A few of mine : - easy to get into the thrill of continuously finding new records to buy (and I am guilty of this). It is also important to go back to the records you have and enjoy ones you may not have played for several years! - store the record and inner sleeve outside of the album, to reduce wear on the album jacket. I have the outer sleeve with the opening at the top which also makes it easier to put the LP's in and out of the cabinets - give the albums space in the racks to reduce stress - put clear budget restrictions on yourself - it is easy to overspend, I know... - check the records visually before buying, seems obvious I suppose - use at least a decent player to prevent damaging the records - keep them out of direct sunlight and in moderate temperatures! -
Hell yeah it's soooo easy to overspend, especially if you see all of your holy grails or most wanted records like 5 or 10 of them come available to you all at once. Like the struggle is real to which albums to drop and keep because of budget restrictions :3 That's why I'm striving not to overpay my records as much as possible...
Great tips . I am 51 and recently came back to vinyl, I racks up 40 records in 3 months now I am setting myself a goal of 2 -3 max per month and focusing on quality because I don’t want to get drowned very fast and not enjoy what I bought.
Here’s one of the best tips I can give: Let everyone know you collect or are looking for records; Friends, family, acquaintances etc. I let the bass player in our band recently know that I started to collect vinyl again and he says “oh I have a couple of crates of those in the garage that I never play you can have them for free“. What was in those crates? Beatles, King Crimson, Bob Dylan …Bam! You want the people that know you to see records and think of you! You never know what might turn up!
Ditto. I still haven’t listened to all of the records I got for free from friends and family over the years. Sure, lots of duds in there, but lots of gems too. And duplicates! It’s really interesting to listen to two different pressings of the same album on from labels. They can sound quite different, and I get to keep the one I like the best. :D
@@exit4design I hear ya brother! it’s definitely worth letting people know! In fact, my office manager is on vacation right now in Canada and she just bought me a Beatles record from a thrift shop because she knew I collected vinyl! It works I tell ya! 👍
As far as the middle section of this video, I'd suggest something that shouldn't be ignored. The middle section is mostly about figuring out which records to buy. Well, one of the biggest advantage of a physical collection of music (records and CDs) is that there are liner notes. Something you don't get with streaming. Sure you can read articles online and find music because others have made their recommendations. While this is fine, but you liner notes give you a lot of actual information, facts rather than opinions. Reading the liner notes will tell you the musicians and technical staff that helped make the record. This is particularly helpful if you like a particular album. You'll find out who played what instruments, who guest musicians were, where the music was recorded and who wrote the songs. This is especially true for solo artists because few of them know how to play every instrument in the world. So they bring in friends that they know can play the beats and notes they envision for their music. This kind of information will point you toward other music and artist. Maybe you liked a guitar part and you find out they brought in a guest musician on that song. Well that's potentially someone you might want to look into. Find out what bands these people have been in or who else they've worked with. The music industry is a bunch of cliques. These are circles of people that collaborate together. And if you look at the business as whole, it's not a bunch of circles that stick to themselves. It's actually a venn diagram where those circle overlap with artist working with different artists. Part of the experience about physical media, particularly music is reading that the things your favorite musicians want you to know. For books, you might see a forward where the author thanks a bunch of people who've supported them. But records often also have this kind of stuff. These are the things I've mentioned but it could also include notes written to inform you about what you're listening to. Some of the notes will include how the record was made or who influenced the artist to create the music. Learning this stuff will point you toward different artists, maybe different genres of music or it could be the style of production. There is a lot of information in the liner notes. Don't just look at the artwork, there's helpful stuff in the printed words on those sleeves. Sure you can ask a bunch of questions to others to help you find new music, but having familiarity of things you've learned from the liner notes will help you ask better questions.
Going deeper into an artist’s catalogue is the most fun. Like King Crimson for instance. Or Procol Harum, David Bowie, Even the Eagles. And definitely Fleetwood Mac. You will find treasures around every corner. Thanks.
Great video. One thing I’d like to add. Aside from local stores and online, a great place to shop for records is at a record show. If you live in a moderately big city, you probably have about 5 a year. The largest is the Austin show. Another point about the shows is that they are a great place to gain knowledge. Depending on the show, you’ll have dozens to hundreds of vendors that are super knowledgeable and passionate about music. I’ve learned so much by picking their brains. Cheers.
I once made a mental note to myself to never bring a date to the record show I used to frequent, lest I be judged by the company I keep, it attracted some real wild child types crate digging in the floor, but it was fun , and often productive. Only place I have ever seen a long play record of slot car sounds.
Hold record in sunlight or brighest storr light and tilt to see artifacts Check warpage, spindle wear, off center records. Test a light scratch which may not be an issue by rubbing the outer side of your hand thumb up flat along the surface in a sweeping motion (doesn’t damage it) If you feel the scratch you will hear it, you still may if you don’t but less likely
This channel just popped up in my algorithm yesterday and I'm very glad it did. Your presentation is really down to earth and not at all pretentious--an all too common sentiment among collectors. Great tips! Some of them I've learned along my collecting journey so far. Others are new to me, so thank you!
Streaming is the new”Radio”! As for cleaning only clean once ultrasonic and new clean packaging! Maybe ultrasonic clean once a year or every 5-10! Clean as few times as you can BUT play your records often! Good list! Discogs also is way beyond a database! It is a valuable tool
I just watched one of your old videos regarding 20 rapid fire pro tips. You mentioned streaming music before buying to make sure you like the album. I'm retired and not of the streaming mindset but i check out new music by playing UA-cam videos. Not only do i get to see great videos while i'm checking out the music, i can also watch with lyrics so i can get a better understanding about the songs i'm listening to. Keep up the great videos. Dano- albany oregon.
Yo, it's so cool to see how into it you are. I always like watching videos on youtube from vinyl collectors. I'm only 20 and have been into records for a few years now, my big thing is always affordability lol even if I see something that I kinda like in a store, I'm a bit hesitant because I could get something else somewhere else that I'd like more. But, still slowly building up my own inventory!
Great list! Thanks for making this video. I would add this; determine if you are a Music lover or a record collector. What I mean by that is that initially I just started buying anything and everything that looked cool if it seemed a little offbeat, but unique or had a musician that I liked in the band or had a cool backstory, I would snap it up. The result of that was that I wound up with more records than I had space for, and I wouldn’t listen to many of them. And I made a decision that I was going to buy music that I wanted to listen to. So, I traded a crap load of that other stuff in and focused on buying records that would see my turntable and stylus on a regular basis. I traded out some really cool stuff, but I much prefer my record collection now. At this point in my life, it’s quality over quantity. I hope that makes sense!
I used to read and watch interviews from my favourite artists and read notes in records then go out and buy all records or cd’s of artists they mentioned that inspired them
All good tips. I'd add: Play around with speaker placement. Most speakers are too close to the front wall. For better stereo experience, pull them out 2-3 feet. It's a whole new listening experience, and its free! Re record stores in other towns, do NOT trust vinyl hub/discogs. Just was in Philly went to a store listed on vinyl hub , only to find a beauty salon there. Stores go out of business and are not removing themselves from vinyl hub. No option for commenting/reviewing on vinyl hub either. Really annoying.
