Sage advice! I'm terrible with impluse control, but one thing that helps is waiting (at least) 24 hours between deciding I /need/ a record, and actually buying it. Many times, I'll find that I'm not as excited after waiting a full day.
I've more or less stopped buying vinyl other than select reissues because I have everything I want at this point. I still have a short list of things I'd like on vinyl and haven't found and don't want to pay discogs price for. And for new issues, I buy everything released by the Fabs, of course, along with things like the upcoming Band on the Run Underdubbed, in part because I want to signal with my dollars that there's a demand so they'll keep releasing stuff, and the best way to do that is to buy the releases when they come out.
I only own and buy albums that I truly want to listen to from start to finish, both sides, without weak tracks that I wish I could skip, those magic albums that deserve to be listened to with full attention. Most music, eg things like frothy 80s pop and occasionally 90s country, etc., that's for streaming. And if it was recorded digital, it stays that way. (I'm now thinking of Elaine's "spongeworthy" test on Seinfeld. Most music isn't "vinyl" so it doesn't tempt me. )
I hear you. I still buy most of the music that I want to listen to on vinyl, unless the album in question doesn't fully convince me. Even if it was recorded digitally, I prefer the sound on vinyl. Some records, however, sound better on CD, or are simply not available on vinyl. My point is, for me, if I really like a record, I'll always try to get it in physical format.
tbh, I'm regretting my turntable/vinyl purchase. in the end, the convenience streaming and of not having to disturb my cat and interrupt my writing every 15-20 minutes to change a side over wins out over the fussiness of the vinyl experience. it's an increasing regret esp since it doesn't really sound any different to my ears.
Maybe, but I just don't care that much about those differences. I bought the turntable for the tactile/ritual nature of it, not the sound quality. I'm a musician with a home recording studio, so I have a decent ear, but I've never really noticed much of a difference between vinyl and digital. (not that I'm looking to argue that, for sure, it's just not a factor for me.)
It’s in your list, but I’d like to underline your point about only buying records you like (or, at least, think you’re going to like).
I’m reading a book about second-hand record shops. One owner is quoted as saying he’s fallen out of love with records since he started trading because they’ve just become cardboard and plastic items. Collect for love, profit is accidental.
Good one as always! I’m starting to finally manage (sometimes 😅😭) my impulsiveness when seeing a vinyl I really want in a store and not getting it right there in the spot - as you may usually be able to get the same one at a much better price etc (for example, last time it was around 20% cheaper) elsewhere. Not an easy one - but definitely worth the try. I try to live by Confessions of a shopaholic “Do I need it? DO-I-NEED-IT?!!!” 😂
Thank you! Yes, resisting the urge is key. Having said that, there's something quite nice about the spontaneity of seeing a record you really want and buying it there and then. I browse a lot and pay attention to prices and availability, so when I see a record I really want, I tend to realise quite quickly whether I would be overpaying. Some records, though, are really hard to find, so when I see one of those, it becomes a priority.
I've been tracking price drops and new releases for a long time now (x.com/vinylonsale), and I'll say that almost everything gets reissued and/or drops in price at some point. just something I try to remember as I contemplate an expensive out-of-print vinyl or a pre-order.
Thank you, Jared! Congratulations on your book, by the way! I'm not on Twitter but if I was I would follow you!
Yes, most stuff gets reissued, which is a relief for some. What happens then with the prices of original pressings is fascinating as it doesn't always follow a predefined pattern. Some of the demand gets satisfied with the reissues I guess, but for those who really want the original pressings (for whatever reason, e.g. sound, sentimental, collectible, etc.) some reissues don't really cut it, so that's why I say grab them while you can (but don't break the bank!).
Interesting... I hadn't thought about expanding my music research into collection and resale. Seems like it could be fun to both collect and sell a bunch of experimental records. Do you have any posts about the basics of resale?
thrilled to say that I subconsciously follow all these habits yet somehow I still have overflow in my collection so I’ve also adopted a model of taking vinyl out of my collection if I purchase a big haul. If I haven’t listened to an album in years I consider whether I still need it in my collection or why I purchased it in the first place. I’m really trying to go for full albums now that I want to listen to both sides as opposed to just buying something because of one single that I could stream
Thank you, Kadrian! Yes, that makes a lot of sense. I also feel our taste can change over time (not completely, but still), so it makes sense that what you chose, say, five or six years ago might not be the same now and vice versa.
There's a line from a Deep Purple song that often helps me curtail my vinyl purchases;
'It's not the kill / it's the thrill of the chase.'
While it may be tempting to grab it when you see it, it's important to ask yourself, 'How often am I actually going to listen to it after I get it?' 'Is it going to be in regular rotation on my turntable or is this merely an impulse buy that'll be lost in my collection a week from now?'
I think they're important things to consider in that moment - especially if you're looking at a title with a particularly hefty price tag.
Thank you, Chris! That's spot on. Very insightful. The chase element can, on a more or less subconscious level, affect our decisions massively. Asking yourself those questions (e.g. how often will I spin this, etc.) is a great habit, particularly when you need to decide between two records.
Sage advice! I'm terrible with impluse control, but one thing that helps is waiting (at least) 24 hours between deciding I /need/ a record, and actually buying it. Many times, I'll find that I'm not as excited after waiting a full day.
Thank you! That's a great habit. It also gives you the time/opportunity to check if you can get the exact same record for less elsewhere.
