Are you looking to start collecting records, but you're not sure where to begin?
Follow our budget-friendly guide to starting a record collection unique to you. We'll walk you through the best places to start, how to expand and catalogue your collection, and the best records to buy to support your collection's longevity.
Where can you buy records?
Records crop up in more places than you think, and depending on how you like to shop, there are multiple routes you can go down to starting your record collection.
Most artists will have their own websites where you can purchase their music online. If there is a particular album you like, the artist may have this listed for purchase on their website, so your purchase is directly supporting the artist behind the music.
For those of you who love a discount, many artist or record label websites will run discount codes for your first order, so you'll likely be able to get one of your favourite albums at a discounted rate.
Lots of artists will release limited edition pressings of their albums, and this can be a great way to add value to your collection, as the majority of limited edition releases will increase in value beyond the original retail prices after purchase. Limited edition releases often come in colours other than standard black, which will add a pop of colour to your collection. Artists like Taylor Swift are very notable in this category - her limited edition pressings often skyrocketing in price once their pressing run has ended.
Buying everything from new can get high in price very quickly, so finding a shop that sells second hand can be a great way to expand your collection at a lower cost.
Second hand record stores are usually independently run, so by shopping second hand, you're shopping sustainably, and also supporting a business in your local area for generations to come.
Shopping in person also gives you a tangible experience of flicking through records, which gives connection to the music. Before heading into a store, put a few ideas together of what you might like to find. Most of the time, everything is catalogued alphabetically by artist, so you can head straight to those sections. You could start with a compilation album from a band you like, or pick up an album you know the singles from to discover more from the band.
Second hand record stores will likely also have a wide collection of 12" and 7" singles, which can be a great way of collecting your favourite songs on a budget. Usually priced between £1-£10, you'll be able to get many of your favourite tracks at an affordable rate, especially if your music tastes fall in the 70s-90s era.
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the grading system used to categorise second-hand records, so you know what to expect from your second hand purchase.
What Are The Best Records To Add To Your Collection?
Critically acclaimed albums from major rock bands often take the spotlight here, including bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits and the like, as they have remained incredibly popular despite the majority of their albums being released between 40 and 60 years ago.
While these do appeal to the majority of tastes, committing to purchasing these on vinyl can be on the pricier side, due to their popularity, especially if you are looking for an early pressing. We'd recommend familiarising yourself with the albums through streaming them first, before deciding whether this is something you'd like to own in a physical format.
Discover the top 25 records we recommend starting your collection off with.
What About A Turntable?
Of course, you need something to play your newly acquired records on.
Turntables are more of an investment than records, and the general rule is that the higher the price, the higher the quality.
Suitcase record players are marketed cheaply to new collectors for their aesthetics. While they are an affordable first step into the collecting world, these can do a lot of damage to your records in the long run. Because they have a smaller platter, that doesn't support the record, which causes it to tilt when played, damaging the grooves. Their needles are also of a poorer quality, and the in-built speakers can cause damage to the record through vibrations.
If you already have a record player like this, we'd recommend making some modifications to it. Most will allow you to connect external speakers, and and adding a 12" acrylic slipmat will support the record, along with a replacement needle of a higher quality.
These are mostly cheaper alterations you can make while building your collection and deciding whether records are for you.
If you're looking to buy your first record player, we'd recommend a turntable, separate speakers, and positioning these on a separate surface from your record player. Pick something that feels right for you, assess reviews from other collectors, and it's always something you can upgrade or add modifications to later if you decide to.
When Should You Pay More, And What For?
Once you have some albums in your collection, and are considering purchasing something in a higher price range, it's important that you get something that you know you will be happy with.
There are two main routes you can go down to spend more on a record:
Audiophile pressings are a good starting point. These are high quality pressings, usually pressed on heavyweight vinyl, and remastered for a crisper sound quality. The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab are the most famous for their Half-Speed Mastered audiophile pressings, which can be purchased from their website, or second hand. They are easy to identify by the band of text along the top of the sleeve.
Splashing out on an early pressing would be the closest way of hearing the original sound, as the artist intended. First and early pressings can be an expensive commitment, so it might be worth holding out for one at a lower price, or if you're lucky, finding a bargain somewhere unexpected, like a charity shop or second-hand sale. However, picking up a lower-priced copy could come at the cost of the release's condition, or the original items that come with it.
Alternatively, finding a copy of an album you love with everything included - inserts/lyric sheets/stickers etc - can be an amazing find. It feels good to own a complete version of a second hand album, as many inserts have been lost to time.
Should You Catalogue Your Collection?
We think so! Starting a catalogue is important, especially for when your collection gets larger. Discogs is one of the best ways to do this. You can set up a free account, and start adding records to your collection. It also has a wantlist feature, and you can also purchase records from private sellers and businesses.
If you just want something for yourself, a document or spreadsheet would be the way to go, listing as little or as much information about the record as you like, or you could take it back to pen and paper, listing the records and keeping the list with your collection.
Ultimately, while everyone can have an opinion about what is good for you to collect, the decision is down to you. It's important you collect to your tastes, to enjoy your music collecting experience to its fullest.
What will be the first album you buy?