Can't agree with #10 enough. A local guy who's a collector sells records out of his garage sometimes on weekends. Late last year a record in one of the bins caught my eye with the cover and after listening to the first track briefly in his garage, I decided to buy the record. Tony Camillo's "Bazuka" probably doesn't ring any bells for most people since it was a one-album thing but it's a really good record and it got me interested in funk music way more than I used to be. Found a few really solid funk or funk-influenced albums since them which I really enjoy. Automatic Man is one of those, only released two albums in the 70's before they disbanded but they were two really good albums! Highly recommended.
I would add - make use of You Tube etc to listen to songs or full albums by artists that you are curious about. (Before buying a copy of the album. That way you can be better prepared to not waste $$$ on records that you don't really like but are buying on reputation of the band alone. Also sometimes those You Tube recommendations along the right side are good introductions to music or artists that you need to hear. Expand your musical tastes.
Good list. Organization and comfort are great tips. I'd add: I can't believe how many listening rooms I see on-line where people don't have a place for all of the vinyl 'stuff.' The sleeve, the inner sleeve, etc. It takes space. I like to have a flat, empty surface next to my turntable to deal with it. If your speakers are flat you can use them. And a turntable at a reasonable height--I don't want to get down on my knees to spin an album.
Sensible vid - thank you! I run a vinyl faire in Johannesburg, South Africa, and these are great places to learn from others, pick up some gems or just chat with other vinyl lovers.
Great list. As a newer collector (had a few but things really took off with COVID mandates and everything shutting down) I’ve learned a lot from yourself and other resources you touch on with this video. Side note I love how gitty you got taking about your want list and then actually scoring some of those albums
I always make sure I have stock of inner and outer sleeves and change once I get any new records almost right away. I use the big fudge mofi style rice paper back and clear front sleeves and I use double LP sized outer sleeves I get from a local shop for all my records including single LP. This way the jacket, the record in sleeve and the old sleeve if I save it and any insert extras all fit nicely with breathing room.
While I do have enough sleeves for my collection, I found that I couldn't read the spines easily with a cover on every record. I've taken to putting multiple records in one (double LP) sleeve. For popular artists I put the album and the 12" singles from that album into one sleeve. For artists where I own only two or three, I'll put them together in a single (double LP) sleeve. For me this strikes the right balance between enough protection for the sleeves and enough visibility of the sleeves. The sleeves from my local store are plenty big enough for me to be able to do this without being concerned about damaging the records, and it's way easy to navigate my collection now.
The keep hunting is the best advice. Being patient and waiting most things will almost always show up eventually. The checking other cities is also a great tip. Records especially old used records are regional back in the day different areas had different distributors and got different inventory.
@@NTXVinyl I used to sell my LP doubles at record shows. I then would go to other cities to do the same. I walked around those shows and found records there that (for years)I couldn't find in my area shows or shops! Also the regular thrift store scouting will eventually pay off for a nice record (especially in a new city you are visiting). Meeting other collectors at shops or record shows could turn into a friendship and you could buy their "doubles" before they sell it to a shop where you would pay even more for it. Sometimes you can trade with them as well.
#1 I attended an auction where there were thousands of records on shelves for about 30 years without outer sleeves and they were in close to mint as you can get. I have a few of them in my collection, but I do have them in outer sleeves now.
@@NTXVinyl I actually didn't see them in the house, but that's what the auctioneer said. At the end of the auction piles of about 50 were going for $15, but I was too poor to buy any more. If I would have had about $2,000 I would have filled my living room with them. Probably only once in a lifetime that'll ever happen again. That was about 4 years ago right before the vinyl explosion.
Great tips, many thanks. I have been collecting for decades but you can always learn from (or at least be reminded by) excellent ideas such as these . My own tips, related to the quality of the player, are... 1 - Consider setting up a separate shelf for your turntable as isolating it from the floor and other furniture will immediately improve the sound. 2 - Replace the stylus on your cartridge regularly as a worn stylus damages every record you play.
Listen to reviewers on UA-cam. I follow several folks that will break down recent purchases and give them an honest review. I write down titles of interest and then stream them first. I now own multiple records from several genres I didn’t pay much attention to in the past. You hit the nail on the head though, Slow Down. This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Enjoy the records you’re collecting.
Taking chances is a great one because back in the 60s we never had that chance of knowing what you were buying until you had the album, but now you have the chance to listen first, £10 a month is very cheap to listen to whatever you want before you by the album for £25 in the UK.
I'd like to add a few tips from me: 1) Do make a list of the records/albums that you want to buy - This way, it will give you a clear picture on what albums that matters to you the most and you're likely to do research more about the album's tracklist (what songs are on it) so you'll avoid cancellation when you buy it from a online live selling. Also, to set your proper expectations that is the vinyl album you've wanted. Lastly, this can help to restrict on what albums to buy. 2) Invest on having inner and outer sleeves each of your record albums. - this will protect the integrity and makes the record and its jacket/album sleeve last much longer! As vinyl collectors, we must do what it takes to protect these vintage/novelty music format! Protect our investment! 3) Keep your records, stylus, cleaning equipment, and turntable CLEAN! - self-explanatory.
Here's an example of a few tips you mentioned being put into practice. A few weeks ago while watching one of your unboxing videos you highlighted Midlake For the sake of Bethel green, you briefly outlined the Band and the type of music they played. I had never heard of them so I immediately streemed the album a few times and I really liked it. The next day I went to my local record store and purchased it. It is getting a generous amount of playtime and I'm now checking out their earlier material. So thank you for the recommendation and keep up the great work I eagerly await each of your new videos.
Loved number 16 and 11. I was out antiquing and thrifting with my better half today and came home with 14 new (to me) albums, all but one in great shape and I don’t think I paid more than $35 for all together (Styx, Chicago, Al Jarreau, Pheobe Snow, Cat Stevens, Art Garfunkel, Diana Ross, Streisand/ Kristofferson etc). Keep hunting and stream what you're looking at while you browse!
When visiting a new area, I always try to make time to hunt for new shops. Was recently in Norfolk, VA and found 2 great record stores and a consignment mall with a record space. Scored the UK Record Store Day only version Mr. Universe by Gillan still sealed. Didn't figure on finding that over here. As G.I. said, you can find the goods if you keep looking. Personally, I get frustrated when the records aren't even alphabetized... Great Show, Great Tips!
I think if you take the greatest care when pulling out and putting your records into the sleeves and clean them with a carbon fibre brush before listening that will make the quality of the record last much longer.I bought a Siouxsie and the Banshees singles album and Cockney Rejects greatest hits volume 2 back in the mid 80s with the old paper sleeves and both are still fantastic quality sound with hardly a crackle on them and without that much cleaning,I just really looked after them after 35 years.
Great tips for the beginner! I think one you forgot was benefit from others mistakes! I guess education yourself is included in this! Doing your due diligence about artists, pressings, condition, and value keeps you from spending too much being discouraged! Great video!
