During a day and age where every song you could imagine is available at the tips of your fingers, there is quietly a vinyl revival.

The world of vinyl record collecting can be an intimidating one. But whether you're a seasoned crate-digger, dusting off your old collection, or brand new to analogue audio, these tips will ensure you can enjoy the new hobby and get the most out of your music. 

 

Direct-Drive vs. Belt-Drive Turntables?

To play a record you’ll need a record and, well, a turntable. 

Turntable types can be broken down into two categories: direct-drive and belt-driven turntables. 

Direct-drive turntables have a motor sitting underneath the record, while belt-drive turntables have the motor suspended off to the side and use a belt to spin the platter. 

Direct-drive turntables often offer the ability to alternate seamlessly between 45 and 33 RPM. Belt-drive turntables, however, typically need the owner to adjust the length of the belt to change speeds. 

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what you like best! No choice is right or wrong. It all comes down to what you like and what you want from your record player.

 

New or Used?

Depending on the genre of music you enjoy, you may be presented with the dilemma all record collector faces: go new or used. 

New records, often pressed on 180-gram vinyl and available in different colours, provide the listener with a different experience from their used or vintage counterparts in a few ways.

Firstly, a new record is simply that. After peeling off the plastic, the listener gets to experience the artwork, liner notes and other additions to the packaging for the first time. In some cases, with used or vintage records, these extras can be damaged or completely missing.

When it comes to sound quality, newer or reissued pressings can sound different from older pressings - whether that is a pro, or a con is up to your ear. 

What it often boils down to as a record collector is the price. In most cases, a new pressing of a classic album like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon will often cost more than a vintage pressing of it you can find at your local record store or second-hand. 

Vintage records often present the collector with a feeling of nostalgia that new records simply can't replicate. 

 

Record Care and Storage

Vinyl records are more durable than people often believe, though this doesn't mean you should toss them in the park like a frisbee. 

Whether you lean your collection up on the wall or have them stored in an old milk crate, keeping your records vertical is a must as it helps mitigate warping. If you stack your records on top of each other, you risk running into artwork damage and record warping, which can lead to playback issues. 

Along with warping, dust is a record collector's nightmare. Falling onto the surface of your records and collecting in the grooves, dust interferes with your stylus’, or needle's, ability to vibrate and generate sound. This leads to the popping that is synonymous with vinyl records. 

To combat dust, collectors often reach for a carbon fibre brush that works deep into the grooves to trap dust and ensure a clean, crisp sound. 

When a brush won't do, there are plenty of cleaning solutions out there when you need a deep cleaning.

For those looking for an extra layer of protection, polypropylene sleeves are a great way to keep your record jackets clean.

 

Get Collecting!

The best way to build your collection and experience the joys of dropping the needle in a groove is to visit your local record store and pick out what to spin next. 

Local, independently owned record stores often participate in "Record Store Day," an annual event where record labels release special and limited-edition pressings of albums. 

If you’re looking for a specific pressing of a record, or want to see what one of your records is currently worth, Discogs.com is a great source for everything you need to know.

Happy spinning!