How to Start Collecting Vinyl Records

Starting a vinyl collection can be a rewarding hobby for music lovers. Many contend that vinyl records provide a special listening experience that surpasses digital media. Vinyl’s rich, warm tone might help you to imagine yourself in the room with the musician. But how does one begin a record-collecting project? This guide will show you how to start a vinyl collection and build a collection you can be proud of.

Why Collect Vinyl?

Many people wonder, “Why should I start a vinyl collection?” For good reason, vinyl albums have surged back in popularity recently. Gathering vinyl is about an experience rather than just the music. Vinyl LPs are physical, unlike digital downloads, and they come with large, detailed album art. A lot of vinyl collectors also love the nostalgic feel they get from putting the needle on the record and listening to the small pops and hisses. 

How to Get Started Collecting Vinyl?

Starting a record collection doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are some simple steps to help you begin:

1. Start with a Turntable: Before you can start your vinyl records collection, you need a good turntable. Look for a dependable model fit for your means. Perfect for novices, entry-level turntables are sold at numerous electronics stores and internet retailers.
2. Begin with Your Favorite Albums: Start by purchasing vinyl albums you love. Putting your favorite songs on vinyl will make your collection more unique and valuable. Look for old records that sound great on vinyl, like “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd or “Abbey Road” by The Beatles.
3. Explore Different Genres: Searching for new music is one of the pleasures of record collecting. Try many genres without feeling guilty. On vinyl recordings, jazz, blues, rock, and even classical music all sound fantastic.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Limited Editions: Vinyl records often come in special editions with unique colors, covers, or artwork. These can be valuable additions to your collection and can be found at record stores or online vinyl record stores.

Ten Must-Have Albums to Start Your Catalog for Vinyl Collectors

These 10 must-have records will start your vinyl library: 

1. The Beatles – Abbey Road
2. Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
3. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
4. Nirvana – Nevermind
5. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust
6. Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
7. The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed
8. Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited
9. Led Zeppelin – IV
10. Michael Jackson – Thriller

These albums are classics and provide a great foundation for any vinyl records collection. You can find these vinyl records for sale at your local record store or buy them online record store.

Where to Buy Vinyl Records Online?

Finding the best place to buy vinyl records online can be overwhelming, but here are a few top choices:

• Amazon: Amazon is a popular choice for buying vinyl records online. They have a wide selection of both new releases and classic albums. Plus, Amazon offers quick shipping options, making it easy to grow your vinyl collection.
• Barnes & Noble: One may discover rare and out-of-print vinyl recordings rather easily on Barnes & Noble. Either you purchase them straight from vendors or bid on recordings. Barnes & Noble also has a strong buyer protection system, which will help you to vinyl shop with confidence.
• Discogs: Discogs is a favorite among vinyl collectors. It’s a marketplace where you can buy vinyl records online directly from other collectors and sellers. Discogs also offers a vast catalog, making it easy to find even the most obscure records.

eBay for Your Vinyl Collection?

One great venue for growing your record library is eBay. Thousands of listings mean almost every record you may be searching for is there. And that includes rare records. When utilizing eBay, however, be sure to carefully review the product descriptions and verify the seller ratings. Look for vendors with strong buyer comments and vinyl-specific expertise. Use Shippn to guarantee your recordings arrive securely and reasonably if you are purchasing overseas. 

Vinyl Accessories You Need

To enhance your vinyl listening experience, consider investing in some essential vinyl accessories:

• Record Cleaner: Dust and dirt can affect the sound quality of your vinyl records. A good record cleaner will keep your collection in top shape.
• Inner and Outer Sleeves: Protect your records from scratches and dust by storing them in high-quality inner and outer sleeves.
• Record Storage: Vinyl records should be stored upright in a cool, dry place. Look for record storage solutions that will keep your collection organized and safe.
• Turntable Mat: One ability of a decent turntable mat is to lower vibrations and static, therefore enhancing sound clarity.
• Record Weight or Clamp: These attachments assist in steadying the record on the platter, therefore guaranteeing constant playing and so lowering any undesired resonance.
• Stylus Cleaner: Maintaining the lifetime and performance of the needle of your turntable depends on a stylus cleaning, which also guarantees clear sound free of distortion.

Grow Your Vinyl Collection with Shippn

Are you having trouble finding vinyl records in your country? With Shippn, you can buy records online from any store around the world and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply create an account, choose your best vinyl records, and let Shippn handle the rest. Learn more about how Shippn works by visiting our service explanation page. Use the Shippn’s shipping cost calculator to estimate shipping costs before you buy, so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Accessing records from retailers worldwide allows you to quickly expand your vinyl collection using Shippn. Starting your vinyl adventure now will let you savor the rich, enveloping sound only vinyl can provide. But the websites where you want to buy records may not ship to your country or accept your credit card. Shippn’s Buy For Me service makes the impossible possible under these circumstances.