Melinda - Your ten recommendations were absolutely spot on! I agree with you on each one. Your last recommendation holds so true. I purchase my very first record, a 45 rpm, when I was in 5th grade. 1-2-3 Red Light by the 1910 Fruitgum Co. Today I’m 67 years old and still have that record, along with thousands more. When I play that record today, after all these years, it does bring back the memory of who I was with and where I purchased it. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Hello Melinda. Look how early I am. Just sitting in the Delta Lounge waiting on a flight. I still don’t know what I’m doing with records. As a man of terrible self control the best advice I have is don’t enter record stores, don’t subscribe to emails from record companies, stay away from discogs selling market, pretend eBay doesn’t exist and give all you money to someone who is responsible. I have failed at all of this but darn good advice in my opinion
Great advice, Melinda! I have been collecting records for several years now and really enjoying the hobby. 😊 I recently inherited 150+ records from my uncle, most of them from the 1960s-1980s. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Moody Blues among many others. I'm currently working my way cleaning and sleeving them all. The ones I've listened to so far sound amazing!
Congratulations! It's so wonderful that you inherited an already amazing collection of records. It also sounds like you are off to a good start by cleaning them up. I hope these records bring you a lot of joy. Good for you. 🤗♥️ Thank you and have a great week.
Cheers Melinda, fantastic Job on this latest segment 👍 soft spoken words of wisdom done right .it's always a pleasant experience watching your videos.kudos to you!!
Great advice! I learned many of these lessons the hard way! "Enjoy the records you own" was reinforced for me a few years ago when the shops were closed for months during the covid lockdown. With no new records coming in I made a point of listening to records I hadn't played for a long time. I revived my interest in a few bands and also put aside some things to trade in when the shops opened again.
@@MelindaMurphy I really enjoy finding things in stores way more than buying online (yesterday I found an original copy of Black Sea by XTC and I was thrilled!). But I'm lucky to have three great record stores nearby. That isn't the case for everyone.
@@marktait2371 I had a great time methodically playing records that I'd neglected for years. The more you get, the less likely you are to play a particular one, so it was good for me to put the brakes on buying!
Hi Melinda Bravo! Great advice. And so true on everything you said . Putting your phone down and listening to a record and regroup. Times like these we all need a place to unwind. Have a great one.🙂❤
Thanks for the advice, Melinda! Especially #10. I can definitely see how this fun hobby can become a bad habit. The thrill of finding a new record to buy is wonderful but enjoy what you have.
Spot on Melinda!!!, Your list of do's and don't s covered it ALL , number 6 on the list resonated the most with me about collecting the titles you love. I just went through a period of weeding out several vinyls that I hardly listen to ( just sat there in my collection ) and brought them to a local record store and traded them in . It was tough but now I can honestly say that I've learned to enjoy what I have in my collection ALL the more. Going forward I now think a bit before purchasing. Any varients however of existing titles are my targets for now.
I agree. It initially hurts to trade a record in but once it's out of the collection, I don't miss it. In fact I feel a little lighter. Thank you and take care.
Apology accepted. 😀 I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. I, in return apologize for my delayed response. It's been a very busy weekend. Have a great week and take care. 🤗
Simple gems given from the heart of a vinyl lover. Ms M, I truly enjoy your pearls of vinyl visdom! I still have my Air Supply...kept in mint condition.
Thanks for the tips Melinda. Good refresher course, and I have been collecting since the early 70s. Oh boy, I am going to start to catalogue my records on discogs when the weather starts to torn. I’m talking thousands of records here. Oiy yoi yoi!! Wish me luck, it’s going to take forever. Cheers.
Best wishes to you. It will be a long journey but I think you will find out so many interesting facts about the records you own. Every record has a story and something unique about it. Have fun! Take care.
Very sound advice Melinda! No matter how long you collect you still need to remind yourself of some of these rules now and again. As always I enjoyed your video. Take care.
Hi, Melinda- Very much appreciated your style and presentation on your 10 tips! You are wise beyond your years! That is why I subscribed though Ihave watched your channel for awhile. Some of the tips are fairly basic, BUt- staying within budget is critical in today’s inflated economy, especially when dealing with FOMO. You talked about this a while back - fear in missing out cannot be understated when deciding purchase. After collecting for nearly 50 years- I certainly have had regrets either in vintage audio or records. Keep up your refreshing style and genuine help for the viewers.
Great list of tips! For me, one other hard and fast rule I follow is never letting anyone borrow one of my albums (same goes of CDs) I learned the hard way back when I first starting buying music way back that you sometimes dont get back what you let someone borrow. I had one album come back with a skip in it.
I couldn't agree more! I have a simple policy: I NEVER lend my vinyl albums to anyone, no matter how well I know them. I don't even let them touch the vinyl (holding the record while it's in its sleeve is OK)!
Want to share music? I never lend out my vinyl records or CDs. I got burned in the distant past when a family member scratched up some of my records. That said also in the olden days, I used to make mixed tapes for my friends. We'd exchange those. Today it's a lot easier. Create UA-cam playlists of your favorite music, set it to public and they not only have the song to listen to but also a video to watch! Another avenue is Spotify on which I maintain several playlists.
Great advice, Melinda! A few times, I've accidentally purchased albums I already own. I've picked up so much in the last couple of years that I just lose track! I'll have to recommend this vid to new vinyl lovers.
Good advice Melinda. On the subject of record cleaning, after they have been cleaned it is a good idea to use a product from the Last company which is a bottle of Record Preservative. This is applied to the record surface by pouring a small quantity of the liquid onto a long narrow velvet cleaning brush and wiping the record in a circular motion to cover the entire record playing surface.This liquid is absorbed into the record groove to a depth of a few microns which hardens the groove against wear for about 200 plays.
First off, I am so sorry for the delayed response. I have never heard of such a liquid. Very interesting. I will have to look into it. Thank you and have a great week!
Hi Melinda. Excellent advice. Love the snap, crackle and pop is for breakfast. I had that with Pink Floyd the wall. No noticeable scratches, but it definitely cracked. Did replace it with a reissue. Thank you for your wonderful videos.
All your tips are good for more than your average record collector. A dis cogs is something I don't have but good advice, having a budget is a good idea because they are not cheap. And many years ago I stopped loaning them out because you'll never see them agin...plus books etc.Keep up the good work on your channel. Happy hunting.
You are becoming a sage young lady!! I have a nice collection of mostly well taken care of albums. Half were mine and the other half were my old buddies records that he gave me. I don't buy much now. If I do it's a cheap bargain that looks clean at 5 bucks or less. I spend alot of time cleaning these old records tobring them back. Solution clean, vinyl vac, ultrasonic clean, rinse, and vinylvac again!! I'm exhausted!! Can't possibly shop... just relaxed listening!! Love to you music momma!! Well done!!
Hi Melinda!! Excellent points 👍About the only thing that I would add is to enjoy what you have. In other words don't worry about upgrading your system because of what you've seen on other sites. I am pleased with my modest system of a Yamaha AS301 amp, a Technics SLDL1 linear tracking turntable, Elac 2.0 Debut 6.2 speakers and an ipod classic. I added a sub that was hooked up to my home theater system I had....an wow!! What an improvement. So I didn't need to spend $$$ for something newer and flashier.
