So you want to become another one of those pretentious vinyl collectors, huh? Whether it's for aesthetic purposes or sound quality, everyone has different reasons that they want to start collecting. For me personally, I like being able to physically hold my music and watch it play, and I like to see the colors of the vinyl itself. There's no right or wrong way to collect, but there are some basic things any aspiring collector should know:
1. Don't buy that Crosley suitcase player from Urban Outfitters. Just don't.
Look up any sort of Internet forum on vinyl and you'll quickly find that Crosley is universally hated, and with good reason: Crosley needles wear down your records faster. I have had multiple friends tell me that their records sound horrible after just a couple of plays on a Crosley, so unless for some reason you just completely don't care, don't buy one. An alternative in the same price range is the Audio Technical AT-LP60. It's only a bit more expensive, and treats your records well. Plus, it has a dust cover...you'll thank me later when you see how much dust it collects that could have been on your records. Just note that speakers are not included with this one.
2. eBay will become your new addiction.
You will find yourself constantly searching the same things over and over again, in hopes that maybe, just maybe, a new (less expensive) listing will show up. Then you'll discover the "email me when a new listing is posted related to this search" feature and your life will be changed forever, as well as your inbox will be full of emails from eBay.
3. Be ready to spend an excessive amount of money on plastic circles.
Seriously...I have a couple of records that cost more than the actual player. A lot of the albums you want will probably cost around $20-$50, but there will be a few that cost upwards of $300, and by law those few will be the albums you want the most. Older Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and Paramore? Yeah, good luck. Those things cost a fortune.
Don't let any of that scare you off; I have found this hobby to be quite rewarding, honestly. Yes, it is expensive and a little bit pointless, but it feels good for the soul.
One last tip: since at first it will be pretty annoying only having two records to play back and forth, I would suggest making a list of the albums you want the most, looking each of them up, and first purchasing the cheapest ones. That way, you won't spend all of your money on a player, speakers, and a $200 vinyl and suddenly be broke. Other than that, happy collecting!
