The Ultimate Guide to Buying Vinyl Records: What Beginners Need to Know
If you’re wondering about getting into the world of vinyl but are in the dark about where to begin, then we are here for you! Vinyl records offer that retro vibe and a much better sound than a CD; however, you may feel confused when choosing your first record. If you are interested in buying vinyl records as either the owner or a designer of products or if you are just interested in custom vinyl records in Australia, this guide is for you to buy the perfect vinyl records. Let’s discuss everyday struggles to buy vinyl records, and significant steps such as vinyl record sleeves.
The Significance of Quality Vinyl Records
Here, the quality of vinyl records has a significant effect on the music listened to by the people. Compared to any other formats of music out there, vinyl records do possess a genuine analogue sound. However, not all are going to be made of vinyl, and it’s something that the novice record collector needs to know when buying vinyl records.
Sound fidelity:
High-quality vinyl records have a deeper and richer bass and warm sound that digital formats can’t replicate
Durability:
Quality records last longer and are not easily warped or damaged.
Visual appeal:
Records have been designed and re-mastered in the best way thus they appear to have the best artwork any collector could desire.
Common Challenges Beginners Face While Buying Vinyl Records
However, there are some hurdles one is bound to encounter when buying vinyl records for the first time. Here are a few to watch out for:
Understanding the Different Formats:
Regardless of whether you are working on an LP or an EP, it can be confusing to decide which is the right approach for you.
Grading Confusion:
One must begin by knowing the mechanism of grading vinyl, for instance, Mint, Near Mint, and all that.
Price vs. Quality:
If you do not know where to draw the line between cheap and good-quality vinyl, it becomes very difficult once you get there.
Identifying Fakes:
With the upsurge in vinyl, first-time buyers will get stranded due to fake records.
Beginner’s Guide to Buy Vinyl Records: Key Insights for Your First Purchase
Purchasing vinyl records is quite an art form; it is not hard, but it needs some knowledge to make the right choice. These are the tips that you need to consider while buying vinyl records, whether you are shopping online or going to the physical store.
Know about Vinyl Record Grades
So, when buying vinyl records, grading is something you must know about. The grade of a record informs a user regarding its condition, how it was managed, and its sound quality.
Mint (M):
A mint record does not have any defects on the surface and cannot be distinguished from a new one. These are quite a number of the time scarce and pricey.
Near Mint (NM):
This record will have a few speckles, perhaps two or little marks, but it will still run without a glitch.
Very Good Plus (VG+):
These records have very slight discoloured markings, scratches, etc., but they should not cause a noticeable loss in sound quality.
Very Good (VG):
Records in this condition may have more noticeable wear and some surface noise, but they are still a viable option for those on a budget.
Good (G) / Poor (P):
These records can be expected to be worn as well as scratched significantly while exhibiting a certain amount of noise. These are more or less discouraged and should only be used where they are intended as collectibles or for decoration.
Vinyl Record Sleeves: A Must-Have for Every Collector
Selecting the right vinyl record sleeves is just as important as buying vinyl records itself. These vinyl record sleeves offer cover to your records from direct contact with dust, potential rough contact surfaces, and moisture.
Paper Sleeves:
The most common and cheapest vinyl record is paper sleeves. But, it can lead to minor static and scratch on the surface after some time.
Polyethylene Sleeves:
These are a better proposition for long-term storage as the latter ones are softer about the surface, significantly minimizing the chances of scratches.
Archival Quality Sleeves:
The material used in these sleeves is of the highest quality, and they provide the kind of protection desired, especially for less common or valuable records.
Inner and Outer Sleeves:
It is strongly recommended that you use both inner and outer sleeves to secure your records completely from any damage.
Avoid Tight Sleeves:
Make sure that your vinyl record sleeves are not too tight. This can cause wear and tear in the long run.
Make an Attempt to Understand Vinyl Sizes and Speeds
The size and speed are two aspects that you will come across when buying vinyl records. The three most popular sizes are 12-inch, 10-inch, and 7-inch, and the most familiar speeds are 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. There isn’t any doubt identifying the appropriate size and speed for one’s record player is essential.
Don’t Pay Too Much for Heavily Collected Records
However, it can be so much fun buying the ‘ultra-rare’ vinyl records, which often ends up with the beginner throwing their cash down the drain or spending their hard-earned cash on more expensive vinyl records than what they should at that stage. Gain an understanding of how to collect and spare time to make sure you get to know how records pricing operates.
Learn the Importance of Proper Storage
Records, if stored inadequately, may become warped or even damaged. Try to arrange your records vertically; do not place them near the heat or direct sunlight; they should be kept in a cool and dry area.
Find the Right Turntable for Your Vinyl Collection
The quality of your turntable can make or break your vinyl listening experience. While it is possible to spend more bucks on a cartridge for a high-end turntable, this will not be necessary for a first-time user; in fact, a cheap turntable with a good cartridge is sufficient to get the best sound out of records. Regrettably, to consolidate this part of the preparation, we don’t need to spare any funds for this significant piece of apparatus.
Explore Local and Online Record Stores
It is still possible to buy vinyl records, and there are lots of outlets, both physical and online, where you can buy your records. The record market is still growing, and most of them produce quality custom vinyl records in Australia.
Custom Vinyl Records in Australia
Australia has a vibrant vinyl culture that is well embraced by stores that deal with these products, offering services for pressing vinyl records. If you are a music producer or an artist who wants to produce custom vinyl Records or simply a collector who wants to get something special, then there are several good options for your custom vinyl records in Australia. Australian stores that sell different types of custom vinyl records allow in having personal songs recorded in an album making it good as a gift or be one of a one-of-a-kind collection.
Beginner’s journey Made Easy with Quality Vinyl Records at Impress Vinyl
At Impress Vinyl, we comprehended the fact that collecting vinyl is not a pastime but a passion. Whether you are an experienced collector or just beginning our vinyl records and vinyl record sleeves will help to protect your collection for many years. View a selection of traditional albums, buy custom vinyl records in Australia from us, and get the latest collections to create your favourite vinyl records collection.
Successfully Embrace the Vinyl Revival
Buying vinyl records might look daunting when you are new to it, but having the right information makes it easier and rather fulfilling. Even the selection of size and playing speed to storing your collection using proper vinyl record sleeves provides to the excitement of having a vinyl collection that is personal to your preferences.
It’s time to get started with vinyl, is it? Check out our selection now, buy Vinyl Records, or Get custom Vinyl Records in Australia from Impress Vinyl for superior quality vinyl, sleeves, and other accessories available in the market. Yet, you don’t have to wait for that day to start collecting your HD DVD.