Hi Melinda! Loved this video! I’m in the process of #10 I’m playing each record I own. Most haven’t been played since buying them new several years ago. Good tips to follow. Take care my friend 🤗❤️
As a seasoned (perhaps a bit over-seasoned) record hunter, I think you covered it pretty well here, especially for the new or starting folks. I don't call myself a collector even though I am doing the verb form of that, because sometimes collector means someone who only buys rare records or buys to re-sell and I do neither. The only additions or further clarifications I would like to add are: 1) I would avoid the Crosley. etc. suitcase turntables all together. If one has one, I'd get rid of it. Today, it is more possible to start out with a rather decent turntable for not much money. (Granted, it was even easier a year ago), but Pro-ject is one of the makes that have actually not raised prices over the last year or at least by much. (I don't know Heinz Lichtenegger owner of Pro-ject is a rock star and perhaps a bit crazy). One can get a Pro-ject table that one will probably use for at least a couple of years if not more for around $350. Sure, one can get a Crosley for $60 to $80, but it is not worth it! Any record you play on it will be ruined (not to mention sound so bad that you will want to give up music all together). It is not worth putting a $30 record or even a used $5 record on one of those type of players. You will either throw away $30 or have to re-hunt for that $5 used record you found in decent shape, which could take a long time. It would be better to have some patience if needed and save up $300 and get a turntable that will not ruin your records and that you can use for a rather long time. The other nice thing is that the $350 turntable will be upgradeable! You can change the mat and get a whole different sound. You can change the cartridge and get a whole different sound, etc. You can't do that with a suitcase player. 3 Clean your records = ALL record plants are dirty, so all new records should be cleaned as well. Cleaned records not only sound better, but it is also good for your equipment. A dirty record can damage a stylus. Average cost of a starter stylus is $100, you don't want to be replacing it every three months or so. A stylus on average is good for 1000 hours. (That is 125 days of you played records for 8 hours per day everyday. Since most folks or nobody does that, it could be some time before you need to replace it provided you care for it). As for cleaning machines, etc. I would be very weary of the super cheap fluids and such, but even more cautious about what you see on UA-cam regarding cleaning methods. Do not take the advice of someone who tells to use wood glue, Windex, bathroom cleaner, alcohol laden homebrews, etc. Those only ruin records, nothing else. It is better to use either the fluid that comes with whatever record cleaning device you choose or spring for a bottle of say, Super Wash from Mo-Fi or something. Sure it might be $30 but it is better than the alternates I mentioned and you can clean a lot of records with just one bottle. As for record cleaning machines, as someone who made an actual study of record care (not for the faint of heart), I would recommend that if one has say up to 100 records or so, you can get away with a $100 Spin-clean vat type unit. If one has say, 250 or more records and growing, it may be time to consider a vacuum RCM. One can get a Record Dr for $200 or so or even more convenient, especially of you know you are in for the long haul one can get a Pro-ject RCM for around $500. With the right fluid(s) that will make for a very good RCM. I'd stay away from the super low cost ultrasonic stuff as well as the super high cost ultrasonic machines. Again, I'd base getting a record cleaning machine on the amount of records one has. Spin Clean = 100 to 200 records, Record Dr or Pro-ject = 250 to 300+ records. Ultrasonic machine - a different animal and optional, but very good with the right machine. 7) Buy records in good condition- This is especially regarding used records. This may also require a fair amount of patience. My advice would be to avoid trying to find a perfect clean copy of a used record, you won't find it unless you are hunting for classical records, then you can throw a stone with your eyes closed and hit one. Classical records are great buys, they are cheap as old chips and usually nearly pristine (get them home, a simple one step clean and your laughing). Once you start cleaning records and learn more about that as you go you will learn to determine what you can handle condition-wise. I was crazy enough to seriously study vinyl record custodianship/preservation for a long time and I have all the PVC chem charts and the whole bit so I now have some mad skills and can purchase used records most folks starting out or something would not even look at. (Can't fix scratches). Before that though I had to be more picky. I have waited as long as 5 years of looking to find a certain LP or two. Don't pay too much for used records, even ones that the seller claims he cleaned really well and such. They might have used lighter fluid or something equally bad. The record looks shiny with hardly a scratch and you pay $10 for a $3 record, get it home and it hardly plays at all. To somewhat protect yourself in that, when looking at said record, look at the spindle hole, that gives part of the story. If the records is all super shiny and the spindle hole looks like it went through a belt sander, all scratched up and such, then that record has been played to within an inch of its life and likely on bad gear, so don't buy it, at least not unless you can get it for a dollar or two. 8)Budget - This can't be emphasized enough! Yes, don't overspend, even on records.
I agree about the suitcase turntables. I tried to make the point as nicely as possible that you really want to avoid them. I also didn't want to hurt someone's feelings if that's what they have and all they can afford. They are very harmful to records. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy If someone already has a suitcase player because that is what they can afford, one can encourage them in a nice way to not use it or save up for a $300 real turntable without hurting their feelings. The one thing "audiophiles" don't use is encouragement and then they complain about people giving up or being hateful towards them for hurting feelings, etc. Of course, you are not that way and there are a few others in the "vinyl community" that are not that way either. The way I have done it in the past (and will always do it) is through education and encouragement. First, I educate the person about the suitcase player in this case in a way that doesn't alarm them, I use baby steps and follow up any "bad news" with notes of encouragement to remedy. I start with budgeting and encourage them to save up any way they can without killing themselves and let them know that they are no less a person if it takes them 12 months to save up $300 then if it takes them 3 months. The point is to keep your eye on the prize. The hardest part of it all is patience. I also suggest they look at used turntables. If they can find a used table, vintage or otherwise in good working order, they would only need about $150 or less including replacing the cartridge. They could let family know what they are looking for as well, which could end up with them getting a table for free from an uncle or something, who knows? Of course, all such info would constitute a whole other video itself, but might be worth considering. This is something I would do if I start a UA-cam channel, which is a "maybe" at this point and I can't start filming if I did until the weather where I am at changes.
Hi Melinda - You covered the essential ground - well done !! In particular I related greatly to “The Budget” and listening to what you already have. There are many records that I have brought in recent years that I’ve probably only listened to once which is CRAZY! I need to listen to this very good advice - you’ve opened my eyes!
Very nice approach, Melinda. No matter how beginner or experienced a listener is, there’s also something to be reminded of. My addition to the list: turn off the phone and enjoy the ride, focus on the music
Another very good video, great information, I have learned to check used records thoroughly before buying, check for warping, dimples in the vinyl scratches make sure all the original inserts are included etc. I must say that over the past couple years I don't crate dig very much anymore, I enjoy buying new vinyl it's like giving myself a present, and you know that your record will be mint. Thank you for sharing, take care and Peace.
I shop for a mix of used and new vinyl. I especially like reissues when it comes to jazz records. Vintage jazz records are hard to find clean at a price I want to pay. It's so important to check an old record for condition. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda, thanks for the video. Number 6 is what I have issues with. Just one example, I love Bob Dylan but I went into a stretch where I was obsessed with collecting all of his studio albums. It’s true many of his albums rank up to my personal all time favorites but many do not. I wish I would have spent those dollars on albums I really love and the later work to complete my Dylan collection.
Hi Melinda great advice for all. I would add that find good reputable independent record stores and sellers online. I have bought hundreds of albums from several sellers and never have a problem with condition or value. And if there is any issues, they are resolved cheerfully.
Good advice Melinda. I bought new speakers last year to go along with my turntable. The sound quality is great. I bought a cleaning kit for my records. I even clean my 💿 cds with a solution called Isopropyl alcohol. I enjoy cleaning my records & cds. Barry Manilow is Cool! Did I say that. Ha! I have music that my parents liked. My collection is the soundtrack to my life. I'm in my sixties now. I have thrown out some music that I don't want anymore. New vinyl is very expensive, I only buy if it's something I really want. I love my collection.!
The fact that you love your collection is what matters most. ♥️ When I hear Barry Manilow's music, it brings back such great memories of being a kid and still having my mom. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy I like the song Mandy by Barry Manilow. I was at high school when that song was popular. My mother bought records. She liked Patsy Cline. I do too.
Nice video. I think that your buy what you like advice is spot on. Out of all the records in my collection I only really treasure about 20% of them. I bought a lot of hole fillers in genres I don't really listen to anymore. Only to realize I never listen to them. Money better spent on looking for titles I wanted. I had to become more selective with my crate digging.
I completely understand the "completist" mentality but I also choose not to do that because nearly every band has at least one album that I don't like and would never listen to. Thank you and take care.
Great video Melinda! You look very beautiful today! 😘 As always I do learn things from your videos. Thank you for all your tips and info. You’re a wealth of good solid information. Haven’t bought an album in a month which is not normal for me. I feel something good will appear soon. Rumors of a new Beatles album by Giles Martin is hitting soon. I’m saving for that one. Have a great week my friend. Love & hugs - Deb 😘❤️
Some really helpful tips here! Guarantee some folks will be helped out by this info share. I may have chuckled with the “do as I say, not as I do” on the scroll about budgeting. Guilty as charged on that one too ✋🏻
Haha! My husband did the editing. That was his 'personal touch" in that video. Lol. I didn't see it until it was already made public. 😀 Thank you and take care.
All great tips. Especially number ten. My dad was a huge music fan jazz,,latin etc but he was a working man and when my sisters and I were little he did not have a lot of money to buy records but he loved what he had. He loved Dizzy,Donald Byrd and Miles but only had two albums each by his favorites. But i tell you he knew Miles in Europe on Donald Byrds Fuego like the inside of his hand (he had only two Blue Notes). Later in life he would expand his collection somewhat but I remember when albums were precious and few.
What a beautiful story about your dad. I'm glad he was able to have more later in life. It sounds like he put his family's needs first. ♥️ Thank you for sharing that. Take care.
Another winning video Melinda. I have the most trouble with # 9, the budget. It’s so easy to go over especially with the prices going up. (And you showing off your MOFI purchases lol). And to me #10 is the key, enjoy what you have and don’t always feel the need to get something new. FOMO isn’t a great way of thinking. I’m always pulling 2 or 3 oldies from my shelves to each new album I play. Thanks for the video.