Based on other tips, I found that my favorite sleeves are from Vinyl Solutions in Canada. I like the totally clear, dual pocket, tape strip on the outside. Then I like the totally clear inner sleeves. I store actual record in the outside pocket and the jacket stays completely sealed up. The flap can still be opened and closed but has some sticky stuff to keep it closed He sells gate fold covers. However, I just use two sleeves Slips on one way and when the opposite way and the flaps match up to the sticky flap seams. If there is something to look at on the original inner sleeve, I put that in its own clear inner sleeve and store it with the record. Sometimes those sleeves are a little too small for the inner sleeves and it bulges out. He might make a slightly bigger inner sleeve. I'm not sure. He makes a lot of different choices of sleeves so be sure that you check carefully .
What do you do with box sets? Do you take the individual records out and protect them with proper outer and inner sleeves? What other tips would you have regarding protection of box sets?
They are tough. All odd sizes and shapes. I don’t take apart the set at all. Just try to handle them carefully. Since the LPs are already contained within a box or two they are plenty safe IMO
Late response. I purchased a the Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie 4 LP box set and was in the same dilemma wondering what to do about sleeving them or not. I took each jacket out put the records in mofi inner sleeves and placed them back into jackets and then put the jackets in outer sleeves and then back into box. Left books out and sleeved those separately. Found out recently that they make plastic cases for box sets to protect outer box. So I will definitely be grabbing a few of those at some point
All Music has been my go too for 20 years ..I learnt about it from a vinyl collector who worked at a Hi Fi store …he was deep collecting records in the whole of the cd era
Dust collectors and space suckers I call them, I have a few thousand records and not 1 boxset. I'd rather just own individual albums and not have the bulk and hassle. I bet most people rarely even play them
I live on the north side of Chicago and there are only 2 record stores left nowhere to buy records anymore and I wont buy on line but I still have about 1800 records from 40 years so thats ok
Always check the album pockets for the inner sleeves, sometimes you'll find extras such as posters and inserts that only some pressings have or that it can be a 50-50 to get them when you're shopping online for used copies, specially if you're looking for japanese pressings. Plus, when you're crate diggin look if there's another copy of the same record you want to buy, since you may find a cheaper one or another in better condition.
I’ve had excellent luck on eBay, but I only bid on mint or nm nothing less is worth the trouble. Most of mine are 40+ years old some jackets look like new some terrible treated the same, I guess the quality varies.
On the take some chances note - I sometimes take chances based on art alone (assuming the cost isn't outrageous). I've found some cool things that way that I never would have otherwise. Doing that led to me collecting albums with cover art by Frank Frazetta (he did Molly Hatchet, Wolfmother, among a variety of others). Those are some of my favorites of my collection now!
The first time I showed my friends record outer sleeves, they thought I was obsessive and insane. Of course that was in the 70’s and you know what people’s records looked like back then. Not mine, no lending, no borrowing. Pristine
I have been buying records since I was 12. Back then we were not a vinyl community because it was the main way to buy music. When I was a kid my parents always told me to look it up. So, I bought a lot of reference books in general and specifically on music. That way when I went into a record store I knew what to look for and what if I saw it to grab. The internet is a fab source of information, but not videos. They are mostly for seasoned collectors as positive reinforcement. Lastly I could care less what the value of my records are or if I purchased a steal. I buy music to listen too, period. When I am gone and when all of you are gone who cares what your collection is worth except your survivors. In one’s life buy your toys for you and enjoy them.
I’m sure we have all heard “horror stories” about priceless collections going straight to dumps and landfills because the surviving family can not cope with it, assume it to be valueless, or both. It's excellent advice you have given. Buy records because you want them. Buy them for yourself. Enjoy them. Don’t worry much about value. Spend what you can afford, be it a lot or a little, and have fun with it Don’t buy records you don’t like because they are worth something or because everyone *else* seems to like them
Yeah,the community was everyone back then.I've got to agree with you.I collected vinyl all my life because i love music.I have no interest in it's monetary value.It's all going to my son when i'm gone.Also,i have zero interest in belonging to some specious "community" either. With no internet to rely on we had to do all the digging the hard way and that was one of the best aspects of music collecting then.Schwann's catalog was useful to a point but had it's limitations.We also used Rolling Stones Rock and Jazz encyclopedias and Christgau's record guides too.
Another question: what happens to the value of a CD if you eliminate the jewel case and put them in dedicated plastic sleeves, saving ALL of the artwork and liner notes? Everything except the jewel case. I’ve converted a large part of my classical collection into plastic sleeves to save storage space. They look nice and work well.
@@NTXVinyl thanks but does it change the value when they’re not in jewel cases? Does the value of your collection go down because they’re not in jewel cases?
Remember the days of Sam Goody, Record Town, Tower Records, etc.? The "New Release" kiosks were awesome! Ten to twenty or so new releases with headphones attached and at the push of a button you could sample the music before you bought it. I've gotten strange looks, but if I'm not looking for something specific I'll take my bluetooth headphones with me when buying music and if I see something interesting I'll look it up on streaming and listen to some of it right there in the store before deciding to buy.
When I lived in Japan, back in 2008, they did it up like this. Tons of listening booths and you could really figure out what was good and fit you. Not sure if its a conspiracy lol, but my local shops just never have cell signal lol. I try to listen but have to step outside so I can get service. Tis a bummer haha
I don't have Fleetwood Mac on vinyl but I do have Zephyr. I have decided to find the obscure and interesting. Everything from metal to blues, everything, everything, everything. I have really gotten into Tommy Bolin so I am trying to acquire everything he has on vinyl . but the most obscure is only on CD so I am buying whatever I find. Before I buy I stand in the store and stream from Apple music or spotify. I have to know if I am going to like what I buy.
I need to take step 20 way more seriously. I do listen to at least 2 full albums a day, but I spend spend spend. Time to sit back, and just enjoy my current catalog. And I really need to stop with online purchases....
Right?!? It’s so easily overlooked. I’m constantly forcing my self to slow the hell down and just listen. If only I could get rid of this damn phone I’m typing on! 🤣
* if paper sleeves are so bad old vinyl would never survive in excellent condition * no matter what the sleeve - if it's torn or has creases or has bits of anything sharp inside like tiny bits of grit the record could get damaged * only buy great condition vinyl unless it's super rare - bad scratches can damage your needle * use good quality equipment and replace the needle around every 12 months or less if you play a few times a week * keep records upright and out of sunlight and damp and do not store under places that might flood like the bathroom * bare temperature and seasonal change in mind * go smoke free if you like - personally I think it's overkill * be very careful when handling to avoid damage * store record outside cover but inside plastic sleeve to avoid ring wear and provide air flow * NEVER use thick plastic sleeves because they can merge with the cover and ruin it * NEVER hold your joint or spliff or blunt over the vinyl * and do not do what I did earlier today and spend £500 at a record fair ... or maybe do it - because I wouldn't have those two 1975 Floyd bootlegs or the Hawkwind boot or the classic psyche and reggae I bought
To your first point. All paper sleeves are not created equal. Most paper sleeves used on older LPs (60s-80s) are much smoother and less likely to have any effect on the vinyl. But in a lot of cases newer records are being manufactured with much thicker/courser sleeves that do in fact leave scuffs.
