Having a clear strategy is key to ensuring you are adding the most value to your collection from day one. Today I will be sharing some tips and pointers for newbies and experienced collectors alike.
Wow, Andres, there is so much great info here--and the way you lay things out so clearly, even the uninitiated like me can follow along. I remember my grandmother’s record player was a giant piece of furniture. The “newfangled” one my parents bought in the 80s was also furniture, but about half the size. Sadly, we never had many revords!
"...and you can’t beat the joy of finding a hidden gem when you least expect it."
Finally finding that record you've spent years looking for is one of the best feelings in the world. That happened to me recently, and I was on Cloud 9 for quite awhile.
As for my collection, 90-95% of the time, I'm looking for bands I like or have recently caught reviews on. Once in awhile the cover art alone will get me to buy.
I prefer original pressings, but don't think twice picking up a reissue- especially if it's something I just want to get home and listen to.
This was a great write up, Andres! Only thing I might add is this: If you're new to vinyl, stay off Reddit for awhile. Some Redditors are needlessly cruel. If you found a record and it makes you happy, then it was a "win," no matter what they post.
I know I'm a year late to the Substack, but I absolutely love how friendly it is to new collectors--how it doesn't take any knowledge for granted and explains the ins and outs of the hobby. Thank you so much! Big fan, Mark
resell value is now something i'll have to keep in mind with my ever expanding vinyl collection... thanks for the tip Andres! subscribed, excited to read more from you :)
"So yes, maybe don’t choose one that actually looks like a briefcase, because chances are it will sound like a briefcase."
Still remember how in love I was with those! Their shape and cute looks, haha. I am very glad I didn't follow that trend! I couldn't agree more with your views! My next step is definitely upgrading my turntable (one similar to yours possibly) and getting a nice amplifier! May be an end of 2023 or early 2024 goal :)
Lovely post here, Andres! The biggest factor when I choose vinyl is based upon the idea that if one of my favorite musicians or artists were thumbing through my collection, would this album make them pause? I know that sounds parasocial and fan-girly, but I put infinite trust in the artists I follow and am a fan of, and I tend to do deep dives on their interviews to get a better sense of their tastes, inspiration, etc. Do I sound like a freak? Haha
Thanks bestie for all your info. I love vinyl but have old ones from childhood. I somewhat love the crackling sound of an old 45. Those were days! Keep on doing your good work. I’m listening. X
Wonderful overview, Andres, on the "world of vinyl" for both rookies and vets! As a proud vinyl vet, I feel like, after a rattle and a bottle, a single or a tonearm might've been the next thing my pudgy little fingers grasped! As I've well-documented elsewhere, my bro and I grew up surrounded by 20,000 (mostly jazz) 78s and LPs Dad had amassed (in custom cabinetry) and card-catalogued during the '50s (I was born in '55, the same year as Disneyland and rock'n'roll!) thru '70s!
I appreciated your section on selling, as I sold my entire 2,000-unit collection (mostly white-label promos) on eBay at the turn of the century. Plus, I learned from you that Discogs (a valuable resource for writing about recorded music!) had a market feature!
I can also vouch for the notion that it helps to be well-versed in the values on the secondary market. In the '90s, I also did local record shows, renting a table, etc. I remember, as much as I was liquidating my collection, it was still tempting to rifle thru other vendor tables' boxes, and discover new finds...which, of course (being completely without self-control or willpower!), I'd have no problem buying! Such is the pull of the LP, the record....The Vinyl!
In short, vinyl has been my life, and it's so great to see your new 'Stack entry, Andres, being all-in on all things PVC! Casual reader, pull up a chair, join me in subscribing, and enjoy The Vinyl Room!
Wow, Andres, there is so much great info here--and the way you lay things out so clearly, even the uninitiated like me can follow along. I remember my grandmother’s record player was a giant piece of furniture. The “newfangled” one my parents bought in the 80s was also furniture, but about half the size. Sadly, we never had many revords!
"...and you can’t beat the joy of finding a hidden gem when you least expect it."
Finally finding that record you've spent years looking for is one of the best feelings in the world. That happened to me recently, and I was on Cloud 9 for quite awhile.
As for my collection, 90-95% of the time, I'm looking for bands I like or have recently caught reviews on. Once in awhile the cover art alone will get me to buy.
I prefer original pressings, but don't think twice picking up a reissue- especially if it's something I just want to get home and listen to.
This was a great write up, Andres! Only thing I might add is this: If you're new to vinyl, stay off Reddit for awhile. Some Redditors are needlessly cruel. If you found a record and it makes you happy, then it was a "win," no matter what they post.
I know I'm a year late to the Substack, but I absolutely love how friendly it is to new collectors--how it doesn't take any knowledge for granted and explains the ins and outs of the hobby. Thank you so much! Big fan, Mark
resell value is now something i'll have to keep in mind with my ever expanding vinyl collection... thanks for the tip Andres! subscribed, excited to read more from you :)
"So yes, maybe don’t choose one that actually looks like a briefcase, because chances are it will sound like a briefcase."
Still remember how in love I was with those! Their shape and cute looks, haha. I am very glad I didn't follow that trend! I couldn't agree more with your views! My next step is definitely upgrading my turntable (one similar to yours possibly) and getting a nice amplifier! May be an end of 2023 or early 2024 goal :)
Amazing post as usual! x
Lovely post here, Andres! The biggest factor when I choose vinyl is based upon the idea that if one of my favorite musicians or artists were thumbing through my collection, would this album make them pause? I know that sounds parasocial and fan-girly, but I put infinite trust in the artists I follow and am a fan of, and I tend to do deep dives on their interviews to get a better sense of their tastes, inspiration, etc. Do I sound like a freak? Haha
Thanks bestie for all your info. I love vinyl but have old ones from childhood. I somewhat love the crackling sound of an old 45. Those were days! Keep on doing your good work. I’m listening. X
Wonderful overview, Andres, on the "world of vinyl" for both rookies and vets! As a proud vinyl vet, I feel like, after a rattle and a bottle, a single or a tonearm might've been the next thing my pudgy little fingers grasped! As I've well-documented elsewhere, my bro and I grew up surrounded by 20,000 (mostly jazz) 78s and LPs Dad had amassed (in custom cabinetry) and card-catalogued during the '50s (I was born in '55, the same year as Disneyland and rock'n'roll!) thru '70s!
I appreciated your section on selling, as I sold my entire 2,000-unit collection (mostly white-label promos) on eBay at the turn of the century. Plus, I learned from you that Discogs (a valuable resource for writing about recorded music!) had a market feature!
I can also vouch for the notion that it helps to be well-versed in the values on the secondary market. In the '90s, I also did local record shows, renting a table, etc. I remember, as much as I was liquidating my collection, it was still tempting to rifle thru other vendor tables' boxes, and discover new finds...which, of course (being completely without self-control or willpower!), I'd have no problem buying! Such is the pull of the LP, the record....The Vinyl!
In short, vinyl has been my life, and it's so great to see your new 'Stack entry, Andres, being all-in on all things PVC! Casual reader, pull up a chair, join me in subscribing, and enjoy The Vinyl Room!