Good suggestions an addition to your list could be an important one buy an alignment protractor to mount or varify that your cartridge is property aligned. Improper alignment will damage your records increase grove distortion throw out left right channel balance as well as improper information retrieval and more surface noise . Records can last a lifetime if treated properly as you know . I have records from the 1940s that still sound pristine!
Melinda that is some great advice. I like the point about buying LPs in great condition. That is probably one of the best things about my collection, I have tried to get the best condition records possible. I love finding a perfect condition record and knowing I will never need to upgrade it again in the future. That for the rest of my life this record will sound amazing every time I play it. Definitely a ton of great advice in this video.
Melinda ' been keeping my albums covers protected for 41 years now and the protectors sleeves have improved a lot since then I hope that is a still sealed Mono Peppers you have mine is still sealed I bought that after I bought the Mono Box Set I am glad we both are proud owners of that box set Take Care .👍👍
I found this mono copy of Sgt Pepper at an antique store but it was already opened. The record was already out of print when I bought it. It was a great find. I love the box set too. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Hello Melinda, I related to your comment about how music takes you back to great times with friends or where you were when you bought the record. I didn't have much money in the 60's/70's so each purchase was well thought out and something I heard on the radio or friends' homes. My wife and I would go to San Francisco or Berkeley and make a fun day of it. She'd be in bookstores and I would search out vinyl. Treasured memories.
Excellent video.I try to play one old record and a nely acquired record in tandem.Sometimes if the album is old enough it can be a fresh experience.When I used to buy albums every other week in the .I'd 70s I'd buy an album I was sure I would like and a speculative purchase So it was a voyage of discovery.There used to be an internet station that literally played random tracks.
I bet you have a very cool collection if you have been a collector for that long of a time. It's cool that you took chances and also bought the ones you knew you would love. Thank you for sharing. That's a very cool story. Take care.
Good stuff M! I really favor the concept around #6. My first piece of advice for people is to not over think it. Just go into a record store and just kind of spend time wandering down memory lane. Just pull out all kinds of stuff, look at cover, pull out records and looks a them, and don't even feel like you HAVE to buy anything that day. When those "OMG I LOVE THIS BACK IN...." kind of moments pop up you will KNOW what you really want to walk out with that day, Just keep it it fun and do be so quick to get locked up the craziness that many of us make it to as collectors. Even thought my collection is 1000 times better today than it was the first year I collected, I'm not sure I have ever matched the amount of "fun" I had collecting in that first year. It was special and I wouldn't want to rob anyone of that magical time by forcing my current "condition" or "pressing" standards on them lol.
I completely agree. The first year or so is the best because there are so many great grails you are wanting to add to the collection. That was so much fun. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
For a guy like me who has been buying records for 40 plus years. You taught me to clean even my brand new records. I thank you for this. I never thought about the fact that new records have stuff leftover on them after they have been pressed.
have a technics hi fi witch is is 40 years old now and still going strong do enjoy your videos melinda do you have any ufo i do have 11 albums on vinyl
Great advice! #10 is really important. Sometimes we get so caught up with buying new stuff (even new old stuff) that we don't always take the time to just enjoy the collection. I have been collecting records since I was a youngster back in the late 70's and there was a time during the late 90's until the around 2013 I was mainly buying cd's and my record collection didn't get much attention. I never parted with it and I'm so glad that I didn't because I enjoy it now more than ever. The point being if you really love collecting records and the interest for it suffers along the way, keep them because you will come back to them and be glad you did. I know I was!
It's so amazing that you hung on to your records for all of this time. Good for you. It would be hard to let go of my record collection at this point. I think I'm in it for life. 😀 Thank you and have a great weekend.
All great advice coming from a pro thanks for sharing this information Melinda 😆. People need to know this, I've had some of my running partners ( people who you hang out with and do business with) laugh at me for buying the protective sleeves and stuff..lol
My first system was an 8 track player/reciever in 1972. I've used inner and outer sleeves since the late '70s. I use a studebaker when cleaning used vinyl. They way new vinyl prices have risen over the years you might only buy 2-3 on a $100 budget
I agree, the prices are really high now. It's very easy to spend $100 on records. I bet you are so glad that you took such good care of what you already had. Thank you and have a great week.
Hi, great tips. Really nothing to ad. You covered every aspect for starting a vinyl collection. Tip 6 is my favourite, buy only what you like and will listen to and not what other people tell you to buy. For inner sleeves i can recommend Katta sleeves. Good quality and cheap, 100 piece for about 20$. For cleaning i recommend the Knosti disco-antistat machine for about 50$. Happy collecting starters. Greetings
Excellent advice Melinda. Records are wonderful time machines in which the magic of song memories can go far beyond the music quality. I enjoy your channel, hearing your thoughts, watching your collection grow, and your husbands' fun participation now and then. ~Jeff
“Rice Krispies are for breakfast.” Very well said. Great points, all. I’ve been at this for a year. I did a lot of research before getting started. I watched Andrew Robinson, VinylEyezz, Noble, NTX, Too Much Vinyl and you. I’m ready to upgrade to that Technics 1200. I’m in this now for life.
Thank you so much! I'm honored to be among the channels you watch. I'm in great company with those channels. Best wishes on acquiring your new turntable. Take care.
Another great video Melinda. Budget is huge. With new box sets and the costs of buying anything worth while is crazy. However if you can’t afford it, it’s not worth it. Unfortunately collecting new particularity is quite costly, so you need to plan and prioritize your selections.
Thanks for the tips. I'm wondering if you have any advice on cleaning the album covers on old records. Sometimes I find records ant tag sales or thirty shops where the vinyl looks really good but the album cover feels dirty or feels/smells a little moldy but looks good(not bent or worn too much). Any ideas on how to "clean" them without ruining the cover? Thanks!
Great advise. I just return from vacation at Virginia Beach and purchase 5 records for a total of $55.00. There was a seal Parliament record I really wanted for $150.00 and put it back. My thoughts were I can get more records and enjoy more music with that money. All 10 points are equally important and kinda brings us all back to earth. Practical, common sense and full of wisdom/experience we can all learn from.
What kind of system do You listen to?. The things You talke about is so true. I store my LP in a perfect place No sun. Your taste in music is very good
I started my Discogs 3 days ago and found this out... My Discogs estimated collection value is 1.8 million with 4,083 vinyl records in mint conditions. My most expensive vinyl LP is "Yesterday & Today - The Beatles" released in 1966, "Infinite - Eminem" released in 1996, & "All Eyez on Me - 2Pac" released in 1996. Been a collector since High School 1993. Love the list of tips, thanx!
Great video! The only only piece of advice I would add is to be patient. You basically cover that in a couple of your points when talking about purchasing vinyl in good condition and not impulse buying. I’ve been collecting vinyl for about a year now and have bought a couple of albums on eBay because they were ones I really wanted and were cheap, but once I receive them I realized the reason they were cheap is that they were in poor condition. Now bye only purchase albums that are in good to very good condition.
@@MelindaMurphy Yes, its very disappointing when you're excited to get a new album and it arrives basically unlistenable. In some easy that is just the risk one buying on eBay.
Great video and well stated advice for a new collector and seasoned collectors as well. I have many lps I've owned for decades and I am still adding to my collection. I am in full agreement on collecting what you love and enjoying it. I listen to Donald Fagen Nightfly constantly (even in my car on cd) and Grover Washington Wine light (multiple copies on lp and cd.
Melinda great recommendations. Sometimes if you join an audio club they will have an ultrasonic record cleaning machine available for use by members. I recently went through my collection and cleaned every record. Also, I would recommend a good record brush and perhaps an antistatic "gun". The last item is how you organize your LP's. Perhaps by genre with dividers? How may times have I lost a record because I didn't file it properly. Cheers!
Hey Melinda, thought of you today when I read that "Revolver" by The Beatles is being re-mixed by Giles Martin (Georges son) and will be available Oct. 23. I know you've spoken about this album and Rubber Soul as being among your favories.
Enjoying the record you have is big! I was out recently and purchased a King Crimson vinyl... got home and loaded into Discogs only to find...I already had that particular album on my shelf...unopened!! LOL!
I sincerely apologize for the delayed response. I can understand how easy buying an extra copy can be. At least it was a great album. Lol. It never hurts to have two copies of something awesome. 😀 I hope you have a great week and thank you so much for the comment. Take care.