Yeah that happens. Sometimes people buy from me (on Discogs) to "hold" the album, they don't pay. Then they message and request pics. Not a bad tactic.
Best way to save money is use money = as said if you see something you think should you buy it (new or 2nd hand) or not - buy it! Next time it will cost more or/and next time you see the same (used) record might be in 4 years.
For the inner sleeve, wouldn't that devalue the item? Obviously it won't matter for every, but if I have say a Miles Davis Kind of Blue first pressing without the original sleeve, wouldn't that drop it a little?
It typically depends on the style of the inner sleeve. If it’s a “printed inner” with photos/lyrics, etc then yes - those are part of the overall package. That said they don’t typically change the value all that much - other than in some specific cases (ie; KISS). If it’s just a plain nondescript paper sleeve it makes no difference at all. The best practice is to keep the LP in a premium rice paper sleeve to avoid contact with paper scuffing. But you still keep the original printed inner as well. I hope that answered your question. Been a while since I watched the video
Though I've bought records most of my life but I feel I am uneducated these days. My table is in the shop and maybe could answer my question. Today a friend gave me two records. John Cougar American Fool. Both are mint but one has a yellow tanish lable with red squares. The other is slightly less tan and has red lines in the lable. I tried and tried with discogs, couldn't get anywhere. I'm aware of variants and the cover with squares shows a slight record wear. Could this be like a pirate record. Both have same numbers but the line one hmm, I just notice this second has intl. In front of the bottom numbers of the catalogue no. Ha maybe I just found the answer or maybe you could expound. Idn good tips you have though. Thanks
I thought I was thoural the past hour or so but now I spot 4 numbers bottom right after polygraph records. Now I'm pretty sure the lable with squares is the better. Oh well 72 and learning.
Clear outer sleeves, nope. My left hand is paralyzed (from stroke) and I can't get my records in/out of those sleeves without struggling and sometimes bending corners to do it, so no. It's a privilege to be able to use those...try putting clear sleeves on a stack of 25 records with one hand, you'll never want to do it again 😂 The wear is not a big deal. And collections look much nicer on shelves the way they were meant to be, without sleeves.
I can’t believe he didn’t include the most important things regarding storage: Always keep records in an air-conditioned room, and always shelve them vertically, so the grooves don’t get damaged via compression if they’re laying on top of each other. As for the psychology of collecting, don’t get romanced into buying colored vinyl, which is inferior to black vinyl. Steve Albini has long been adamant in his hatred of colored vinyl. I also try to buy records at gigs, because there may be no tax on it, it puts gas in their tour buses, and you might be able to get the band or artist to sign it. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised several times to find out the items I’ve bought at a gig were leftovers from their previous tour of, say, Europe. So I’ve gotten some rarities this way. (Unfortunately, being hauled around in a dingy vehicle may damage vinyl, especially if it’s during a hot time of year. So I try to not buy “mobile vinyl” during the summer.) The Discogs Tip was excellent, because you can use the matrix etchings to determine when and even where it was pressed. Selling vinyl through the mail is very stressful, though, since buyers are very picky and will force you to take a record back if it doesn’t meet their standards. So I only sell CDs, cassettes, & DVDs on there. Most importantly, it has taken me decades to learn to only buy music that *I* like and want, not mediocre stuff to flip (resell) when it gains value.
I use 3mm, that being said over the years folks who take vinyl collecting seriously rarely appear to use outer sleeves, or are all that bothered about cover condition. I'd burn my collection before using a plastic inner sleeve with writing on, nasty, use the original sleeves where possible. Paper having a bad effect is a myth. Yes, experiment, the more well known Lp's tend not to be all that advanced. If you do not value them, then in this era relatively easy to re-sell. Pick an Oblique Strategies card just prior to entering a store. And most importantly don't buy an Lp the Rolling Stone writers recommend, it's a light entertainment tabloid rag.
Oh, and lastly cataloguing my collection….why would you do that? Totally unnecessary. This is coming from a dude who someday wants to buy your collection….making his job easy. I have thousands of records , CD’s and 78’s and 10-inch disks and 45’s and I remember everything I own. Seems like a complete waste of time to me. If you can’t remember what you own well, you should not be in this gig. Unless of course you are one of those record store owners who for years amassed a warehouse full of stuff……….
You have thousands of albums on all those formats and you remember exactly which ones you own? Kudos to you and your amazing super-memory. Regardless, for insurance purposes it's essential to have a list in case of a disaster.
A few of mine :
- easy to get into the thrill of continuously finding new records to buy (and I am guilty of this). It is also important to go back to the records you have and enjoy ones you may not have played for several years!
- store the record and inner sleeve outside of the album, to reduce wear on the album jacket. I have the outer sleeve with the opening at the top which also makes it easier to put the LP's in and out of the cabinets
- give the albums space in the racks to reduce stress
- put clear budget restrictions on yourself - it is easy to overspend, I know...
- check the records visually before buying, seems obvious I suppose
- use at least a decent player to prevent damaging the records
- keep them out of direct sunlight and in moderate temperatures!
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Great tips 🔥
Hell yeah it's soooo easy to overspend, especially if you see all of your holy grails or most wanted records like 5 or 10 of them come available to you all at once. Like the struggle is real to which albums to drop and keep because of budget restrictions :3
That's why I'm striving not to overpay my records as much as possible...
Great tips . I am 51 and recently came back to vinyl, I racks up 40 records in 3 months now I am setting myself a goal of 2 -3 max per month and focusing on quality because I don’t want to get drowned very fast and not enjoy what I bought.
Here’s one of the best tips I can give: Let everyone know you collect or are looking for records; Friends, family, acquaintances etc. I let the bass player in our band recently know that I started to collect vinyl again and he says “oh I have a couple of crates of those in the garage that I never play you can have them for free“. What was in those crates? Beatles, King Crimson, Bob Dylan …Bam! You want the people that know you to see records and think of you! You never know what might turn up!
Good call!
Ditto. I still haven’t listened to all of the records I got for free from friends and family over the years. Sure, lots of duds in there, but lots of gems too. And duplicates! It’s really interesting to listen to two different pressings of the same album on from labels. They can sound quite different, and I get to keep the one I like the best. :D
@@exit4design I hear ya brother! it’s definitely worth letting people know! In fact, my office manager is on vacation right now in Canada and she just bought me a Beatles record from a thrift shop because she knew I collected vinyl! It works I tell ya! 👍
I always hit the record stores when I travel. I usually buy something and then that adds an extra memory of that trip.
Agreed, I’ve gotten a few from Scotland and Canada and it always brings back memories when I listen.