I've more or less stopped buying vinyl other than select reissues because I have everything I want at this point. I still have a short list of things I'd like on vinyl and haven't found and don't want to pay discogs price for. And for new issues, I buy everything released by the Fabs, of course, along with things like the upcoming Band on the Run Underdubbed, in part because I want to signal with my dollars that there's a demand so they'll keep releasing stuff, and the best way to do that is to buy the releases when they come out.
I only own and buy albums that I truly want to listen to from start to finish, both sides, without weak tracks that I wish I could skip, those magic albums that deserve to be listened to with full attention. Most music, eg things like frothy 80s pop and occasionally 90s country, etc., that's for streaming. And if it was recorded digital, it stays that way. (I'm now thinking of Elaine's "spongeworthy" test on Seinfeld. Most music isn't "vinyl" so it doesn't tempt me. )
I hear you. I still buy most of the music that I want to listen to on vinyl, unless the album in question doesn't fully convince me. Even if it was recorded digitally, I prefer the sound on vinyl. Some records, however, sound better on CD, or are simply not available on vinyl. My point is, for me, if I really like a record, I'll always try to get it in physical format.
tbh, I'm regretting my turntable/vinyl purchase. in the end, the convenience streaming and of not having to disturb my cat and interrupt my writing every 15-20 minutes to change a side over wins out over the fussiness of the vinyl experience. it's an increasing regret esp since it doesn't really sound any different to my ears.
That’s a shame. If you don’t hear the difference, it might be your turntable/stylus.
Maybe, but I just don't care that much about those differences. I bought the turntable for the tactile/ritual nature of it, not the sound quality. I'm a musician with a home recording studio, so I have a decent ear, but I've never really noticed much of a difference between vinyl and digital. (not that I'm looking to argue that, for sure, it's just not a factor for me.)
It’s in your list, but I’d like to underline your point about only buying records you like (or, at least, think you’re going to like).
I’m reading a book about second-hand record shops. One owner is quoted as saying he’s fallen out of love with records since he started trading because they’ve just become cardboard and plastic items. Collect for love, profit is accidental.
Exactly. If there’s no love, there’s nothing. Thanks, Ian!!
So true! Curious - what’s the name of the book you’re reading?
‘Vinyl Countdown’ by Graham Sharpe. He’s visiting all the shops that advertise in Record Collector magazine. I’m only about 50 pages in so far.
Def gonna check that out!
Good one as always! I’m starting to finally manage (sometimes 😅😭) my impulsiveness when seeing a vinyl I really want in a store and not getting it right there in the spot - as you may usually be able to get the same one at a much better price etc (for example, last time it was around 20% cheaper) elsewhere. Not an easy one - but definitely worth the try. I try to live by Confessions of a shopaholic “Do I need it? DO-I-NEED-IT?!!!” 😂
Thank you! Yes, resisting the urge is key. Having said that, there's something quite nice about the spontaneity of seeing a record you really want and buying it there and then. I browse a lot and pay attention to prices and availability, so when I see a record I really want, I tend to realise quite quickly whether I would be overpaying. Some records, though, are really hard to find, so when I see one of those, it becomes a priority.
I've been tracking price drops and new releases for a long time now (x.com/vinylonsale), and I'll say that almost everything gets reissued and/or drops in price at some point. just something I try to remember as I contemplate an expensive out-of-print vinyl or a pre-order.
Thank you, Jared! Congratulations on your book, by the way! I'm not on Twitter but if I was I would follow you!
Yes, most stuff gets reissued, which is a relief for some. What happens then with the prices of original pressings is fascinating as it doesn't always follow a predefined pattern. Some of the demand gets satisfied with the reissues I guess, but for those who really want the original pressings (for whatever reason, e.g. sound, sentimental, collectible, etc.) some reissues don't really cut it, so that's why I say grab them while you can (but don't break the bank!).
Definitely agree, well said as always. And thanks for the support friend! :)
Interesting... I hadn't thought about expanding my music research into collection and resale. Seems like it could be fun to both collect and sell a bunch of experimental records. Do you have any posts about the basics of resale?
Cheers, Greg! You’ve given me a great idea for a future post. Watch this space!
Oh totally. Amazing how we can fall in and out of listen with an album
thrilled to say that I subconsciously follow all these habits yet somehow I still have overflow in my collection so I’ve also adopted a model of taking vinyl out of my collection if I purchase a big haul. If I haven’t listened to an album in years I consider whether I still need it in my collection or why I purchased it in the first place. I’m really trying to go for full albums now that I want to listen to both sides as opposed to just buying something because of one single that I could stream
Thank you, Kadrian! Yes, that makes a lot of sense. I also feel our taste can change over time (not completely, but still), so it makes sense that what you chose, say, five or six years ago might not be the same now and vice versa.
Great article with very helpful tips!
There's a line from a Deep Purple song that often helps me curtail my vinyl purchases;
'It's not the kill / it's the thrill of the chase.'
While it may be tempting to grab it when you see it, it's important to ask yourself, 'How often am I actually going to listen to it after I get it?' 'Is it going to be in regular rotation on my turntable or is this merely an impulse buy that'll be lost in my collection a week from now?'
I think they're important things to consider in that moment - especially if you're looking at a title with a particularly hefty price tag.
Thank you, Chris! That's spot on. Very insightful. The chase element can, on a more or less subconscious level, affect our decisions massively. Asking yourself those questions (e.g. how often will I spin this, etc.) is a great habit, particularly when you need to decide between two records.