Hi Melinda As you are an avid vinyl collector, I would like to ask you a couple of questions. Back in the day 12 inch 45 rpm vinyls used to be very popular, the quality of the music mix and vinyl pressings were so vastly superior to that of 7 inch 45s that I stopped buying 7 inch 45s altogether and only concentrated 12 inch 45s. I'm guessing I was not the only one to go down this route, so my question is, did you ever buy 12 inch 45s and, if so, do you still buy/collect them. This question is a novelty question, do you have any 7 inch 33rpm records? I know these vinyls were never popular but were still collectable, i.e. they were mainly released to introduce the record buying public to three or four tracks from new bands.
I don't have any 33rpm 45's. I didn't know they even existed. I do have some 12" 45rpm singles and they do sound very good. If I find one of a favorite song, I will pick it up. A couple of my favorites are Paul McCartney 's Temporary Secretary and Soft Cell's Tainted Love. Thank you and take care.
Another great video young lady !!! Definitely hit the yard sales , etc and check out what they have as far as audio equipment...You can really score some nice stuff cheap...More and more reviews of Budget audio equipment are coming out so you DON'T have to spend thousands to start... Everything is upgradeable including records...Spin Clean is A MUST have...BE CAREFUL BUYING VINYL ON EBAY !!!! I personally have had nothing but bad experiences so I won't do it again...Keep the videos coming and keep rocking Melinda 🤘🏻😎✌🏻❤️
YOU HAVE PULSE! RIGHT ON, MELINDA! I've absolutely LOVED the mixing and mastering on this (and even Pink Floyd's original DSOTM, which both sound like surround sound... from STEREO! Truly incredible.)
Hey Melinda great video as always. Very interesting advice. I would add a couple more if I may: 11. Learn about what you collect. Research what you like buying, be careful about your buying choices. It's very easy to get caught out buying something that might have been misrepresented as something it isn't...maybe a reissue instead of an original pressing. There are plenty of research sources available. 12. It's NOT about the number of records you own. It doesn't matter if you have a record collection comprising 10, 50, 100, 500 or 1000 or more records. Your collection is personal and unique because its yours. I dont believe we consciously set out to build huge collections of X number of records. It's something that just happens. Right Melinda? 😉. Thanks for sharing this. Love your work sweetheart. Take care 😊❤️😘
I agree with both of your additions. I just bought an unofficial pressing that I thought was legit. If I had taken the time to look it up, I would have known better and passed on it. The number of records isn't what's important, it's the quality of what you have. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Good advice Melinda. I would add that new collectors might watch all those VC videos and see all those fantastic looking shelves packed with records and want the same thing. Don't buy too many records too quickly, take your time, enjoy the music and take it all in.These folks have been collecting for years, you will get there eventually.
I just picked up the SL1200M7L which is the 50th anniversary Limited Edition in Yellow. I have the SL1200MK2 and that has been my favorite turntable of all time. I am old school. lol
Melinda great advice! I had a calling to be involved to music, Got into vinyl way back in 67, Cassettes also back when and CDS start in the mid 80's. 45's by the way have just 265 in a crate left with of great songs I so love. Some DVDS of along what I have as well. Turned over Stereo equipment over the years but maybe never as good as you got to have. But still today a pretty good to a degree it is now and still of component surround with speakers of old in front of air suspension speakers going way back and still use and the set up that needs adjustment to a preamp. Still have to consider the neighbors I know. And need a new subwoofer, I listen in 5.1 surround, Maybe sometime add two speakers more for 7.1. To see how that might sound. Space is always a concern. Record sleeves great advice there. Need to at least go along with record sprays. Discogs late for that memory is good as I have, I with great memory I know what I have, Crates and boxes. One set of vinyls in footlocker. And I know what I love and want to have and discover new things and artists all the time. Good condition I always check and won't buy just to have in bad condition. Yea the mistakes that have happened before. Budget is what I can get and what I will if I can other wise doing homework search afterwards if I didn't get what I saw to see at what other price or way to get it. Yea make sure I have a budget to get those finds. Now I find I am a music enjoyer and more then just gathered alot that I have. I appreciate the times of music and being involved in wailing away some times creating my own music as I have done every once in a while now. Take care and enjoy the listening pleasures of music and times, 🎶 🎸🎤🎹 🥁 ☮
@@MelindaMurphy Yea the 5 speakers I have, turntable receiver a cheap DVD/Blueray/CD player 32 inch smart Tv cassette player. A dual but one works deck on the right. The deck works yet to replace when I see a capable dual deck again that works and the speed sound fine and calibrated. A new smart tv to get as the starting to show being over 10 -15 years old. The notice crease lines. One at the top and one at the bottom. Rather then repair the whole screen panel for a new one to just get as I look to get a new Smart TV. So I have my tweaking upgrades to do for the future. - When times I don't listen to music on stereo there's the desktop and laptop computers. Stay well Melinda.
Hi Melinda, In relation to sleeves always ensure that the sleeves are not made from PVC as the off-gassing from PVC sleeves can mist the records which can make a wooshing sound during playback.
#10 is the best advice... pulling out a record, recalling the purchase, but moreover, enjoy the music!
I agree. I love looking through my collection and admiring the records I already own and picking out one to listen to. 🥰 Thank you and take care.
God is good,Melinda God bless you and your family keep rocking.
Thank you! God is Good! ♥️
You brought out some very good points Melinda.Great video!
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
Melinda, Thank you for this video. Some brilliant tips many thanks.
You are so welcome! Have a great week! 😃
Hello Melinda. Great advice!
Thank you! 🤗
10 is such a great and ofren overlooked advice.
Thank you! 🤗♥️
It is pleasure seeing someone so dedicated and in love with music!!🤗
Great video , excellent advice!
Thank you so much!
great Tips my friend and great video my friend
Hey Curtis!!! Thank you!
Enjoyed this - love no.10.....you are so right. thank you
Thank you! I agree that #10 is the most important. ♥️ Take care.
Wow all great advice nothing pretentious, thanks 😊
Thank you very much! ♥️🤗
Thank you , Melinda, for your opinion and important information.
🎤🎸🎵🥁🎹
Life is better with music.
Thank you Dianne! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Melinda - Your ten recommendations were absolutely spot on! I agree with you on each one. Your last recommendation holds so true. I purchase my very first record, a 45 rpm, when I was in 5th grade. 1-2-3 Red Light by the 1910 Fruitgum Co. Today I’m 67 years old and still have that record, along with thousands more. When I play that record today, after all these years, it does bring back the memory of who I was with and where I purchased it. Thank you for sharing your insights!
I love those wonderful memories and I'm so impressed that you still have that record. 🤗 Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.
Very good advice Melinda!!! The last advice is probably the wisest. Thanks.
I don't know what to add to that well said 🤗
Thank you very much. 🤗♥️
Hi Melinda, Thanks for all your tips!!!! Stay well and take care
Thank you so much!
Hello Melinda. Look how early I am. Just sitting in the Delta Lounge waiting on a flight. I still don’t know what I’m doing with records. As a man of terrible self control the best advice I have is don’t enter record stores, don’t subscribe to emails from record companies, stay away from discogs selling market, pretend eBay doesn’t exist and give all you money to someone who is responsible. I have failed at all of this but darn good advice in my opinion
Haha! I have about that much self control as well. I hope you had a good flight. Take care.
great helpful tips . excellent video beautiful melinda 👍👏
Thank you so much!
Love your genuine passion for music. A very fun UA-cam channel.
Thank you so much! ♥️🤗
Great advice, Melinda! I have been collecting records for several years now and really enjoying the hobby. 😊 I recently inherited 150+ records from my uncle, most of them from the 1960s-1980s. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Moody Blues among many others. I'm currently working my way cleaning and sleeving them all. The ones I've listened to so far sound amazing!
Congratulations! It's so wonderful that you inherited an already amazing collection of records. It also sounds like you are off to a good start by cleaning them up. I hope these records bring you a lot of joy. Good for you. 🤗♥️ Thank you and have a great week.
Melinda, thanks so much for the great advice! Especially #10…enjoy what you already have! Keep making these great videos for us to enjoy!💕
Thank you so much! Have a great night!
Cheers Melinda, fantastic Job on this latest segment 👍 soft spoken words of wisdom done right .it's always a pleasant experience watching your videos.kudos to you!!
Thank you so much.🤗♥️ Take care.
Hello Milinda, This first time comment. Thanks for making these wonderful videos to enjoy. I love vinyl.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you said hello! ♥️🤗 Take care.
Wonderful advice, Melinda! Thank you.
Thank you! I appreciate it. 🥰
Great advice! I learned many of these lessons the hard way! "Enjoy the records you own" was reinforced for me a few years ago when the shops were closed for months during the covid lockdown. With no new records coming in I made a point of listening to records I hadn't played for a long time. I revived my interest in a few bands and also put aside some things to trade in when the shops opened again.