As far as the middle section of this video, I'd suggest something that shouldn't be ignored. The middle section is mostly about figuring out which records to buy. Well, one of the biggest advantage of a physical collection of music (records and CDs) is that there are liner notes. Something you don't get with streaming. Sure you can read articles online and find music because others have made their recommendations. While this is fine, but you liner notes give you a lot of actual information, facts rather than opinions. Reading the liner notes will tell you the musicians and technical staff that helped make the record. This is particularly helpful if you like a particular album. You'll find out who played what instruments, who guest musicians were, where the music was recorded and who wrote the songs. This is especially true for solo artists because few of them know how to play every instrument in the world. So they bring in friends that they know can play the beats and notes they envision for their music. This kind of information will point you toward other music and artist. Maybe you liked a guitar part and you find out they brought in a guest musician on that song. Well that's potentially someone you might want to look into. Find out what bands these people have been in or who else they've worked with. The music industry is a bunch of cliques. These are circles of people that collaborate together. And if you look at the business as whole, it's not a bunch of circles that stick to themselves. It's actually a venn diagram where those circle overlap with artist working with different artists. Part of the experience about physical media, particularly music is reading that the things your favorite musicians want you to know. For books, you might see a forward where the author thanks a bunch of people who've supported them. But records often also have this kind of stuff. These are the things I've mentioned but it could also include notes written to inform you about what you're listening to. Some of the notes will include how the record was made or who influenced the artist to create the music. Learning this stuff will point you toward different artists, maybe different genres of music or it could be the style of production. There is a lot of information in the liner notes. Don't just look at the artwork, there's helpful stuff in the printed words on those sleeves. Sure you can ask a bunch of questions to others to help you find new music, but having familiarity of things you've learned from the liner notes will help you ask better questions.
Going deeper into an artist’s catalogue is the most fun. Like King Crimson for instance. Or Procol Harum, David Bowie, Even the Eagles. And definitely Fleetwood Mac. You will find treasures around every corner. Thanks.
Yeeees! Treasures indeed.
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Even the Eagles
Great video. One thing I’d like to add. Aside from local stores and online, a great place to shop for records is at a record show. If you live in a moderately big city, you probably have about 5 a year. The largest is the Austin show. Another point about the shows is that they are a great place to gain knowledge. Depending on the show, you’ll have dozens to hundreds of vendors that are super knowledgeable and passionate about music. I’ve learned so much by picking their brains.
Cheers.
Good call! Record shows are so fun. Sometimes overwhelming, but fun.
I once made a mental note to myself to never bring a date to the record show I used to frequent, lest I be judged by the company I keep, it attracted some real wild child types crate digging in the floor, but it was fun , and often productive. Only place I have ever seen a long play record of slot car sounds.
Hold record in sunlight or brighest storr light and tilt to see artifacts
Check warpage, spindle wear, off center records.
Test a light scratch which may not be an issue by rubbing the outer side of your hand thumb up flat along the surface in a sweeping motion (doesn’t damage it) If you feel the scratch you will hear it, you still may if you don’t but less likely
This channel just popped up in my algorithm yesterday and I'm very glad it did. Your presentation is really down to earth and not at all pretentious--an all too common sentiment among collectors. Great tips! Some of them I've learned along my collecting journey so far. Others are new to me, so thank you!
Really appreciate the feedback! Subscribe to our channel 🙌🏻
@@NTXVinyl totally agree with the comment. New sub. Glad I found your channel. Youre rad man, zero pretencious.
I’ll be in Dallas the third week of June. Number one priority is visiting your store. Can’t wait!
I remember during my teens, 80s, 90s, spending hours at the shops chatting with the clerks and learning
Same!
Same here
Streaming is the new”Radio”! As for cleaning only clean once ultrasonic and new clean packaging! Maybe ultrasonic clean once a year or every 5-10! Clean as few times as you can BUT play your records often! Good list! Discogs also is way beyond a database! It is a valuable tool
I just watched one of your old videos regarding 20 rapid fire pro tips. You mentioned streaming music before buying to make sure you like the album. I'm retired and not of the streaming mindset but i check out new music by playing UA-cam videos. Not only do i get to see great videos while i'm checking out the music, i can also watch with lyrics so i can get a better understanding about the songs i'm listening to. Keep up the great videos. Dano- albany oregon.
Right on! Cheers and really appreciate the comment
Yo, it's so cool to see how into it you are. I always like watching videos on youtube from vinyl collectors. I'm only 20 and have been into records for a few years now, my big thing is always affordability lol even if I see something that I kinda like in a store, I'm a bit hesitant because I could get something else somewhere else that I'd like more. But, still slowly building up my own inventory!
Thanks for watching!
So nice to see a young person into collecting
Fantastic, keep it up
Great list! Thanks for making this video.
I would add this; determine if you are a Music lover or a record collector. What I mean by that is that initially I just started buying anything and everything that looked cool if it seemed a little offbeat, but unique or had a musician that I liked in the band or had a cool backstory, I would snap it up. The result of that was that I wound up with more records than I had space for, and I wouldn’t listen to many of them. And I made a decision that I was going to buy music that I wanted to listen to. So, I traded a crap load of that other stuff in and focused on buying records that would see my turntable and stylus on a regular basis. I traded out some really cool stuff, but I much prefer my record collection now. At this point in my life, it’s quality over quantity. I hope that makes sense!
Makes total sense!
I used to read and watch interviews from my favourite artists and read notes in records then go out and buy all records or cd’s of artists they mentioned that inspired them
Tip 21, buy quality equipment. Invest a little. Your records and your ears will appreciate it.
Amen to that!
All good tips. I'd add: Play around with speaker placement. Most speakers are too close to the front wall. For better stereo experience, pull them out 2-3 feet. It's a whole new listening experience, and its free!
Re record stores in other towns, do NOT trust vinyl hub/discogs. Just was in Philly went to a store listed on vinyl hub , only to find a beauty salon there. Stores go out of business and are not removing themselves from vinyl hub. No option for commenting/reviewing on vinyl hub either. Really annoying.
Can't agree with #10 enough. A local guy who's a collector sells records out of his garage sometimes on weekends. Late last year a record in one of the bins caught my eye with the cover and after listening to the first track briefly in his garage, I decided to buy the record. Tony Camillo's "Bazuka" probably doesn't ring any bells for most people since it was a one-album thing but it's a really good record and it got me interested in funk music way more than I used to be. Found a few really solid funk or funk-influenced albums since them which I really enjoy. Automatic Man is one of those, only released two albums in the 70's before they disbanded but they were two really good albums! Highly recommended.
I would add - make use of You Tube etc to listen to songs or full albums by artists that you are curious about. (Before buying a copy of the album. That way you can be better prepared to not waste $$$ on records that you don't really like but are buying on reputation of the band alone.
Also sometimes those You Tube recommendations along the right side are good introductions to music or artists that you need to hear. Expand your musical tastes.
Good list. Organization and comfort are great tips. I'd add: I can't believe how many listening rooms I see on-line where people don't have a place for all of the vinyl 'stuff.' The sleeve, the inner sleeve, etc. It takes space. I like to have a flat, empty surface next to my turntable to deal with it. If your speakers are flat you can use them. And a turntable at a reasonable height--I don't want to get down on my knees to spin an album.
Great tips! Comfort is key
Sensible vid - thank you!
I run a vinyl faire in Johannesburg, South Africa, and these are great places to learn from others, pick up some gems or just chat with other vinyl lovers.
