Guide to clarify doubts.

Remember, the hunt is half the fun. Local record stores offer an authentic experience, while online shopping is great for finding specific records or limited editions. Flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores can be gold mines for used vinyl at great prices. For a broader selection, consider record swaps and dedicated stores before turning to online options.

Engage with the vinyl community. Buy collections, keep what you want, sell the rest, and donate the leftovers. This approach helps build your collection and connects you with other enthusiasts—trading and looking out for each other while hunting enhances the experience.

#3 Make A List of Your Favorite Albums

This is an exciting part of the experience. Think of your ten favorite albums, whatever they may be. No matter what time in history the musician or band lived in, just write down the music that pulls at your heart and soul.

Then, try and find those records! If it’s modern, you’ll probably find it somewhere online. If it’s not, you can find it online, but refer back to tip #2 and try hunting for it. It’s all part of the fun.

#4 Clean Your New Vinyl

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the quality of your vinyl records. Here’s how to keep your collection in top shape:

Use Specialized Cleaning Kits: Invest in a cleaning kit like The Kit, which includes an anti-static brush, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, and album stand. These kits are specifically designed to remove dust and fingerprints effectively.

DIY Cleaning Solutions: Use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner mixed with water in a 1:30 ratio for a cost-effective option. This gentle solution is safe for vinyl and removes dirt and grime.

Cleaning Process: Start by using a dry microfiber cloth to remove any surface dust and static. Dampen another microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe the record surface in a circular motion, avoiding the center. For a deeper clean, apply the Simple Green solution and follow the same circular motion. Finally, dry the record with a clean microfiber cloth or blow away any remaining dust with compressed air.

Needle Maintenance: Regularly check and clean the needle on your record player to ensure no dust particles distort the sound.

Storage and Upkeep: Proper storage is crucial to prevent damage. Research best storage practices to keep your records safe and sound.

#5 Think About A Professional Calibration

Sure, some people will roll their eyes at this, but if you’re serious about your vinyl record collection and listening to vinyl music, follow along.

Professional audio engineers can calibrate your turntable to ensure it’s producing the optimal output. This can involve anything from calibrating the tonearm’s position to adjusting the vinyl record speed.

Be warned, these calibrations aren’t cheap, but any audiophile will tell you the sound is unbeatable.

#6 Find A Mentor

Sounds odd, we know.

But try to find someone with a vinyl collection before you start your own. Ask if they’ll show the ins and outs of their collection and give you some pointers. If this someone is in your area, that would be even better!

They’ll probably know the right places to go and where the best deals are. And let us tell you something about vinyl collectors: they’re a proud lot that loves to showcase what they’ve built as they should! Perhaps this person will even become one of your close friends, and you can share vinyl (that’s a thing).

Everyone has a reason WHY they like collecting vinyl and WHY is often more important to find a mentor than WHAT music they’re listening to. Maybe you’re seeing music on vinyl to sample in your beat-making; well, there certainly are other producers who love vinyl hunting for samples and would be happy to take you under their wing, even if they’re pulling samples from entirely different genres. If you simply love collecting rare vinyl, other people near you do too, and you will likely know all the niche record stores and websites where you can find ultra-rare wax.

#7 Set Up A Place | Don’t Lay Your Records Flat (no stacking!)

One of the most appealing aspects of a vinyl collection is how you display it. Consider dedicating a piece of furniture for your turntable, with your records stored neatly below. Vinyl has a significant visual appeal, so create an inviting space in your home for your setup. This showcases your collection and makes it accessible for guests to enjoy.

Key Tips for Staging Your Vinyl Collection:

Use Proper Furniture: Invest in a stylish, functional piece to house your turntable and records. Options like a low credenza, record storage end table, or vintage armoire can add charm to your space.
Showcase Your Records: Display some of your favorite album covers with record ledges or a wall-mounted stand. This highlights the artwork and adds to the room’s aesthetic.
Avoid Stacking Records: Never stack your vinyl. The weight can warp or misalign the discs. Instead, store them upright to maintain their condition.
Soft Surface: Consider placing your records on a soft surface to protect them while they stand.
Regular Cleaning: Use a carbon fiber brush after each play and consider a record cleaning kit or a DIY solution with Simple Green for deeper cleaning.
Proper Needle Maintenance: Regularly check and clean your turntable’s needle to prevent dust buildup and ensure the best sound quality.

Starting Your Vinyl Collection

There’s no right or wrong way to start collecting records. We just encourage you to embrace the experience; go hunting in your local record store, calibrate your turntable, and try and find the albums dear to your heart!

Thankfully, with the resources available during this epic comeback of vinyl records, this should be an easy and rewarding endeavor.

Sources:

8 Easy and Affordable Ways to Clean Your Vinyl Records by Hand

How to Calibrate Your Turntable for the Best Possible Sound