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! -

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!

I always hit the record stores when I travel. I usually buy something and then that adds an extra memory of that trip.

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!

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

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.

I remember during my teens, 80s, 90s, spending hours at the shops chatting with the clerks and learning

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.

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!

Tip 21, buy quality equipment. Invest a little. Your records and your ears will appreciate it.

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!

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

Great stuff!

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.

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 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 .

Thanks GI love your videos

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.

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 KZfaq 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.

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.

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.

Thanks!

Listening sessions are the BEST!

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.

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 like your video because you put it out there truthfully without all the hype.

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.

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’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.

#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.

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.

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!

Great video

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!

I guess "rapid fire" is up for interpretation. I enjoyed either way though.

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 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.

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!

Listen to reviewers on KZfaq. 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.

Edited transcript of this and a few pics, you'd have an E Book!

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.

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

Reviews on allmusic Put artist whole discography in context w reviews of each album Influences etc

Is it ok to buy cd's if the record is super hard to find or just to expensive

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.

Great 11 am est

I have vinyl from the 1960's and 70's that you would swear were brand new. I never loan them out. Vinyl Rulz!

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

Biggest tip, if you see a record out in the wild and your gut says buy it, BUY IT! You never know when you're gonna see it again.

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.

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?

I can't stress points 1 - 20 enough! 🤣

Get knowledgable of best pressings - country of origin, first etc - Steve Hoffman Forums, Discogs

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?

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

Saw an Iron Maiden live at Donnington for $60 and wanted to see pictures before I bought. It was gone by that night.

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 organise alphabetically by artist and within that by release date.

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....

Dig deeper.

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.

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.

outer sleeves - definitely polythene NOT clear acetate sleeves as over time a chemical reaction with the record can cause the vinyl to "burn"

1. Clear PVC outer sleeves can damage your records due to chemical off-gassing. Use polythene instead.

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 don't stream anything.

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.

Experiment???? I can't afford even half of the records that I already want!

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

Get sleeves with the flap; it keeps all of the dust out.

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.

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.

Shhh

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

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……….