If you thought YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music would wipe vinyl off the earth, think again. In fact, vinyl LP purchases have increased for 16 years in a row in the UK (MusicWeek).
That increase is partly because chart-topping pop acts (think Swift and Sheeran) have been selling new releases to die-hard fans. But also because die-hard vinyl record fans are always looking for retro records to add to their growing collections.
Now, whether you’re here because you’re a Swiftie or a Sheerio, or because you’re a fan of icons like Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd, we won’t judge. If you’re passionate about collecting vinyl records that’s all that matters to us. We’re going to help you understand the ins and outs of collecting, from what turntable to play them on to how to store and clean them.
Types of record
LP
Also known as long-playing records, LP records are the most common type. They’re usually 12 inches in diameter and they spin at 33 1/3 RPM (revolutions per minute). Each LP can hold about 22 minutes of music on each side.
EP
Extended-play vinyls are similar to LPs but smaller in size, they’re usually 10 inches across and they spin up to 45 RPM. They hold less music, so they are ideal for artists who want to release around 3-5 songs and not a whole album.
7-inch singles
The 7-inch single usually spins at 45 RPM and, as you might have guessed, they hold a single song (or sometimes a couple, just to make it confusing). The smaller size and short playing time make them perfect for jukeboxes (not that we have many of those anymore).
12-inch singles
Alright, things are getting exciting now (for me anyway). We’re getting into the club scene. The 12″ single is an extended or remixed version of a song. Back in the day, the 12″ record would have been spun by the likes of Frankie Knuckles and Carl Cox (the undisputed kings of vinyl) during their club nights. The longer play time gave DJs more flexibility to weave in multiple records at once. If it wasn’t for the 12″ vinyl record, Mr Knuckles wouldn’t have re-edited all those disco songs, and house music wouldn’t exist as we know it today.
78s
A quick jump back before we move on. The last type of vinyl record we’ll talk about is the 78, called the 78 because they spin at 78 RPM. These were made between 1898 and 1950, making them a collector’s dream. They came in plain paper cases, without any branded album artwork on them. Unfortunately, the brittle shellac material doesn’t last well, meaning these records are extremely rare. If you get your hands on one, hold on.
Collecting vinyl records
So, you’re sure you want to collect records. But where should you start?
Hunting online is always a good place to start. We’ve got a huge selection of limited-edition vinyl records, from various artists including the likes of David Bowie, Elton John and Bob Marley. You’ve also got online record retailers like Discogs and second-hand retailers like eBay.
If you’re looking for a bargain, though, you should head to charity shops, car boot sales and Facebook Marketplace. You might find some hidden gems.
High-street retailers like HMV will also have a decent selection of vinyl records. They might not have any original release records, but they’ll often have re-release anniversary edition versions of iconic records.
How to store records
Once you’ve got a few different records on your hands, knowing how to store them is essential. Now, storage will depend on how valuable your vinyl record collection is.
If your collection is full of special editions, first presses and original releases, you might want to store them in a vinyl record box. This should be an acid-free, archival-quality box that is specifically designed for rare vinyl record storage. It will protect them from wood, pests and UV. When browsing your records, you should use finger cots or nitrile gloves to stop any dirt or oil from transferring from your hand to the case or the record itself.
If that’s a bit of a step ahead of where you are at the moment, for beginners:
- You should always store your records upright. Stacking them or storing them horizontally can put pressure on the record itself. You should also never leave them at an angle, they should be stood at 180°.
- You should store record types together, for example, 12″ records with other 12″ ones, LPs with LPs. You get the idea.
- It’s a good idea to have a system for ordering. The most popular way is alphabetical order by artist, but you might decide to group into genres or decades instead.
- Make sure there is enough room to easily remove a record from your storage space, as you don’t want to damage the sleeve/the record as you take it out and put it in again.
How to clean records
Good handling and storage is key to keeping your records in top condition. But, even if you’re hot on handling and storage, your records will still need cleaning now and then. Here’s a cleaning checklist for you:
- Take the record out of the sleeve, carefully holding it by the edges only
- Use an anti-static brush to remove any top layer dust. Brush in line with the direction of the grooves, not side to side.
- Once you’ve brushed off surface debris, hold your LP to the light and check for grease and fingerprints.
- Lay your record down and use a special cleaning fluid to wipe off any grease/fingerprint. Again, work with the grain and don’t go near the label.
- Leave the record to air dry.
- Once it’s dry, sweep again with your brush as nastiness might have landed on the record whilst drying.
- Slip your record back into an anti-static sleeve.
What should you not clean records with?
You shouldn’t clean records with alcohol or solvent-based cleaning products, as these can degrade the quality of the record.
You shouldn’t use wet wipes as these have chemicals can that damage the record.
You shouldn’t use tap water as it contains minerals that will leave residue on the records. Use distilled water if you don’t have a specialist cleaning product.
Playing records
Last, but most definitely not least, playing your records.
Before you even think about playing a vintage vinyl record, you need to invest in a good turntable. The quality of the turntable can make or break your listening experience.
A poor turntable will result in poorer sound, and, it can even damage your record. A good turn table will add to the record, making you appreciate every single note that little bit more.
5 of our favourite records
The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
Ok, call us cliche, but obviously, this one takes the top spot on our list of favourite records. Dark Side of the Moon is the longest charting album of all time. It stayed in the top 200 for more than 700 weeks between 1973-88, and since then it’s been in and out the charts like a yoyo. Listen to it and you’ll soon see why.
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
One of the biggest soundtracks of the 70s, with songs like Dreams, Go Your Own Way and The Chain, Rumours is just hit after hit. The band created this LP record at a time when all of their personal lives were falling apart, with constant break ups, arguments and affairs, but somehow, it worked.
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
One of the best-selling albums of the 1960s and still up there on the best-selling albums ever, none other than this special Beatles number. This was the first pop album to be made without the momentary gaps between songs, instead, it has a crossfade that blends each song into the next, making it feel like you’re listening to one live performance.
In Through The Out Door - Led Zeppelin
This album was recorded in a swift three weeks, in 1978, at ABBA’s Polar Studios in Stockholm. The album was released with six sleeve variants, each showing a different angle of a man in an absinthe bar. We’ve got the ‘A’ sleeve variant.
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
The fifth studio album by the British rock band, released in 1985, this vinyl features hits like Money for Nothing and Walk of Life, along with a few of their other greatest hits.
Lingo cheat sheet
- Box set: A record that comes in a presentation box.
- CD: A compact disc (not a record), that stores and plays audio.
- Compilation: A compilation is a collection of songs from various artists, on one disc.
- Dead wax: The section of the record at the end of the playing surface, before the label.
- Factory custom pressing: An unofficial version of a record that has been custom pressed at a pressing plant.
- First press: A first press is a vinyl made from the initial batch, cut from the original master recording. Super expensive.
- Inner sleeve: The protective sleeve (usually made of paper) that protects the record.
- Jacket: Also known as sleeve or cover, this is what the inner sleeve sits in.
- Mispressing: A record or CD that has the incorrect music or tracks.
- Picture disc: A record that has a picture printed on it, instead of being plain black.
- Pressing: This is the process of manufacturing vinyl records from the original, master recording.
- Shellac: A breakable material that was used for 78s.
- Warp: A bend in the vinyl that has been caused by heat or poor storage.
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