The Art of Collecting Vinyl Records
Whether you’re a seasoned collector who’s been at it for decades or are just getting started, collecting vinyl records can be a fun and rewarding way to celebrate your passion for music. At Big Fudge, we love collecting vinyl ourselves, and are keen on offering (and observing) the essential tips that help build and preserve incredible record collections. Read on for a few key insights on creating a collection you’ll love, and to collecting vinyl records in a way that will last.
Let Love Lead the Way
There’s a principle in collecting fine art that definitely carries over to collecting vinyl records: start with what you love. While collecting vinyl can be a great investment, you’ll be happier in the long run if you focus on obtaining pieces you genuinely enjoy. That way, whether certain items in your collection increase or decrease in value over time, you’ll regret nothing. Just make sure to keep your albums clean and safe, ensuring that they get the love they deserve.
Act Like a Curator
A great collection isn’t about hitting all the marks; it’s about collecting vinyl records that reflect your personal tastes and instincts. A common trap when collecting vinyl is to acquire albums that you feel like you’re “supposed to get,” whether they fit your collection or not. Examples of this include seeking out all albums by a single artist (also known as a form of completion bias) or grabbing the latest thing just because it’s new. But unless you really care about that hot album or feel like an artist’s entire oeuvre fits your collection, don’t worry about following anyone’s impulses but your own.
Protect Your Collection
At the core of successfully collecting vinyl records is ensuring that they hold up over time. The materiality of vinyl (and its susceptibility to wear and tear) may be part of the charm of collecting vinyl, but having your favorite pieces collect dust, endure damage, or suffer from improper storage is decidedly less appealing. Store your records safely, and designate a spot to keep them away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keeping your records clean is also vital to ensuring that your collection stays in mint condition.
Optimize Your Display
Half the fun of collecting vinyl records is showing them off, and this part of the experience is both audio and visual. Consider using record display stands to feature favorites from your collection. This can also be an excellent way to securely stow (and feature) whichever album is currently on the turntable. If your love of collecting vinyl extends to a passion for incredible cover art (as ours certainly does), find a way to put these treasures front and center in a way that works for your space.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy It
We’ve discussed the primacy of vinyl over digital before on this blog, and it’s essential to keep in mind that vinyl is an experience. As you build your collection, actively seek out the pleasures of listening to the albums you own, revisiting old favorites, and pursuing the thrill of the hunt when it comes to rare and hard-to-find items. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re getting the most from your collection by sourcing the right record player. Collecting vinyl records can become a serious undertaking, but at its core, collecting vinyl is about pure joy. Find opportunities to appreciate your collection, and maybe even host some listening parties to share the love!
At Big Fudge, we love collecting vinyl records and helping our customers make the most of their collections. Explore the latest in high-quality cleaning kits, storage options, and more, and be sure to follow our blog for tips on keeping your vinyl collection in top form.
