I just got a record player, what are some things I should know about collecting records?
I'm really interested in listening to the records, not just buying them and storing them away some where.
Is it better to buy used original records? For example Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced, Is it better to look around for a used original copy or go to Amazon.com and purchase a reissued new sealed copy?
When at a used record store how do you tell if a record is an original copy or not?
When at a used record store am I allowed to actually take the vinyl out of it's sleeve?
What does it mean if a record is warped?
You should know - they dont make records anymore
Can’t answer all of the questions, but here are some points.
1 Warped records are pretty much useless and won’t ply well or they’ll skip badly.
2 Scratches will affect the quality of the sound. Skipping popping etc…
3 If the store won’t allow you to examine the record out of the sleeve, perhaps a different store is in order.
Enjoy the adventure. Proper handling and care of the records will make them last longer. Keep the needle clean and in good shape also.
Is it better to buy used original records? For example Jimi Hendrix’s Are You Experienced, Is it better to look around for a used original copy or go to Amazon.com and purchase a reissued new sealed copy?
well, there is nothing wrong with buying a new copy when its available, but used ones tend to be a lot cheaper. unless its a rare record of course.
When at a used record store how do you tell if a record is an original copy or not?
if it is new it will usually say so
When at a used record store am I allowed to actually take the vinyl out of it’s sleeve?
yes, or at least with used records. it is an assumed thing that you wont buy a used record without looking at the condition. new records you should ask first, some places will let you and others wont.
What does it mean if a record is warped?
it isn’t perfectly flat. sometimes a warped record can still be playable if it is only a slight warp, but sometimes a warp will make it sound slower in spots and it can also cause it to skip easier.
and not only do they still make records, but i have been seeing them at big box chains like best buy lately. vinyl is very much back. i have been seeing a new trend to release albums on vinyl with a coupon thing for free mp3 downloads of the songs to go with it. i expect we are going to see more and more of that in the coming years.
@isawmarty- the funny thing about the vinyl resurgence is it still seems to be just as hard to find needles and cartridges. i guess the best buys of the world would rather you just replace your turntable each time.
Well, just like CDs, records can get scratched and damaged, so you have to be fairly careful when handling them. It isn’t necessary to overclean them, but from time to time it is good to give them a wipe down with cleaner.
Just be careful buying used ones, especially on ebay. Most of the time they will tell you the quality of the record. The new ones are made thicker, so they tend to last longer, but something about the sound of the original pressings is amazing. You can really go either way there.
My best advice is to ask the people working, they can usually look up the numbers on the vinyl and tell you if it is an original release or an older one. Usually they will let you take it out of the sleeve and look it over, but it really depends on the record. Some of the more expensive ones they will take it out for you and let you look at it from their hands.
A warped record could result from the vinyl getting too hot, and deforming slightly, which makes it more or less unplayable. This usually happens from being stored in a hot attic or somewhere too warm.
I think you’ll love vinyls, and I don’t have any untouchables, I play each and every one of mine. Just handle them carefully, and you will have no problems.
As for original copies, the only way to know is to be informed about record labels. For instance, if you see a copy of Jim Reeves’ "Twelve Songs of Christmas" and it has the black RCA label with Nipper (the dog looking into the gramophone) and the record feels heavy (in terms of weight), that’s an original. If it’s on a yellow label with no Nipper and the vinyl flexes, that’s a reprint. Album cover art can also change with different issues of an album (see "Yesterday and Today" by the Beatles). There are some people I know who can literally recite the label number of certain albums. I’m not like that — you’ll never hear me talking about good ol’ LPM-1880 (LOL) — but those label numbers are also an indication of whether an album is original or a reprint.
The single most important thing to remember with a record player is YOUR NEEDLE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ON THAT RECORD PLAYER. Do not let your needle wear down to the point where it’ll do damage to the records. It might also be a good idea to buy a couple of extra needles and have them on hand — you never know when the current "vinyl craze" is going to disappear.
Welcome to the world of vinyl.