That was wonderful. While so many were shopping online to buy records, you were getting reacquainted with your own collection.🤗♥️ That's wonderful.
@@MelindaMurphy I really enjoy finding things in stores way more than buying online (yesterday I found an original copy of Black Sea by XTC and I was thrilled!). But I'm lucky to have three great record stores nearby. That isn't the case for everyone.
@@marktait2371 I had a great time methodically playing records that I'd neglected for years. The more you get, the less likely you are to play a particular one, so it was good for me to put the brakes on buying!
Awesome video my friend
Thank you!
Hi Melinda
Bravo! Great advice.
And so true on everything you said .
Putting your phone down and listening to a record and regroup.
Times like these we all need a place to unwind. Have a great one.🙂❤
I agree. Thank you! Have a great night!
Ah, I'm the guy who had a discogs account forever, but finally took the time to enter 2500+ albums in over last winter. Great point!!!
Wow! Good for you. That was quite the job.😀
Thanks for the advice, Melinda! Especially #10. I can definitely see how this fun hobby can become a bad habit. The thrill of finding a new record to buy is wonderful but enjoy what you have.
Definitely! Thank you and take care.
Great tips! I agree enjoy what you have. I listen to my collection A to Z annually.
Thank you! It's great to enjoy what I already have. Have a great weekend!
It’s always good to go back to the basics Melinda! Thanks for the video!!!
Thank you very much! 🤗
Spot on Melinda!!!, Your list of do's and don't s covered it ALL , number 6 on the list resonated the most with me about collecting the titles you love. I just went through a period of weeding out several vinyls that I hardly listen to ( just sat there in my collection ) and brought them to a local record store and traded them in . It was tough but now I can honestly say that I've learned to enjoy what I have in my collection ALL the more. Going forward I now think a bit before purchasing. Any varients however of existing titles are my targets for now.
I agree. It initially hurts to trade a record in but once it's out of the collection, I don't miss it. In fact I feel a little lighter. Thank you and take care.
I like the advice. I love the advisor, easy on the eyes.
I’m sorry, inappropriate
Apology accepted. 😀 I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. I, in return apologize for my delayed response. It's been a very busy weekend. Have a great week and take care. 🤗
Simple gems given from the heart of a vinyl lover. Ms M, I truly enjoy your pearls of vinyl visdom! I still have my Air Supply...kept in mint condition.
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
Thanks for the tips Melinda. Good refresher course, and I have been collecting since the early 70s. Oh boy, I am going to start to catalogue my records on discogs when the weather starts to torn. I’m talking thousands of records here. Oiy yoi yoi!! Wish me luck, it’s going to take forever. Cheers.
Best wishes to you. It will be a long journey but I think you will find out so many interesting facts about the records you own. Every record has a story and something unique about it. Have fun! Take care.
Very sound advice Melinda! No matter how long you collect you still need to remind yourself of some of these rules now and again. As always I enjoyed your video. Take care.
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️ Take care.
Hi, Melinda- Very much appreciated your style and presentation on your 10 tips! You are wise beyond your years! That is why I subscribed though Ihave watched your channel for awhile.
Some of the tips are fairly basic, BUt- staying within budget is critical in today’s inflated economy, especially when dealing with FOMO. You talked about this a while back - fear in missing out cannot be understated when deciding purchase. After collecting for nearly 50 years- I certainly have had regrets either in vintage audio or records. Keep up your refreshing style and genuine help for the viewers.
Thank you so much! FOMO is real and very easy to get caught up in. I try to avoid it as much as possible. Take care.
Great list of tips!
For me, one other hard and fast rule I follow is never letting anyone borrow one of my albums (same goes of CDs) I learned the hard way back when I first starting buying music way back that you sometimes dont get back what you let someone borrow. I had one album come back with a skip in it.
That's definitely a rule for me too. Thankfully, no one that I'm friends with cares about vinyl so that's not an issue. Take care.
Ha ha!
I couldn't agree more! I have a simple policy: I NEVER lend my vinyl albums to anyone, no matter how well I know them. I don't even let them touch the vinyl (holding the record while it's in its sleeve is OK)!
Want to share music? I never lend out my vinyl records or CDs. I got burned in the distant past when a family member scratched up some of my records. That said also in the olden days, I used to make mixed tapes for my friends. We'd exchange those.
Today it's a lot easier. Create UA-cam playlists of your favorite music, set it to public and they not only have the song to listen to but also a video to watch! Another avenue is Spotify on which I maintain several playlists.
Great advice, Melinda! A few times, I've accidentally purchased albums I already own. I've picked up so much in the last couple of years that I just lose track! I'll have to recommend this vid to new vinyl lovers.
Thank you so much! Take care.
Good advice Melinda. On the subject of record cleaning, after they have been cleaned it is a good idea to use a product from the Last company which is a bottle of Record Preservative. This is applied to the record surface by pouring a small quantity of the liquid onto a long narrow velvet cleaning brush and wiping the record in a circular motion to cover the entire record playing surface.This liquid is absorbed into the record groove to a depth of a few microns which hardens the groove against wear for about 200 plays.
First off, I am so sorry for the delayed response. I have never heard of such a liquid. Very interesting. I will have to look into it. Thank you and have a great week!
Hi Melinda. Excellent advice. Love the snap, crackle and pop is for breakfast. I had that with Pink Floyd the wall. No noticeable scratches, but it definitely cracked. Did replace it with a reissue. Thank you for your wonderful videos.
I had to upgrade my Pink Floyd The Wall album recently as well. It's such a great album. Thank you and take care.
All your tips are good for more than your average record collector. A dis cogs is something I don't have but good advice, having a budget is a good idea because they are not cheap. And many years ago I stopped loaning them out because you'll never see them agin...plus books etc.Keep up the good work on your channel. Happy hunting.
Thank you so much! I definitely do not lend out my records either. 😃 Take care.
You are becoming a sage young lady!! I have a nice collection of mostly well taken care of albums. Half were mine and the other half were my old buddies records that he gave me. I don't buy much now. If I do it's a cheap bargain that looks clean at 5 bucks or less. I spend alot of time cleaning these old records tobring them back. Solution clean, vinyl vac, ultrasonic clean, rinse, and vinylvac again!! I'm exhausted!! Can't possibly shop... just relaxed listening!! Love to you music momma!! Well done!!
Thank you so much! 😃 That was a very cool buddy! I'm glad you keep your records so clean. Take care.
I'm a simple man. I see The Wall...I click 😄. All kidding aside, this is a very well put together and informative video Melinda!!!
Thank you so much! The Wall is an excellent album. 🤗
Hi Melinda!! Excellent points 👍About the only thing that I would add is to enjoy what you have. In other words don't worry about upgrading your system because of what you've seen on other sites. I am pleased with my modest system of a Yamaha AS301 amp, a Technics SLDL1 linear tracking turntable, Elac 2.0 Debut 6.2 speakers and an ipod classic. I added a sub that was hooked up to my home theater system I had....an wow!! What an improvement. So I didn't need to spend $$$ for something newer and flashier.
I agree! Listen with your own ears. You don't have to fix something if it isn't broken. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda! Loved this video! I’m in the process of #10 I’m playing each record I own. Most haven’t been played since buying them new several years ago. Good tips to follow. Take care my friend 🤗❤️
Wow! I bet you are enjoying some amazing records. 😍 Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
@@MelindaMurphy indeed I am🥰
Great advice. Thanks. I think I read that some outer sleeves produce gases that can get to the record and cause marks on the vinyl.
PVC can damage records. I stay away from that as well. Thank you and take care.
As a seasoned (perhaps a bit over-seasoned) record hunter, I think you covered it pretty well here, especially for the new or starting folks. I don't call myself a collector even though I am doing the verb form of that, because sometimes collector means someone who only buys rare records or buys to re-sell and I do neither.
The only additions or further clarifications I would like to add are:
1) I would avoid the Crosley. etc. suitcase turntables all together. If one has one, I'd get rid of it. Today, it is more possible to start out with a rather decent turntable for not much money. (Granted, it was even easier a year ago), but Pro-ject is one of the makes that have actually not raised prices over the last year or at least by much. (I don't know Heinz Lichtenegger owner of Pro-ject is a rock star and perhaps a bit crazy). One can get a Pro-ject table that one will probably use for at least a couple of years if not more for around $350. Sure, one can get a Crosley for $60 to $80, but it is not worth it! Any record you play on it will be ruined (not to mention sound so bad that you will want to give up music all together). It is not worth putting a $30 record or even a used $5 record on one of those type of players. You will either throw away $30 or have to re-hunt for that $5 used record you found in decent shape, which could take a long time. It would be better to have some patience if needed and save up $300 and get a turntable that will not ruin your records and that you can use for a rather long time. The other nice thing is that the $350 turntable will be upgradeable! You can change the mat and get a whole different sound. You can change the cartridge and get a whole different sound, etc. You can't do that with a suitcase player.
