In an age where you can find almost any music album for free, download it within seconds on a pocket-sized device and share it with friends, the concept of the vinyl record is something that seems to belong in closet gathering dust with the 8-track and VHS tape.
Over the past few years, more and more people have gotten interested in vinyl.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, more people have purchased vinyl records in 2009 than they have in almost 20 years.
According to Lee Wolfson, owner of the Tampa record store Vinyl Fever, it’s due to the same technology that is destroying the CD: “There’s a backlash to the digital download,” said Wolfson.
“There’s a substance to vinyl; it’s big, substantial and warm. Much of the music recorded had records in mind.”
Whether it’s the poster size album art, better sound quality or having a chance to find that limited pressing, there are countless ways to enjoy vinyl without burning a hole in your pocket. Sound good?
Here are some tips on how to get your vinyl collection started.
Look for deals:
It’s no huge surprise that between loans, books, classes, etc., college students don’t typically have the funds to start collecting a whole lot.
“We sell records from anywhere from 33 cents and up,” said Wolfson, who has owned and managed Tampa’s Vinyl Fever since 1987.
“Start in the .99 section, and you’ll end up finding something you like.”
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Robert Benson, author of the e-Book The Fascinating Hobby of Vinyl Record Collecting, suggests adding a listing to the newspaper classifieds or websites like craigslist.com.
“There are a lot of people looking to dump them. They’re taking up space, and they don’t want them anymore,” said Benson, who also runs the website collectingvinylrecords.com.
“There’s a good used market out there, and I think it’s fairly accessible to everyone.”
Beware: though the opportunity to find free music sounds pretty good, what you find won’t always be what you’re looking for.
“I once picked up about 2,000 records from a collector,” said Benson.
“The one guy kinda gave me all this crap. I wasn’t too happy, but I did find good stuff in it. But a lot of bad stuff, which I took to the Goodwill.”
Mix it Up:
One of the benefits of collecting vinyl is that you can take chances when trying out new (or old) artists.
Many of the popular albums of the past were manufactured in large quantities when the record was the sole format.
Once the CD rose in popularity during the ’80s, many ran out and sold their vinyl collections.
So chances are, if you grab a record by a band you’ve only heard about, there will be at least a few songs you’ll enjoy
“Go to the used bin and you’ll find something good,” said Chris Preston, a Vinyl Fever employee and collector since age ten.
“An entire album can be bought for the price of an mp3 download.”
There is, of course, another, possibly scary, resource that the new vinyl collector can turn to find out about good music.
“Talk to your parents,” said Benson. “Maybe they have brothers, sisters, friends who have a collection they don’t want anymore. You’d be surprised.”
Finally, keep in mind that many of the people working behind the cash register have probably been collecting for a long time, as well as have a pandora.com-like grasp of artists and genres.
“People who work in record stores are generally really into what they do,” said Wolfson, while leaning on a shelf of old records. “It’s what we do.”
Have Fun:
Most importantly, whether you’re looking at collecting original pressings, searching for the best quality or buying up the most ridiculous artwork, be sure to enjoy the process.
You’re becoming part of a community that found its roots in the early 1920s and shows no signs of leaving, even with the popularity of digital music.
“Vinyl’s not only music, but individual pieces of art as well,” said Benson, who’s collected vinyl for over 30 years. “There will always be collectors,” he said, “which is good, because there’s a lot of music out there.”