Cheers from the other side of the world!
Great list. As a newer collector (had a few but things really took off with COVID mandates and everything shutting down) I’ve learned a lot from yourself and other resources you touch on with this video. Side note I love how gitty you got taking about your want list and then actually scoring some of those albums
I still can't believe it! Thanks as always for watching Peter!
I always make sure I have stock of inner and outer sleeves and change once I get any new records almost right away. I use the big fudge mofi style rice paper back and clear front sleeves and I use double LP sized outer sleeves I get from a local shop for all my records including single LP. This way the jacket, the record in sleeve and the old sleeve if I save it and any insert extras all fit nicely with breathing room.
Great tip!
While I do have enough sleeves for my collection, I found that I couldn't read the spines easily with a cover on every record. I've taken to putting multiple records in one (double LP) sleeve. For popular artists I put the album and the 12" singles from that album into one sleeve. For artists where I own only two or three, I'll put them together in a single (double LP) sleeve. For me this strikes the right balance between enough protection for the sleeves and enough visibility of the sleeves. The sleeves from my local store are plenty big enough for me to be able to do this without being concerned about damaging the records, and it's way easy to navigate my collection now.
The keep hunting is the best advice. Being patient and waiting most things will almost always show up eventually. The checking other cities is also a great tip. Records especially old used records are regional back in the day different areas had different distributors and got different inventory.
Yeah it's crazy how different inventory can be from city to city
@@NTXVinyl I used to sell my LP doubles at record shows. I then would go to other cities to do the same. I walked around those shows and found records there that (for years)I couldn't find in my area shows or shops! Also the regular thrift store scouting will eventually pay off for a nice record (especially in a new city you are visiting). Meeting other collectors at shops or record shows could turn into a friendship and you could buy their "doubles" before they sell it to a shop where you would pay even more for it. Sometimes you can trade with them as well.
#1 I attended an auction where there were thousands of records on shelves for about 30 years without outer sleeves and they were in close to mint as you can get. I have a few of them in my collection, but I do have them in outer sleeves now.
They must not have been played much! I bet that was awesome to see.
@@NTXVinyl I actually didn't see them in the house, but that's what the auctioneer said. At the end of the auction piles of about 50 were going for $15, but I was too poor to buy any more. If I would have had about $2,000 I would have filled my living room with them. Probably only once in a lifetime that'll ever happen again. That was about 4 years ago right before the vinyl explosion.
Great stuff!
Great tips, many thanks. I have been collecting for decades but you can always learn from (or at least be reminded by) excellent ideas such as these . My own tips, related to the quality of the player, are...
1 - Consider setting up a separate shelf for your turntable as isolating it from the floor and other furniture will immediately improve the sound.
2 - Replace the stylus on your cartridge regularly as a worn stylus damages every record you play.
Solid tips!
Listen to reviewers on UA-cam. I follow several folks that will break down recent purchases and give them an honest review. I write down titles of interest and then stream them first. I now own multiple records from several genres I didn’t pay much attention to in the past.
You hit the nail on the head though, Slow Down. This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Enjoy the records you’re collecting.
Thanks Guy!
Taking chances is a great one because back in the 60s we never had that chance of knowing what you were buying until you had the album, but now you have the chance to listen first, £10 a month is very cheap to listen to whatever you want before you by the album for £25 in the UK.
Listening sessions are the BEST!
Where the hell is everyone tonight?
Ditto that..Ron
I like your video because you put it out there truthfully without all the hype.
Appreciate that!
I'd like to add a few tips from me:
1) Do make a list of the records/albums that you want to buy
- This way, it will give you a clear picture on what albums that matters to you the most and you're likely to do research more about the album's tracklist (what songs are on it) so you'll avoid cancellation when you buy it from a online live selling. Also, to set your proper expectations that is the vinyl album you've wanted. Lastly, this can help to restrict on what albums to buy.
2) Invest on having inner and outer sleeves each of your record albums.
- this will protect the integrity and makes the record and its jacket/album sleeve last much longer! As vinyl collectors, we must do what it takes to protect these vintage/novelty music format! Protect our investment!
3) Keep your records, stylus, cleaning equipment, and turntable CLEAN!
- self-explanatory.
That is exactly how I go about it. When I complete the list I start a new one. I love the thrill of 'the Hunt'. Keep up the good work 👍
Here's an example of a few tips you mentioned being put into practice. A few weeks ago while watching one of your unboxing videos you highlighted Midlake For the sake of Bethel green, you briefly outlined the Band and the type of music they played. I had never heard of them so I immediately streemed the album a few times and I really liked it. The next day I went to my local record store and purchased it. It is getting a generous amount of playtime and I'm now checking out their earlier material. So thank you for the recommendation and keep up the great work I eagerly await each of your new videos.
Awesome! Great band...local to my area.
Loved number 16 and 11. I was out antiquing and thrifting with my better half today and came home with 14 new (to me) albums, all but one in great shape and I don’t think I paid more than $35 for all together (Styx, Chicago, Al Jarreau, Pheobe Snow, Cat Stevens, Art Garfunkel, Diana Ross, Streisand/ Kristofferson etc). Keep hunting and stream what you're looking at while you browse!
Love it!
When visiting a new area, I always try to make time to hunt for new shops. Was recently in Norfolk, VA and found 2 great record stores and a consignment mall with a record space. Scored the UK Record Store Day only version Mr. Universe by Gillan still sealed. Didn't figure on finding that over here. As G.I. said, you can find the goods if you keep looking. Personally, I get frustrated when the records aren't even alphabetized... Great Show, Great Tips!
Thanks Brian!
I think if you take the greatest care when pulling out and putting your records into the sleeves and clean them with a carbon fibre brush before listening that will make the quality of the record last much longer.I bought a Siouxsie and the Banshees singles album and Cockney Rejects greatest hits volume 2 back in the mid 80s with the old paper sleeves and both are still fantastic quality sound with hardly a crackle on them and without that much cleaning,I just really looked after them after 35 years.
So so important. I kick myself for not taking better care of a few of mine along the way.
Thanks GI love your videos
Cheers! And thanks for watching
Great tips for the beginner! I think one you forgot was benefit from others mistakes! I guess education yourself is included in this! Doing your due diligence about artists, pressings, condition, and value keeps you from spending too much being discouraged! Great video!
Thanks so much! And agreed...education is key
I guess "rapid fire" is up for interpretation. I enjoyed either way though.
No kidding! 20 tips in 25 minutes ain’t bad though. That was a lot to get through
Based on other tips, I found that my favorite sleeves are from Vinyl Solutions in Canada.
I like the totally clear, dual pocket, tape strip on the outside. Then I like the totally clear inner sleeves.
I store actual record in the outside pocket and the jacket stays completely sealed up. The flap can still be opened and closed but has some sticky stuff to keep it closed
He sells gate fold covers. However, I just use two sleeves
Slips on one way and when the opposite way and the flaps match up to the sticky flap seams.
If there is something to look at on the original inner sleeve, I put that in its own clear inner sleeve and store it with the record.