3 Clean your records = ALL record plants are dirty, so all new records should be cleaned as well. Cleaned records not only sound better, but it is also good for your equipment. A dirty record can damage a stylus. Average cost of a starter stylus is $100, you don't want to be replacing it every three months or so. A stylus on average is good for 1000 hours. (That is 125 days of you played records for 8 hours per day everyday. Since most folks or nobody does that, it could be some time before you need to replace it provided you care for it).
As for cleaning machines, etc. I would be very weary of the super cheap fluids and such, but even more cautious about what you see on UA-cam regarding cleaning methods. Do not take the advice of someone who tells to use wood glue, Windex, bathroom cleaner, alcohol laden homebrews, etc. Those only ruin records, nothing else. It is better to use either the fluid that comes with whatever record cleaning device you choose or spring for a bottle of say, Super Wash from Mo-Fi or something. Sure it might be $30 but it is better than the alternates I mentioned and you can clean a lot of records with just one bottle. As for record cleaning machines, as someone who made an actual study of record care (not for the faint of heart), I would recommend that if one has say up to 100 records or so, you can get away with a $100 Spin-clean vat type unit. If one has say, 250 or more records and growing, it may be time to consider a vacuum RCM. One can get a Record Dr for $200 or so or even more convenient, especially of you know you are in for the long haul one can get a Pro-ject RCM for around $500. With the right fluid(s) that will make for a very good RCM. I'd stay away from the super low cost ultrasonic stuff as well as the super high cost ultrasonic machines.
Again, I'd base getting a record cleaning machine on the amount of records one has. Spin Clean = 100 to 200 records, Record Dr or Pro-ject = 250 to 300+ records. Ultrasonic machine - a different animal and optional, but very good with the right machine.
7) Buy records in good condition- This is especially regarding used records. This may also require a fair amount of patience. My advice would be to avoid trying to find a perfect clean copy of a used record, you won't find it unless you are hunting for classical records, then you can throw a stone with your eyes closed and hit one. Classical records are great buys, they are cheap as old chips and usually nearly pristine (get them home, a simple one step clean and your laughing). Once you start cleaning records and learn more about that as you go you will learn to determine what you can handle condition-wise. I was crazy enough to seriously study vinyl record custodianship/preservation for a long time and I have all the PVC chem charts and the whole bit so I now have some mad skills and can purchase used records most folks starting out or something would not even look at. (Can't fix scratches). Before that though I had to be more picky. I have waited as long as 5 years of looking to find a certain LP or two. Don't pay too much for used records, even ones that the seller claims he cleaned really well and such. They might have used lighter fluid or something equally bad. The record looks shiny with hardly a scratch and you pay $10 for a $3 record, get it home and it hardly plays at all. To somewhat protect yourself in that, when looking at said record, look at the spindle hole, that gives part of the story. If the records is all super shiny and the spindle hole looks like it went through a belt sander, all scratched up and such, then that record has been played to within an inch of its life and likely on bad gear, so don't buy it, at least not unless you can get it for a dollar or two.
8)Budget - This can't be emphasized enough! Yes, don't overspend, even on records.
I agree about the suitcase turntables. I tried to make the point as nicely as possible that you really want to avoid them. I also didn't want to hurt someone's feelings if that's what they have and all they can afford. They are very harmful to records. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy If someone already has a suitcase player because that is what they can afford, one can encourage them in a nice way to not use it or save up for a $300 real turntable without hurting their feelings. The one thing "audiophiles" don't use is encouragement and then they complain about people giving up or being hateful towards them for hurting feelings, etc. Of course, you are not that way and there are a few others in the "vinyl community" that are not that way either. The way I have done it in the past (and will always do it) is through education and encouragement. First, I educate the person about the suitcase player in this case in a way that doesn't alarm them, I use baby steps and follow up any "bad news" with notes of encouragement to remedy. I start with budgeting and encourage them to save up any way they can without killing themselves and let them know that they are no less a person if it takes them 12 months to save up $300 then if it takes them 3 months. The point is to keep your eye on the prize. The hardest part of it all is patience. I also suggest they look at used turntables. If they can find a used table, vintage or otherwise in good working order, they would only need about $150 or less including replacing the cartridge. They could let family know what they are looking for as well, which could end up with them getting a table for free from an uncle or something, who knows?
Of course, all such info would constitute a whole other video itself, but might be worth considering. This is something I would do if I start a UA-cam channel, which is a "maybe" at this point and I can't start filming if I did until the weather where I am at changes.
Hi Melinda - You covered the essential ground - well done !! In particular I related greatly to “The Budget” and listening to what you already have. There are many records that I have brought in recent years that I’ve probably only listened to once which is CRAZY! I need to listen to this very good advice - you’ve opened my eyes!
Sticking to a budget is very hard but overspending on records that I don't really listen to is much worse. Thank you and take care.
Its such a joy to see your vlogs :)
Oh wow! I appreciate that so much. Thank you.
Very nice approach, Melinda. No matter how beginner or experienced a listener is, there’s also something to be reminded of. My addition to the list: turn off the phone and enjoy the ride, focus on the music
I agree with that. I definitely need to put my phone down as well. Thank you and take care.
Another very good video, great information, I have learned to check used records thoroughly before buying, check for warping, dimples in the vinyl scratches make sure all the original inserts are included etc. I must say that over the past couple years I don't crate dig very much anymore, I enjoy buying new vinyl it's like giving myself a present, and you know that your record will be mint. Thank you for sharing, take care and Peace.
I shop for a mix of used and new vinyl. I especially like reissues when it comes to jazz records. Vintage jazz records are hard to find clean at a price I want to pay. It's so important to check an old record for condition. Thank you and take care.
Great tips Melinda. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
Thank you! Have a great night!
Hi Melinda, thanks for the video. Number 6 is what I have issues with. Just one example, I love Bob Dylan but I went into a stretch where I was obsessed with collecting all of his studio albums. It’s true many of his albums rank up to my personal all time favorites but many do not. I wish I would have spent those dollars on albums I really love and the later work to complete my Dylan collection.
I completely understand. I will probably never own all of his albums but some are must haves. Thank you and take care.
Melinda, Im still running my pioneer pl540 with an ortofon blue and I love it. Never want another!
That's awesome. I used to have the Ortofon Blue and loved it. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda great advice for all. I would add that find good reputable independent record stores and sellers online. I have bought hundreds of albums from several sellers and never have a problem with condition or value. And if there is any issues, they are resolved cheerfully.
I agree! Thank goodness there are some wonderful sellers out there. Take care.
Good advice Melinda. I bought new speakers last year to go along with my turntable. The sound quality is great. I bought a cleaning kit for my records. I even clean my 💿 cds with a solution called Isopropyl alcohol. I enjoy cleaning my records & cds. Barry Manilow is Cool! Did I say that. Ha! I have music that my parents liked. My collection is the soundtrack to my life. I'm in my sixties now. I have thrown out some music that I don't want anymore. New vinyl is very expensive, I only buy if it's something I really want. I love my collection.!
The fact that you love your collection is what matters most. ♥️ When I hear Barry Manilow's music, it brings back such great memories of being a kid and still having my mom. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy I like the song Mandy by Barry Manilow. I was at high school when that song was popular. My mother bought records. She liked Patsy Cline. I do too.
Nice video. I think that your buy what you like advice is spot on. Out of all the records in my collection I only really treasure about 20% of them. I bought a lot of hole fillers in genres I don't really listen to anymore. Only to realize I never listen to them. Money better spent on looking for titles I wanted. I had to become more selective with my crate digging.
I completely understand the "completist" mentality but I also choose not to do that because nearly every band has at least one album that I don't like and would never listen to. Thank you and take care.
Great video Melinda! You look very beautiful today! 😘
As always I do learn things from your videos. Thank you for all your tips and info. You’re a wealth of good solid information. Haven’t bought an album in a month which is not normal for me. I feel something good will appear soon. Rumors of a new Beatles album by Giles Martin is hitting soon. I’m saving for that one.
Have a great week my friend.
Love & hugs - Deb 😘❤️
That will be wonderful. I'm looking forward to the new Revolver remix. 😍 Thank you for the kind words. Take care.
