1. Why should I buy vinyl?
There are two basic answers for this: You are an audiophile, and fetishize the sound of analog recordings, or you simply like the aesthetics of vinyl records, packaging, and turntables. It can absolutely be both! But the aesthetics, the physical aspect of it, is pretty key to its appeal. These records are more beautiful and substantial than CDs, which mostly have the look of office supplies, and they’re the best way to make purchasing music feel like something. Vinyl allows you to have a sentimentality about albums — there’s a tactile quality, a ritual to pulling a record out of a sleeve and putting it on and focusing your attention on the act of listening for a side at a time. Even if you still mainly listen to music on your computer or iPod, it gives you the option of having a more special experience with your favorite albums, and an object you can display in your home.
2. Is buying vinyl a wise use of my money?
Buying vinyl records today is the only way to purchase music that is likely to give you a return on your investment. You can’t resell a digital file, and in most cases, CDs have almost no value on the secondary market. Vinyl records — new or old — retain a lot of value, and so long as your copy is in decent condition and there’s some demand for the title, you can often make a profit if you choose to sell. You probably shouldn’t get into buying vinyl as a way to make money — there are much better and easier ways to do that — but it’s definitely nice to know that if you had to, you could sell your collection.
3. I know vinyl is analog, but what does that mean, exactly?
Analog means that there is a continuous signal in which the varying part of the signal is a representation of another time-varying quantity. So, when it comes to sound recordings, the instantaneous voltage of the signal varies continuously with the pressure of the sound waves. Basically, the groove of a vinyl record is like a drawing of the sound wave in a single continuous line through the entire side.Your turntable essentially reads that and decodes it in real time, which results in the sound you hear from the speakers.
You can read the rest of this article by Matthew Perpetua of buzzfeed.com here
Now you know all you need to know about buying vinyl be sure to check out the huge range of vinyl at eil.com
#2 is far from correct. Unless you start by buying collectors items most new records are worth less at soon as you split the shrinkwrap. Then they are no longer mint.
I’ve been collecting records longer than most hipsters’ parents have been around.
Probably 25% of my collection is worth more than I paid. The rest I keep cause I like them.
Maybe 10% are worth $100 or more.
And don’t overlook the humble 7″. Most are junk and worth sentimental value, but some command high prices. That guy on ebay selling 100 singles for $20 doesn’t have time to check and grade each one. That’s up to you and you hit the jackpot once in awhile.
Imports. Japan and Germany generally press the best. Buy them.
180gm records are overrated. These records ship through the mail with less chance of damage, one reason they sound better is probably because it is a newer master and if now issued on two discs could sound better. Downside, you have to get up twice as many times to flip the record.
A NM+ copy of a original press sounds great.
Colored vinyl/pic discs, if you like that sort of thing that’s fine. Picture discs don’t have great sound quality.
Discogs isn’t the final word on pricing. Many sellers don’t know how to grade and you could end up with garbage. It could be a struggle getting a refund. I’ve found so many great records on ebay cause people have no idea what things are worth. Or the listing is misspelled. Ebay does guarantee sales.
The Beatles sold many millions of records. Most are not money records.
Buy what you like, play what you buy. If you love records don’t buy a Crosely or similar.
When buying a record remember it is an object. That’s what makes it special.
If you just want to hear music, stick in one earbud and stream or whatever.
Set aside a lot of free space and have fun!
Btw, I have far more cds that are worth serious money.