Sometimes those sleeves are a little too small for the inner sleeves and it bulges out. He might make a slightly bigger inner sleeve. I'm not sure. He makes a lot of different choices of sleeves so be sure that you check carefully .
What do you do with box sets? Do you take the individual records out and protect them with proper outer and inner sleeves? What other tips would you have regarding protection of box sets?
They are tough. All odd sizes and shapes. I don’t take apart the set at all. Just try to handle them carefully.
Since the LPs are already contained within a box or two they are plenty safe IMO
Bags unlimited sells box set outer sleeves
Late response. I purchased a the Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie 4 LP box set and was in the same dilemma wondering what to do about sleeving them or not. I took each jacket out put the records in mofi inner sleeves and placed them back into jackets and then put the jackets in outer sleeves and then back into box. Left books out and sleeved those separately. Found out recently that they make plastic cases for box sets to protect outer box. So I will definitely be grabbing a few of those at some point
All Music has been my go too for 20 years ..I learnt about it from a vinyl collector who worked at a Hi Fi store …he was deep collecting records in the whole of the cd era
Dust collectors and space suckers I call them, I have a few thousand records and not 1 boxset.
I'd rather just own individual albums and not have the bulk and hassle.
I bet most people rarely even play them
I live on the north side of Chicago and there are only 2 record stores left nowhere to buy records anymore and I wont buy on line but I still have about 1800 records from 40 years so thats ok
Sounds like you’re set!
Always check the album pockets for the inner sleeves, sometimes you'll find extras such as posters and inserts that only some pressings have or that it can be a 50-50 to get them when you're shopping online for used copies, specially if you're looking for japanese pressings.
Plus, when you're crate diggin look if there's another copy of the same record you want to buy, since you may find a cheaper one or another in better condition.
Great tip!
I’ve had excellent luck on eBay, but I only bid on mint or nm nothing less is worth the trouble. Most of mine are 40+ years old some jackets look like new some terrible treated the same, I guess the quality varies.
Edited transcript of this and a few pics, you'd have an E Book!
I have vinyl from the 1960's and 70's that you would swear were brand new. I never loan them out. Vinyl Rulz!
Right on!
On the take some chances note - I sometimes take chances based on art alone (assuming the cost isn't outrageous). I've found some cool things that way that I never would have otherwise. Doing that led to me collecting albums with cover art by Frank Frazetta (he did Molly Hatchet, Wolfmother, among a variety of others). Those are some of my favorites of my collection now!
Credit to my father-in-law for pointing out the Frank Frazetta, Molly Hatchet albums too
The first time I showed my friends record outer sleeves, they thought I was obsessive and insane.
Of course that was in the 70’s and you know what people’s records looked like back then. Not mine, no lending, no borrowing. Pristine
That’s awesome!
Reviews on allmusic
Put artist whole discography in context w reviews of each album
Influences etc
I have been buying records since I was 12. Back then we were not a vinyl community because it was the main way to buy music. When I was a kid my parents always told me to look it up. So, I bought a lot of reference books in general and specifically on music. That way when I went into a record store I knew what to look for and what if I saw it to grab. The internet is a fab source of information, but not videos. They are mostly for seasoned collectors as positive reinforcement. Lastly I could care less what the value of my records are or if I purchased a steal. I buy music to listen too, period.
When I am gone and when all of you are gone who cares what your collection is worth except your survivors.
In one’s life buy your toys for you and enjoy them.
I’m sure we have all heard “horror stories” about priceless collections going straight to dumps and landfills because the surviving family can not cope with it, assume it to be valueless, or both.
It's excellent advice you have given. Buy records because you want them. Buy them for yourself. Enjoy them. Don’t worry much about value. Spend what you can afford, be it a lot or a little, and have fun with it
Don’t buy records you don’t like because they are worth something or because everyone *else* seems to like them
Yeah,the community was everyone back then.I've got to agree with you.I collected vinyl all my life because i love music.I have no interest in it's monetary value.It's all going to my son when i'm gone.Also,i have zero interest in belonging to some specious "community" either.
With no internet to rely on we had to do all the digging the hard way and that was one of the best aspects of music collecting then.Schwann's catalog was useful to a point but had it's limitations.We also used Rolling Stones Rock and Jazz encyclopedias and Christgau's record guides too.
Thanks!
Is it ok to buy cd's if the record is super hard to find or just to expensive
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
Get knowledgable of best pressings - country of origin, first etc - Steve Hoffman Forums, Discogs
Good call. More informed you are as a buyer the better your chances at getting a quality product.
Another question: what happens to the value of a CD if you eliminate the jewel case and put them in dedicated plastic sleeves, saving ALL of the artwork and liner notes? Everything except the jewel case. I’ve converted a large part of my classical collection into plastic sleeves to save storage space. They look nice and work well.
I did the same thing with all my CDs ages ago. Had them all in case logic binders. Ditched the plastic
@@NTXVinyl thanks but does it change the value when they’re not in jewel cases? Does the value of your collection go down because they’re not in jewel cases?
Remember the days of Sam Goody, Record Town, Tower Records, etc.? The "New Release" kiosks were awesome! Ten to twenty or so new releases with headphones attached and at the push of a button you could sample the music before you bought it. I've gotten strange looks, but if I'm not looking for something specific I'll take my bluetooth headphones with me when buying music and if I see something interesting I'll look it up on streaming and listen to some of it right there in the store before deciding to buy.
Remember those days well! Streaming is the new version of that for sure.
When I lived in Japan, back in 2008, they did it up like this. Tons of listening booths and you could really figure out what was good and fit you. Not sure if its a conspiracy lol, but my local shops just never have cell signal lol. I try to listen but have to step outside so I can get service. Tis a bummer haha
I can't stress points 1 - 20 enough! 🤣
Love it!
I don't have Fleetwood Mac on vinyl but I do have Zephyr. I have decided to find the obscure and interesting. Everything from metal to blues, everything, everything, everything. I have really gotten into Tommy Bolin so I am trying to acquire everything he has on vinyl . but the most obscure is only on CD so I am buying whatever I find.
Before I buy I stand in the store and stream from Apple music or spotify. I have to know if I am going to like what I buy.
Cheers for Tommy Bolin - keep hunting, he brought something special to everything he did!
Tommy Bolin plays guitar on Billy Cobham’s Spectrum album and on Alphonse Mouzon’s Mind Transplant album. Check them out.
I need to take step 20 way more seriously. I do listen to at least 2 full albums a day, but I spend spend spend. Time to sit back, and just enjoy my current catalog. And I really need to stop with online purchases....
Right?!? It’s so easily overlooked. I’m constantly forcing my self to slow the hell down and just listen.
If only I could get rid of this damn phone I’m typing on! 🤣
Develop a good relationship with your local rs owner
Ask about anything new
Mine is always turning me on to things and I hook him up as well
I organise alphabetically by artist and within that by release date.