Some really helpful tips here! Guarantee some folks will be helped out by this info share. I may have chuckled with the “do as I say, not as I do” on the scroll about budgeting. Guilty as charged on that one too ✋🏻
Haha! My husband did the editing. That was his 'personal touch" in that video. Lol. I didn't see it until it was already made public. 😀 Thank you and take care.
All great tips. Especially number ten. My dad was a huge music fan jazz,,latin etc but he was a working man and when my sisters and I were little he did not have a lot of money to buy records but he loved what he had. He loved Dizzy,Donald Byrd and Miles but only had two albums each by his favorites. But i tell you he knew Miles in Europe on Donald Byrds Fuego like the inside of his hand (he had only two Blue Notes). Later in life he would expand his collection somewhat but I remember when albums were precious and few.
What a beautiful story about your dad. I'm glad he was able to have more later in life. It sounds like he put his family's needs first. ♥️ Thank you for sharing that. Take care.
A side note I have his albums now and they are precious indeed.
Another winning video Melinda. I have the most trouble with # 9, the budget. It’s so easy to go over especially with the prices going up. (And you showing off your MOFI purchases lol). And to me #10 is the key, enjoy what you have and don’t always feel the need to get something new. FOMO isn’t a great way of thinking. I’m always pulling 2 or 3 oldies from my shelves to each new album I play. Thanks for the video.
It's very hard to stick to a budget but overspending is very stressful. Thank you and take care. 😀
Good suggestions an addition to your list could be an important one buy an alignment protractor to mount or varify that your cartridge is property aligned. Improper alignment will damage your records increase grove distortion throw out left right channel balance as well as improper information retrieval and more surface noise . Records can last a lifetime if treated properly as you know . I have records from the 1940s that still sound pristine!
Thank you so much. That's a great suggestion. It would be a shame to damage records due to misalignment. Take care. 😃
Melinda that is some great advice. I like the point about buying LPs in great condition. That is probably one of the best things about my collection, I have tried to get the best condition records possible. I love finding a perfect condition record and knowing I will never need to upgrade it again in the future. That for the rest of my life this record will sound amazing every time I play it. Definitely a ton of great advice in this video.
I agree! I love finding a near mint copy of a record. 😍 Thank you and take care.
Melinda ' been keeping my albums covers protected for 41 years now and the protectors sleeves have improved a lot since then I hope that is a still sealed Mono Peppers you have mine is still sealed I bought that after I bought the Mono Box Set I am glad we both are proud owners of that box set Take Care .👍👍
I found this mono copy of Sgt Pepper at an antique store but it was already opened. The record was already out of print when I bought it. It was a great find. I love the box set too. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Hello Melinda, I related to your comment about how music takes you back to great times with friends or where you were
when you bought the record. I didn't have much money in the 60's/70's so each purchase was well thought out and something
I heard on the radio or friends' homes. My wife and I would go to San Francisco or Berkeley and make a fun day of it. She'd be in
bookstores and I would search out vinyl. Treasured memories.
Awesome memories. 🥰 That's what it's about. Thank you and take care.
Excellent video.I try to play one old record and a nely acquired record in tandem.Sometimes if the album is old enough it can be a fresh experience.When I used to buy albums every other week in the .I'd 70s I'd buy an album I was sure I would like and a speculative purchase So it was a voyage of discovery.There used to be an internet station that literally played random tracks.
I bet you have a very cool collection if you have been a collector for that long of a time. It's cool that you took chances and also bought the ones you knew you would love. Thank you for sharing. That's a very cool story. Take care.
Good stuff M! I really favor the concept around #6. My first piece of advice for people is to not over think it. Just go into a record store and just kind of spend time wandering down memory lane. Just pull out all kinds of stuff, look at cover, pull out records and looks a them, and don't even feel like you HAVE to buy anything that day. When those "OMG I LOVE THIS BACK IN...." kind of moments pop up you will KNOW what you really want to walk out with that day, Just keep it it fun and do be so quick to get locked up the craziness that many of us make it to as collectors. Even thought my collection is 1000 times better today than it was the first year I collected, I'm not sure I have ever matched the amount of "fun" I had collecting in that first year. It was special and I wouldn't want to rob anyone of that magical time by forcing my current "condition" or "pressing" standards on them lol.
I completely agree. The first year or so is the best because there are so many great grails you are wanting to add to the collection. That was so much fun. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
For a guy like me who has been buying records for 40 plus years. You taught me to clean even my brand new records. I thank you for this. I never thought about the fact that new records have stuff leftover on them after they have been pressed.
Some of the pressing plants can be very dirty. I'm so glad I was able to help out. Thank you and take care.
That is some awesome advice. I still rock my vintage 1992 Technics stereo.
Thank you so much! ♥️
have a technics hi fi witch is is 40 years old now and still going strong do enjoy your videos
melinda do you have any ufo i do have 11 albums on vinyl
I have one UFO album. It has the song Come Away Melinda on it. 😀 Thank you and take care.
Good video. Thanks, Sylvia
Thank you! 🤗♥️
WOW ! That is the very same turntable my got me for my birthday just a few yesrs ago for $300 . I love it 👍‼️
It's a very solid turntable. ♥️🔥😀 Thank you.
LOL! Rice Krispies are for breakfast!
Went to tears on that one!❤
I'm glad you appreciate my corny sense of humor. 🤗 Thank you.
Great advice! #10 is really important. Sometimes we get so caught up with buying new stuff (even new old stuff) that we don't always take the time to just enjoy the collection. I have been collecting records since I was a youngster back in the late 70's and there was a time during the late 90's until the around 2013 I was mainly buying cd's and my record collection didn't get much attention. I never parted with it and I'm so glad that I didn't because I enjoy it now more than ever. The point being if you really love collecting records and the interest for it suffers along the way, keep them because you will come back to them and be glad you did. I know I was!
It's so amazing that you hung on to your records for all of this time. Good for you. It would be hard to let go of my record collection at this point. I think I'm in it for life. 😀 Thank you and have a great weekend.
All great advice coming from a pro thanks for sharing this information Melinda 😆. People need to know this, I've had some of my running partners ( people who you hang out with and do business with) laugh at me for buying the protective sleeves and stuff..lol
A lot of people think they aren't necessary but I can't imagine not using them. Thank you and take care.
My first system was an 8 track player/reciever in 1972. I've used inner and outer sleeves since the late '70s. I use a studebaker when cleaning used vinyl. They way new vinyl prices have risen over the years you might only buy 2-3 on a $100 budget
I agree, the prices are really high now. It's very easy to spend $100 on records. I bet you are so glad that you took such good care of what you already had. Thank you and have a great week.
Hi, great tips. Really nothing to ad. You covered every aspect for starting a vinyl collection. Tip 6 is my favourite, buy only what you like and will listen to and not what other people tell you to buy. For inner sleeves i can recommend Katta sleeves. Good quality and cheap, 100 piece for about 20$. For cleaning i recommend the Knosti disco-antistat machine for about 50$. Happy collecting starters. Greetings
Thank you for the suggestions. It's important to buy what makes us happy. Take care.
Excellent advice Melinda. Records are wonderful time machines in which the magic of song memories can go far beyond the music quality. I enjoy your channel, hearing your thoughts, watching your collection grow, and your husbands' fun participation now and then. ~Jeff
Thank you so much! Hopefully, I can talk Phillip into making another appearance. Take care.
“Rice Krispies are for breakfast.” Very well said. Great points, all. I’ve been at this for a year. I did a lot of research before getting started. I watched Andrew Robinson, VinylEyezz, Noble, NTX, Too Much Vinyl and you. I’m ready to upgrade to that Technics 1200. I’m in this now for life.
Thank you so much! I'm honored to be among the channels you watch. I'm in great company with those channels. Best wishes on acquiring your new turntable. Take care.
Another great video Melinda. Budget is huge. With new box sets and the costs of buying anything worth while is crazy. However if you can’t afford it, it’s not worth it. Unfortunately collecting new particularity is quite costly, so you need to plan and prioritize your selections.
Very true! With all of the new reissues and box sets, it would be easy to spend too much money. Thank you.
Thanks for the tips. I'm wondering if you have any advice on cleaning the album covers on old records. Sometimes I find records ant tag sales or thirty shops where the vinyl looks really good but the album cover feels dirty or feels/smells a little moldy but looks good(not bent or worn too much). Any ideas on how to "clean" them without ruining the cover? Thanks!
Sept thirteenth they are releasing the details on the revolver box set.i can't wait .I'm pretty happy with my vinyl purchases.uts getting there.
I'm really excited about that too. 😃 Can't wait.
Great advise. I just return from vacation at Virginia Beach and purchase 5 records for a total of $55.00. There was a seal Parliament record I really wanted for $150.00 and put it back. My thoughts were I can get more records and enjoy more music with that money. All 10 points are equally important and kinda brings us all back to earth. Practical, common sense and full of wisdom/experience we can all learn from.
