While streaming services have made it easier than ever to listen to music, they’re not without downsides.
For example, when listening on smart devices, we can miss out on the simple pleasures of flipping through albums, holding them in our hands, and gently dropping the needle onto a spinning record. Not to mention the warm, textured melodies only gifted to us by analogue setups.
Gone are the days when we could whittle away hours in independent record shops, searching for hidden gems amongst an eclectic array of album covers. Or are they?
Despite what some people say, vinyl isn’t a thing of the past. In fact, it’s experiencing a revival – with last year’s UK record sales reaching their highest level since 1990. People of all ages are rediscovering analogue music – whether to enjoy the nostalgia, sound benefits, or simple delights of collecting.
But for those looking to join this vinyl renaissance, it can be tricky to know where to start. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some top tips for building your vinyl collection.
1. Create a record wishlist
Building a vinyl record collection can be exciting. But with millions of singles and albums out there, the possibilities can seem endless.
So, to make things more manageable, why not create a wishlist of the music you’d like to see in your collection one day? This could include 10 or 15 of your favourite albums – or even just artists and genres you’d like to see on your shelves.
A wishlist can be a useful guide as you immerse yourself in the world of record collecting. They can help prevent too many impulse buys, meaning you can prioritise quality over quantity and keep costs down.
That said, you don’t need to follow your wishlist too strictly. One of the joys of collecting records is discovering new music; it can be exciting to make serendipitous purchases occasionally.
For wishlist inspiration, check out Business Insider’s 36 records that deserve a place in any vinyl collection.
2. Find independent record shops (and become a regular)
There are still major retailers that offer vinyl records, such as HMV and even Urban Outfitters. However, veteran collectors typically recommend beginning your search in independent shops for several reasons.
Firstly, each independent shop is unique and will have different selections, ranging from brand-new pressings to secondhand gems. Plus, the people who own and work in them are usually passionate and knowledgeable, so they can help you find what you need and recommend music you might like.
If something isn’t in stock, they may also be able to order or keep an eye out for it – so it can pay to become a regular. By choosing independent record shops over big retailers, there’s also the bonus of knowing that you’re supporting a small business.
Although there are fewer than there used to be, the BBC reports that the number of independent record shops has reached a 10-year high this year, with 461 dotted around the UK. You can use the button below to search Google for your nearest ones.
3. Keep your calendar free on Record Store Day
Record Store Day (or RSD) is an annual celebration of the unique culture of record shops. The date usually changes year on year, but it typically falls on a Saturday in April, with hundreds of independent shops taking part.
RSD is a great time to visit your local record shop. Some shops really lean into the festivities by hosting live performances. Plus, limited edition vinyls are released to mark the occasion – so, if you’re lucky, you could snag a unique record to add to your collection. This year, special releases ranged from Donna Summer remixes to limited edition singles from Daft Punk.
A list of RSD special releases is usually made before the date so you can check if there’s anything of interest. Just be prepared to get to a participating shop early, as special releases sell like hotcakes.
In the meantime, check out the RSD website for more information.
4. Don’t forget to look for records online
For some, nothing beats leafing through records in a brick-and-mortar shop. But if you want to throw as wide a net as possible, it’s worth taking your search online too.
If you’re looking for new music, it’s usually best to buy directly from the artist if you can – either from their website, their label’s website, or platforms like Bandcamp (an online record store that makes sure artists receive as much of the profits as possible). This helps support the people behind the music you love, meaning they can keep creating.
However, there are various reasons why you might not be able to buy directly from the artist. Perhaps you’re searching for older music or a limited edition release.
Luckily, there are plenty of places on the web where you can buy new and used records. Some of the most popular include digital marketplaces like Discogs and eBay, and online record shops like Rough Trade and Norman Records.
For more options, why not look at this roundup of online record stores from the Independent?
5. Consider a vinyl subscription service
One rather unusual way to build your collection is to sign up for a subscription service, which delivers records right to your door.
There are plenty of subscription services out there, all offering a unique twist. For those looking to discover contemporary music, Wax and Stamp pick two of their favourite new releases (or re-releases) each month to ship to your door. On the other hand, The Retro sends you personalised, handpicked records they think you’ll enjoy based on a sign-up questionnaire.
While vinyl subscriptions won’t appeal to everyone – particularly those who love digging through crates in record shops – they offer a fun and effortless way to build your collection.
6. Immerse yourself in the online vinyl community
Collecting vinyl records can be a solitary hobby, especially if your loved ones aren’t as passionate about them as you. But, luckily, there are plenty of ways to connect with fellow record collectors online to swap tips, share finds, and talk about your love of all things vinyl.