* if paper sleeves are so bad old vinyl would never survive in excellent condition
* no matter what the sleeve - if it's torn or has creases or has bits of anything sharp inside like tiny bits of grit the record could get damaged
* only buy great condition vinyl unless it's super rare - bad scratches can damage your needle
* use good quality equipment and replace the needle around every 12 months or less if you play a few times a week
* keep records upright and out of sunlight and damp and do not store under places that might flood like the bathroom
* bare temperature and seasonal change in mind
* go smoke free if you like - personally I think it's overkill
* be very careful when handling to avoid damage
* store record outside cover but inside plastic sleeve to avoid ring wear and provide air flow
* NEVER use thick plastic sleeves because they can merge with the cover and ruin it
* NEVER hold your joint or spliff or blunt over the vinyl
* and do not do what I did earlier today and spend £500 at a record fair ... or maybe do it - because I wouldn't have those two 1975 Floyd bootlegs or the Hawkwind boot or the classic psyche and reggae I bought
To your first point. All paper sleeves are not created equal. Most paper sleeves used on older LPs (60s-80s) are much smoother and less likely to have any effect on the vinyl. But in a lot of cases newer records are being manufactured with much thicker/courser sleeves that do in fact leave scuffs.
Saw an Iron Maiden live at Donnington for $60 and wanted to see pictures before I bought. It was gone by that night.
Yeah that happens. Sometimes people buy from me (on Discogs) to "hold" the album, they don't pay. Then they message and request pics. Not a bad tactic.
1. Clear PVC outer sleeves can damage your records due to chemical off-gassing. Use polythene instead.
Will take your word for it! ✌🏻
I use resealable Japan outer sleeves and mobile fidelity inner sleeves. I’m quite obsessive
@@ralex3697 polypropylene?
Best way to save money is use money = as said if you see something you think should you buy it (new or 2nd hand) or not - buy it! Next time it will cost more or/and next time you see the same (used) record might be in 4 years.
So so true, especially these days.
For the inner sleeve, wouldn't that devalue the item? Obviously it won't matter for every, but if I have say a Miles Davis Kind of Blue first pressing without the original sleeve, wouldn't that drop it a little?
It typically depends on the style of the inner sleeve. If it’s a “printed inner” with photos/lyrics, etc then yes - those are part of the overall package. That said they don’t typically change the value all that much - other than in some specific cases (ie; KISS).
If it’s just a plain nondescript paper sleeve it makes no difference at all.
The best practice is to keep the LP in a premium rice paper sleeve to avoid contact with paper scuffing. But you still keep the original printed inner as well.
I hope that answered your question. Been a while since I watched the video
outer sleeves - definitely polythene NOT clear acetate sleeves as over time a chemical reaction with the record can cause the vinyl to "burn"
Great 11 am est
Dig deeper.
Though I've bought records most of my life but I feel I am uneducated these days. My table is in the shop and maybe could answer my question. Today a friend gave me two records. John Cougar American Fool. Both are mint but one has a yellow tanish lable with red squares. The other is slightly less tan and has red lines in the lable. I tried and tried with discogs, couldn't get anywhere. I'm aware of variants and the cover with squares shows a slight record wear. Could this be like a pirate record. Both have same numbers but the line one hmm, I just notice this second has intl. In front of the bottom numbers of the catalogue no. Ha maybe I just found the answer or maybe you could expound. Idn good tips you have though. Thanks
I thought I was thoural the past hour or so but now I spot 4 numbers bottom right after polygraph records. Now I'm pretty sure the lable with squares is the better. Oh well 72 and learning.
If it’s rapid fire why is the video 30 mins long
tip number 21 ....do not attempt to make records your "side hustle".....stocking crew at Menards will be a much more reliable revenue stream for you.
Unless you know what you’re doing. 😉
@@NTXVinyl sorry, that ship sailed back in the late 1980's for 99.99999 percent of the population...
Clear outer sleeves, nope.
My left hand is paralyzed (from stroke) and I can't get my records in/out of those sleeves without struggling and sometimes bending corners to do it, so no. It's a privilege to be able to use those...try putting clear sleeves on a stack of 25 records with one hand, you'll never want to do it again 😂
The wear is not a big deal. And collections look much nicer on shelves the way they were meant to be, without sleeves.
Oh boy. That’s gotta be tough indeed
I don't stream anything.
There was a person asking how he could improve his $ 60,000 speakers when streaming. I told him to stop streaming and buy records.
@@ralex3697 $60,000 speakers is trying way to hard.
They could buy $60,001.00 speakers🤡
Experiment???? I can't afford even half of the records that I already want!
$1 bin records can be an experiment too! 😃
I can’t believe he didn’t include the most important things regarding storage: Always keep records in an air-conditioned room, and always shelve them vertically, so the grooves don’t get damaged via compression if they’re laying on top of each other. As for the psychology of collecting, don’t get romanced into buying colored vinyl, which is inferior to black vinyl. Steve Albini has long been adamant in his hatred of colored vinyl. I also try to buy records at gigs, because there may be no tax on it, it puts gas in their tour buses, and you might be able to get the band or artist to sign it. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised several times to find out the items I’ve bought at a gig were leftovers from their previous tour of, say, Europe. So I’ve gotten some rarities this way. (Unfortunately, being hauled around in a dingy vehicle may damage vinyl, especially if it’s during a hot time of year. So I try to not buy “mobile vinyl” during the summer.) The Discogs Tip was excellent, because you can use the matrix etchings to determine when and even where it was pressed. Selling vinyl through the mail is very stressful, though, since buyers are very picky and will force you to take a record back if it doesn’t meet their standards. So I only sell CDs, cassettes, & DVDs on there.
Most importantly, it has taken me decades to learn to only buy music that *I* like and want, not mediocre stuff to flip (resell) when it gains value.
Get sleeves with the flap; it keeps all of the dust out.
I hear you. But man they can be so annoying.
gI blonde on blonde bear’s choice wake of the flood hard again muddy waters in a silent way Miles jazz super session Steven stills
I use 3mm, that being said over the years folks who take vinyl collecting seriously rarely appear to use outer sleeves, or are all that bothered about cover condition. I'd burn my collection before using a plastic inner sleeve with writing on, nasty, use the original sleeves where possible. Paper having a bad effect is a myth. Yes, experiment, the more well known Lp's tend not to be all that advanced. If you do not value them, then in this era relatively easy to re-sell. Pick an Oblique Strategies card just prior to entering a store. And most importantly don't buy an Lp the Rolling Stone writers recommend, it's a light entertainment tabloid rag.
Buy now or cry later
Original predigital original 90% of the time sound Better than re-issues
Lps can even be brick walled
Modern vs even 10 years ago
Shhh
Dont buy pvc outers!
Oh, and lastly cataloguing my collection….why would you do that? Totally unnecessary. This is coming from a dude who someday wants to buy your collection….making his job easy.
I have thousands of records , CD’s and 78’s and 10-inch disks and 45’s and I remember everything I own.
Seems like a complete waste of time to me.
If you can’t remember what you own well, you should not be in this gig.
Unless of course you are one of those record store owners who for years amassed a warehouse full of stuff……….
You have thousands of albums on all those formats and you remember exactly which ones you own? Kudos to you and your amazing super-memory.
Regardless, for insurance purposes it's essential to have a list in case of a disaster.
Record co'ecting in the Da'as area.