Each and everyone one of us has some hobby or another. Some people enjoy knitting, playing video games and the list goes on and on. One hobby that is starting to gain traction is vinyl record collecting. While by no means a new pastime, due to the increasing demand for repressings of a multitude of albums and younger generations discovering the appeal of records, this hobby has exploded in the past decade.
As a collector of records myself, I see many draws to listening to music in this way. As a huge Beatles fan, I wanted to know what fans 50+ years ago experienced when they heard these famous songs for the first time on vinyl. This got me to finally pull out my Crosley suitcase record player and go on the hunt for original copies of some Beatles albums.
But record collecting isn’t that simple, easy, or cheap. Early on you learn what a “good” record player is and what a “bad” record player is. The Crosley suitcase players, unfortunately, fall into the latter category. While more affordable (typically going between $50-$80), they can do damage to your records. This is, however, a better option for people starting out or someone who does not play their records frequently.
It’s best to get an Audio-Technica brand player, or from a similar company. These can be at least $130, but if you’re invested into record playing it’s a worthwhile investment. However, it’s always worth checking out local DJ equipment and music stores, as they may have some tables on sale (which is how I was able to get a high quality Numark brand turntable for $50).
Another necessary component to record collecting is quality speakers. Built in speakers on a record player can lower the sound quality being emitted, so external speakers work best. Good ones can cost close to $100, but it’s also fine to start off with a simple speaker you already own until you’re able to get higher quality ones.
Record collecting would not be record collecting without the records themselves. Unlike the equipment to play them, records can easily be found cheap…if you know where to look. Local thrift stores are great for shopping for old records for low prices. Thrift stores are good for anyone starting out with collections as well. My personal favorite is Glorybeeezzz Thrift With a Twist in Baldwin. All of their records are $3 and the owners are some of the nicest people.
Thrift stores aren’t the only places to go if you’re record hunting. There are many local record shops all across Long Island including Infinity Records of Massapequa, High Fidelity Records & CD’s of Amityville, and Looney Tunes Record Store in West Babylon. Unlike some thrift stores, record shops tend to price their records based on quality and rarity. Some records can be over $100, while others are only $20 or so. However, you’re supporting a small local business, and there is always a hidden gem in any record store.
Ebay is also great for record shopping, but you need to know what you’re doing. All too often sellers jack up the price on an album that you can only see pictures of. Other buyers may also raise the price by bidding. It’s important to have a price limit so you don’t overspend on an album that is not worth that price. Checking Discogs.com is a great tool to check prices.
You also will usually need a record cleaner, which is a MUST for all records, new and old. Dust and dirt build up can ruin sound quality meaning they need to be cleaned regularly. You can also purchase it on Amazon.
Now that you know the process of starting a record collection, you may be wondering why go through so much effort (and money) for plastic that makes noise? For me, music on vinyl doesn’t compare to digital files. While I do enjoy the ease of having my favorite songs right on my phone, these digital copies of songs lack the personal feeling records have.
If newer music is more your taste, you can find records of today’s top artists in Walmart, Target, Urban Outfitters, Barnes and Noble, and other stores. These stores also sell remastered versions of famous older albums, but these records are just digital files put onto the record and do not sound the same as the original ones.
Music, especially older music, was made for vinyl, but it isn’t flawless. Sometimes records have scratches or can be warped. This affects sound quality and can cause tics, surface noise, skips, or, the worst of them all, loops. Tics aren’t all that bad in my opinion because it shows age and if it’s only one or two it’s ok. Skips are annoying and can easily ruin a song. Loops are the worst. You need to physically move the needle off the grove and you lose your place in the song.
There is much more to vinyl and record collecting than described here, but that’s part of the fun. Record collecting is a constant learning experience and you’re guaranteed to learn something new with each spin or record shopping trip. You learn something new about different songs every time you play them, which shows just how much time and energy your favorite artists can put into creating their music. Even looking at album artwork and inserts is an experience in itself.
Record collecting is not a hobby that appeals to everyone considering the cost. But, in my opinion, the experience you get out of just holding a record makes every penny worth it.