For example, as well as being a marketplace where collectors can sell records, Discogs doubles as an online community. Forum topics include anything from cleaning advice to how to use the website. You can even catalogue your collection to compare it with others. Or, you could see what Facebook groups are out there, such as VINYL LOVERS or United Kingdom of Vinyl.
Alternatively, why not head over to Instagram to discover vinyl-centric accounts? Whether it’s @gillespeterson, where the BBC Radio 6 DJ shows off oddities from his enviable library, or @terriblyawesomecovers, which celebrates history’s brilliantly awful album covers, there’s sure to be something to inspire your collection.
7. Check before you buy records second-hand
Online retailers and secondhand record shops typically use grading systems to indicate the condition of records (usually ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘mint’). But it’s worth taking these with a grain of salt since the seller usually determines them, and they may be inflated.
So, when possible, it’s best to examine secondhand records thoroughly before parting with your cash. This is especially important when shopping at places like charity shops, flea markets, and car boot sales, where records can be sold in any old condition.
For starters, remove the record from the sleeve and try holding it flat at eye level to check for warping or bending. Warping can affect the sound quality and, in some cases, damage the needle on your turntable.
Next, try holding the record under a light source to check the surface. If it’s smooth and shiny or has lots of hairlike fibres, you could be on to a winner. Shininess means the record hasn’t been played much, and the fibres come from the inner sleeve, which is a good indicator that it hasn’t spent much time out of its protective sheath.
However, you may want to think twice about purchasing if you see deep scratches. While most used records will have some markings, significant damage can cause distortion when you play them – for example, skipping or popping sounds. Try probing any scratches lightly with your fingernail. If you can’t feel them, there’s a good chance you won’t hear them either.
And while we can spend hours inspecting records, the truest test of quality is to give them a listen. So, if you’re shopping in a second-hand record shop, it’s worth asking the staff if they have a turntable you can use.
For more tips on checking secondhand records, take a look at this article from U-Turn Audio.
8. Clean records before listening
Another thing to remember when adding new records to your collection is to clean them before listening. With all the grooves on their surface, it’s easy for records to collect dust, grime, and grease over time. Even new records might have some leftover residue from the manufacturing process sitting on their surface.
All this debris can affect the playback quality of your records and damage the record or needle of your turntable when played. So, it’s important to clean new additions properly before listening to them.
At its most basic, you can gently wipe your records with an antistatic brush or cloth before and after every listen (other brushes can build a static charge, which can create distortion when played and attract even more debris). Make sure to brush in a circular motion, following the direction of the grooves.
However, to help make sure your records sound crisp and live a long, happy life, experts recommend cleaning the ones you play regularly every few months a little more thoroughly. That said, they’re very delicate, so there are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning them. Check out the advice on the Martha Stewart website to find the best methods.
9. Think about vinyl storage
Because vinyl records and their covers are very sensitive, it’s important to think about storage if you want to keep your collection in tip-top shape. Ideally, you should choose a space in a cool, dry room away from any potential water leaks and vibrations (say, from washing machines).
Try to select a spot away from windows and radiators, as heat can cause warping and direct sunlight might fade the artwork on record sleeves. You also want to avoid places like sheds, garages, and lofts, where temperature and humidity fluctuates wildly, as this can cause damage too.
Records should always be stored vertically (not horizontally) and not squished too tightly together to prevent unnecessary pressure. Experts recommend leaving enough space to flip through them easily.
As for what to store them in, there are plenty of solutions available. Lots of collectors choose sturdy shelving units (the KALLAX range at Ikea has some affordable options). However, for smaller collections, why not try a stand like this KAIU Display Unit?
For more ideas on unique storage solutions, check out this article from House Beautiful. And this guide from Preservation Equipment will provide more details on ideal conditions.
Top tip: To help give your records maximum longevity, it’s also worth investing in some acid-free paper inner sleeves or static-free polyethylene liners to protect them from the abrasive outer sleeve.
Original inner sleeves are sometimes made of poor-quality paper that isn’t very good at protecting your precious vinyl, and some second-hand finds won’t have one at all. You can also put a plastic sleeve around the cover if you like.
Final thoughts…
Building a vinyl collection is an exciting and rewarding hobby that can help us discover new music while transporting us back to earlier years. Whether you already have a collection or are considering buying your first record in years, we hope the tips shared in this article will help you expand your library.
Of course, collecting records is only the beginning. The real fun begins when we get home and can listen to our new finds. So, if you’re just rediscovering the joys of vinyl, you might need to invest in some listening equipment. This beginner’s guide to record players from Currys should help get you started.
Are you a record collector? If so, do you have any tips we didn’t cover here? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.