Building a Record Collection

The music industry is mind-blowing. The strange twists and turns that it takes are often unpredictable and defy logic. One of the strangest twists in recent years has been the effect mp3 files have had on album sales. Ever since Napster changed the way we obtain music (legally or illegally), CD sales have been dropping rapidly. Your average music listener doesn’t have to buy the new *insert pop icon here* album. Instead they can buy the mp3 of the new hit single (the only reason they would have purchased the album in the first place) or heaven forbid they can download it illegally.

Even though CD sales are declining, surprisingly enough vinyl album sales are rapidly increasing. Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are reverting back to old technology. Why? Well lets look at it this way. There are two kinds of people who are shop for music. The first we have already discussed, the person wanting the new single thats tearing up the charts and honestly, thats it. The second are people who appreciate an album. The people who love and adore when one track fades into the next. The people who love a concept album or an album that seems to speak to them. We have already decided that its the in first group’s best interest to just pick up the mp3. The second group however strive for the quality of their music. They are the people who complain about the quality of the mp3. This group has rediscovered the quality of vinyl records. Any album that isn’t recorded digitally is going to sound the best on vinyl. And even in the digital recording world, having the vinyl record is pretty awesome. They last much longer and have sentimental value.

So do you want to start a record collection? Here’s my guide to get you started:

Getting a Turntable

A turntable is essential if you want to start a record collection. You can find them at most of your retail electronic stores like Radioshack. You can also find a wide assortment of turntables online. What should you look for in a turntable? You want to make sure that it can play at a variety of speeds, and that it has a dust guard. Other than that, just look for what is best for you. If you have a full stereo system, look for one that is compatible with your system. If you listen to more music on your computer, or you want to play through a system with a usb port, pick up a usb turntable.

Finding Record Stores

The best way to find a record store near you is to look online. Google your town and record store and see what comes up. If you live in an area like I do, you may have trouble finding a record store within your reach, but that doesn’t mean you cant find vinyl records near you. Look for flea markets and Goodwill stores in your area. These stores are often stocked with an odd assortment of classic records. Chances are they will have seen their better days, but they will still sound fantastic on your system.

Buying Vinyl at Shows

Next time you are at at show, check the merch table to see if they have any vinyl. Most bands now release their albums on vinyl and are happy to sell them at a cheap price at their shows. If they don’t have their full album in vinyl, they typically have 7″ singles for sale. A show is a great place to pick up vinyl because its cheap, the money goes directly to the artist, and you know you will love the album when you get home and jam to it.

Buying Vinyl Online

Are you having trouble finding vinyl to buy near you? Are you looking for your favorite album on vinyl but can’t find it anywhere? Use the Internet! Ebay is full of vinyl, and there are hundreds of online stores that specialize in online vinyl sales. Also check your favorite artist’s online merch store, and the online merch store for their label. Any album you want is available to you online, for a price.