Your Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Vinyl Record Collection

Did you grow up cherishing your beloved Beatles LPs? Have you always wondered why people are so crazy about vinyl? Whether you’re starting to get into them for the first time or aching to delve back in, it’s time to start your very own vinyl record collection. Lucky for you, it’s easier than you’d think! Especially when you follow our step-by-step guide.

Are Vinyl Records Trendy Again?

If you’ve noticed the sudden resurgence of retro vinyl records, no, you’re not crazy. They’re back in style and bigger than ever! 

While they first made their mark in the 1930s and ‘40s, they were eventually largely replaced with 8-track, cassette tapes, CDs, and, nowadays, streaming services. But suddenly, in 2022, vinyl record sales skyrocketed and have remained one of the most popular types of physical media ever since. Led by a mix of nostalgia, collectability, and the fact that music just sounds better on vinyl, records are here to stay!

How Valuable Can a Vinyl Record Be?

If you’ve ever set foot in a Chicago antique mall, yard sale, or modern record shop, you know that the prices can vary. But did you know some vinyl records can be worth hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars? The price tag depends on rarity (specifically limited edition pressings), condition, and historical significance. Every single record you pick up should be researched before you decide to pop it onto your record player—you could have gold on your hands!

The 7 Simple Steps to Curating Your Vinyl Record Collection

From learning how to shop for vinyl records at a Melbourne antique mall to finding the perfect record player for your collection, we’re here to help you every step of the way! When you follow these steps, you’ll start a uniquely-you collection in no time.

Step 1: Determine What’s Important to You

It doesn’t matter what you’re collecting—to make it mean something, it has to be specific to you and your interests. Limited edition Hot Wheels, autographed posters, and especially vinyl records should all be collected around certain themes, interests, and qualifications. Don’t waste time and money buying every record that crosses your path—consider narrowing your search down to specific niches.

Popular Types of Vinyl Record Collections:

• Limited editions: collectors that focus on limited releases, hand-numbered vinyl, special colorful versions, etc.

• Specific genres: if someone has a special interest in ‘80s rock or modern pop, they may only buy vinyl in that era.

• Complete catalogs: some collectors focus on one artist until they own every vinyl released in their catalog.

• Childhood nostalgia: if you want a less formal structure, consider buying records that remind you of the music from your youth.

Step 2: Set a Budget

No collection is worth breaking the bank! Once you have a vague idea of the type of records you’d like to collect, it’s important to set a budget. The number boils down to your personal spending habits and how often you plan to shop for vinyl records. Vinyl can be bought for anywhere from $2 to $200 and beyond, so creating your budget is a must.

If you’re buying secondhand at Florida vendor malls and online marketplaces, you should plan to set aside $10 to $20 per record. Those waiting to buy the latest and greatest releases should be prepared to spend slightly more.

Step 3: Do Your Record Player Research

Did you know that not all record players are created equal? There’s more to these charming, vintage-looking machines than meets the eye! Don’t settle for the first record player you find—do your research to make sure it suits your collection and your listening preferences.

Favorite Record Player Brands:

• Crosley: retro style, affordable price, built-in speakers, and modern Bluetooth options

• Victrola: very portable, easy to use, affordable, and vintage aesthetics

• Fluance: on the pricier side, great sound quality, available in multiple finishes

• Pro-Ject: simple, smooth movement, made from quality materials

• Rega: best audio quality, handles a variety of vinyl well, quiet operation

Step 4: Get to Shopping

Now comes the fun part—actually hitting the streets (or the internet, for some) and hunting down vinyl records! Once you start to look for them, you’ll notice they’re just about everywhere.

Sort through old wooden crates at your favorite Indiana antique mall, stop into your local record store, and spend time browsing online forums until you find one that sparks your interest. Buy it, and bam—you’ve started your vinyl record collection.

Step 5: Decide on Display

Once you’ve grown your collection a bit, it’s time to decide how you want to store and display your vinyl records. Some people prefer to keep them lined up in a crate, tucked securely into their original plastic sleeves. Others may opt to have an unseen storage area and a few wall displays—when you want to show off new finds, you can simply swap them out!

Step 6: Learn to Take Care of Your Vinyl

The key to enjoying your vinyl record collection for years and years is proper storage and maintenance. You should always keep your records upright and in cool, dry places to avoid any warping or temperature damage. When your record is visible in a record player, always place it away from direct sunlight.

Make it a habit to clean your vinyl and record players often. Start by dusting your vinyl record with an anti-static cleaning brush to remove any loose dust. Then, wipe the surface with a dedicated cleaning solution and a slightly damp microfiber cloth, following the direction of the grooves. Dry completely before putting the record back in its packaging.

Step 7: Listen and Enjoy!

Unless you’re a mint condition purist, the final step of collecting vinyl records is actually using them! Slide it out of its casing, pop it into your favorite record player, and experience the unbeatable sound of the songs as they wash over you. Host a listening party for your music-obsessed friends, play your favorite album during a birthday celebration, or listen to an EP while doing chores around the house—your options are endless!

With a few special vinyl and a record player, anyone can get involved in the world of collecting these discs! With our easy-to-follow steps and a little beginner’s luck, you’re sure to find the vinyl of your dreams. Head down to America’s Antique Mall and take a look for yourself!