Thank you! It sounds like you found some amazing deals while on vacation. Take care.
What kind of system do You listen to?. The things You talke about is so true. I store my LP in a perfect place No sun. Your taste in music is very good
Thank you so much! I do have stereo equipment videos with all of the information. Take care.
I started my Discogs 3 days ago and found this out...
My Discogs estimated collection value is 1.8 million with 4,083 vinyl records in mint conditions.
My most expensive vinyl LP is "Yesterday & Today - The Beatles" released in 1966, "Infinite - Eminem" released in 1996, & "All Eyez on Me - 2Pac" released in 1996.
Been a collector since High School 1993. Love the list of tips, thanx!
Oh my goodness!!! Wow! I would consider selling and retiring. 😲 Just kidding, that's very cool though. Good for you!!!!!
Also, I apologize for the late response. 🤗
@@MelindaMurphy In the next 6yrs I will... when I turn 50. Thank you!🙂
Great video! The only only piece of advice I would add is to be patient. You basically cover that in a couple of your points when talking about purchasing vinyl in good condition and not impulse buying. I’ve been collecting vinyl for about a year now and have bought a couple of albums on eBay because they were ones I really wanted and were cheap, but once I receive them I realized the reason they were cheap is that they were in poor condition. Now bye only purchase albums that are in good to very good condition.
That's so disappointing. I agree that patience is part of it. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Yes, its very disappointing when you're excited to get a new album and it arrives basically unlistenable. In some easy that is just the risk one buying on eBay.
Great video and well stated advice for a new collector and seasoned collectors as well. I have many lps I've owned for decades and I am still adding to my collection. I am in full agreement on collecting what you love and enjoying it. I listen to Donald Fagen Nightfly constantly (even in my car on cd) and Grover Washington Wine light (multiple copies on lp and cd.
Those are great albums that I have in my collection too. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Melinda great recommendations. Sometimes if you join an audio club they will have an ultrasonic record cleaning machine available for use by members. I recently went through my collection and cleaned every record. Also, I would recommend a good record brush and perhaps an antistatic "gun". The last item is how you organize your LP's. Perhaps by genre with dividers? How may times have I lost a record because I didn't file it properly. Cheers!
I agree. Keeping records organized is so important. Thank you and take care.
Hey Melinda, thought of you today when I read that "Revolver" by The Beatles is being re-mixed by Giles Martin (Georges son) and will be available Oct. 23. I know you've spoken about this album and Rubber Soul as being among your favories.
I'm really looking forward to it. ♥️ Thank you!
Enjoying the record you have is big! I was out recently and purchased a King Crimson vinyl... got home and loaded into Discogs only to find...I already had that particular album on my shelf...unopened!! LOL!
I sincerely apologize for the delayed response. I can understand how easy buying an extra copy can be. At least it was a great album. Lol. It never hurts to have two copies of something awesome. 😀 I hope you have a great week and thank you so much for the comment. Take care.
Hi Melinda
As you are an avid vinyl collector, I would like to ask you a couple of questions.
Back in the day 12 inch 45 rpm vinyls used to be very popular, the quality of the music mix and vinyl pressings were so vastly superior to that of 7 inch 45s that I stopped buying 7 inch 45s altogether and only concentrated 12 inch 45s. I'm guessing I was not the only one to go down this route, so my question is, did you ever buy 12 inch 45s and, if so, do you still buy/collect them.
This question is a novelty question, do you have any 7 inch 33rpm records? I know these vinyls were never popular but were still collectable, i.e. they were mainly released to introduce the record buying public to three or four tracks from new bands.
I don't have any 33rpm 45's. I didn't know they even existed. I do have some 12" 45rpm singles and they do sound very good. If I find one of a favorite song, I will pick it up. A couple of my favorites are Paul McCartney 's Temporary Secretary and Soft Cell's Tainted Love. Thank you and take care.
Another great video young lady !!! Definitely hit the yard sales , etc and check out what they have as far as audio equipment...You can really score some nice stuff cheap...More and more reviews of Budget audio equipment are coming out so you DON'T have to spend thousands to start... Everything is upgradeable including records...Spin Clean is A MUST have...BE CAREFUL BUYING VINYL ON EBAY !!!! I personally have had nothing but bad experiences so I won't do it again...Keep the videos coming and keep rocking Melinda 🤘🏻😎✌🏻❤️
I love your advice. Stereo equipment can be found at a decent price if you make the effort. Thank you and take care.
YOU HAVE PULSE! RIGHT ON, MELINDA! I've absolutely LOVED the mixing and mastering on this (and even Pink Floyd's original DSOTM, which both sound like surround sound... from STEREO! Truly incredible.)
I agree. I love Pulse. 🤗♥️
Hey Melinda great video as always. Very interesting advice. I would add a couple more if I may:
11. Learn about what you collect. Research what you like buying, be careful about your buying choices. It's very easy to get caught out buying something that might have been misrepresented as something it isn't...maybe a reissue instead of an original pressing. There are plenty of research sources available.
12. It's NOT about the number of records you own. It doesn't matter if you have a record collection comprising 10, 50, 100, 500 or 1000 or more records. Your collection is personal and unique because its yours. I dont believe we consciously set out to build huge collections of X number of records. It's something that just happens. Right Melinda? 😉. Thanks for sharing this. Love your work sweetheart. Take care 😊❤️😘
I agree with both of your additions. I just bought an unofficial pressing that I thought was legit. If I had taken the time to look it up, I would have known better and passed on it. The number of records isn't what's important, it's the quality of what you have. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Good advice Melinda.
I would add that new collectors might watch all those VC videos and see all those fantastic looking shelves packed with records and want the same thing. Don't buy too many records too quickly, take your time, enjoy the music and take it all in.These folks have been collecting for years, you will get there eventually.
Exactly. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Thank you and take care.
I just picked up the SL1200M7L which is the 50th anniversary Limited Edition in Yellow. I have the SL1200MK2 and that has been my favorite turntable of all time. I am old school. lol
Very nice!!! Nothing wrong with being old school! ♥️🤗
Melinda great advice! I had a calling to be involved to music, Got into vinyl way back in 67, Cassettes also back when and CDS start in the mid 80's. 45's by the way have just 265 in a crate left with of great songs I so love. Some DVDS of along what I have as well.
Turned over Stereo equipment over the years but maybe never as good as you got to have. But still today a pretty good to a degree it is now and still of component surround with speakers of old in front of air suspension speakers going way back and still use and the set up that needs adjustment to a preamp. Still have to consider the neighbors I know. And need a new subwoofer, I listen in 5.1 surround, Maybe sometime add two speakers more for 7.1. To see how that might sound. Space is always a concern.
Record sleeves great advice there. Need to at least go along with record sprays. Discogs late for that memory is good as I have, I with great memory I know what I have, Crates and boxes. One set of vinyls in footlocker. And I know what I love and want to have and discover new things and artists all the time.
Good condition I always check and won't buy just to have in bad condition. Yea the mistakes that have happened before. Budget is what I can get and what I will if I can other wise doing homework search afterwards if I didn't get what I saw to see at what other price or way to get it. Yea make sure I have a budget to get those finds. Now I find I am a music enjoyer and more then just gathered alot that I have. I appreciate the times of music and being involved in wailing away some times creating my own music as I have done every once in a while now. Take care and enjoy the listening pleasures of music and times, 🎶 🎸🎤🎹 🥁 ☮
Thank you! It sounds like you have built up a terrific stereo system. Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Yea the 5 speakers I have, turntable receiver a cheap DVD/Blueray/CD player 32 inch smart Tv cassette player. A dual but one works deck on the right. The deck works yet to replace when I see a capable dual deck again that works and the speed sound fine and calibrated. A new smart tv to get as the starting to show being over 10 -15 years old. The notice crease lines. One at the top and one at the bottom. Rather then repair the whole screen panel for a new one to just get as I look to get a new Smart TV. So I have my tweaking upgrades to do for the future. - When times I don't listen to music on stereo there's the desktop and laptop computers. Stay well Melinda.
Hi Melinda, In relation to sleeves always ensure that the sleeves are not made from PVC as the off-gassing from PVC sleeves can mist the records which can make a wooshing sound during playback.
Excellent point! PVC sleeves need to be replaced immediately. Thank you and take care.
Melinda knows 🎵🌹 more power to you . EQ not the same anymore. Same pioneer I had isn’t that funny! Thanks for sharing. - Thomas
That Pioneer turntable was an incredible find. I'm so glad my husband picked it up for me. Thank you and take care.