Record Basics #
What to call Vinyl
This is a question that comes up and some stores/long time collectors feel strongly about.
Your collection as a whole will most frequently be referred to as a “Vinyl Collection” or “Record Collection.”
Your Individual whole-album records will generally be referred to as a “record” and sometimes a “vinyl”, “LP”, “album”, or “12 inch 33.” (I will explain the last one more later.)
Newer collectors often refer to more than 1 record as “vinyls” which is technically not correct, and will sometimes be corrected online and in music stores.
Record Speeds
Records are played at different speeds depending on what the record is later.
Large albums that are 12 inches in sizes are most often played at 33 1/3 RPM; the most common size and speed.
Small, single songs on 7 inches in size are most often played at 45 RPM; standard for these releases called “singles.”
Some records are played at 78 RPM, however these are rare.
Sometimes records do not follow these rules, including Taylor’s “Red TV”, which is on 12″ LPs but is to be played at 45 RPM. If something sounds weird being played check the speed.
How to Handle and Store
Records are best stored upright, with spines facing out like a book. If you keep them horizontally your records can warp.
When you open the record out of the shrink wrap, you will have the artwork sleeve with the record inside of it in a paper inner sleeve. It is recommended to buy inner sleeves to keep the records in to prevent static and dust from settling into the groves. Outer sleeves are also recommended to keep the artwork from scuffing.
Here is an example of a set you can buy of Inners and Outers. Other brands are also reputable, and generally the inners and outers you chose matter less than using them.
When holding your records its best to be very gentle and not put your fingers on the groves that the needle runs through. Many people use either a record towel or record mitts so that they can more securely handle their records without touching the areas that are to be avoided.
When you first get a new record and sometimes after the records will be dirty and need cleaned. An anti-static record brush is recommended to use every time you play a record to prevent dust/debris from getting inside the groves and damaging the records (you will hear these as static or a popping noise.) There are also brushes that have a softer material and solution that will clean the records better than the anti-static brush, but do not need used every time. Small tools too occasionally clean your needle are recommended.
An Example of An Anti-Static Brush
An Example of a Soft Brush with Fluid
If you intend to use a record for anything other than art, do not display it on a wall. The record will collect dust and not play correctly. If you display records this way, it is important you tell others if you are trying to sell them. If you would like to use the sleeves as wall art, it is best to store the record outside the sleeve before the sleeve is displayed.
Variants
Variants are the different colors and sometimes covers of her albums. These all play the same music, however look different and sometimes sound different depending on the quality of how the record was produced.
Some times the same variant was made at different factories or in different years, which are called “pressings.” Some times the word “release” is meant in the same way as “pressing,” but usually indicates there is something special or different about the record than other versions. Pressings refer to all of the stock made at our about the same time. If an album was made after the original Pressing, any group after will be referred to as a “repress.”
There are many collectors of Taylor’s records that want to collect every pressing she releases, and there are an equal number of collectors who own only the albums and variants that they specifically like with no duplicates.
For albums with multiple variants available, the “standard” variants which are likely to be available for the foreseeable future are:
- Fearless TV – Gold Pressing
- Speak Now TV – Orchid Pressing
- Red TV – Black Pressing
- 1989 TV – Crystal Skies Pressing
- Reputation – Picture Disc
- Lover – Pink and Blue Pressing
- Folklore – “1. In the Trees” Pressing
- Evermore – Translucent Green Pressing
- Midnights – Moonstone Blue Pressing
When black is available in the non- TV pressings, those are also standard.
Where to Buy Records #
There is an endless number of places to buy records in person and online. A shortlist below:
- Local Independent Record Stores- These are designated locally owned music store that have a ton of Records. Sometimes these stores will have items no one else will, and having a store you always go to and knowing employees often helps when you are looking for something in particular. I highly recommend this being your “home base” for where you buy anything new if they have it in stock and can get it.
- Taylor’s Website– When new albums are announced and released, this will be the first place you can get it from. Sometimes they will have stock other stores will not, and the list price will usually be cheaper. Do note you will always need to pay shipping from her store and if you order anything new on a pre-order you will likely be waiting to get it for after the release.
- Target (if US)– Taylor historically has a “Target Only” release of most albums and they hold stock in stores.
- Discogs can be used to buy, sell, and price vinyl, as well as a place to keep track of your collection. Even if you do not buy from here having an account is super helpful.
- r/VinylCollectors is a marketplace that allows you to buy from other people, follow all guidelines on there reddit.
- EBay/Mercari/Depop/Facebook Groups are often a way to buy from other collectors, however have seen an uptick in scalping and scams of late, so please exercise caution if moving to those platforms
- Online Record Stores are good to look at Independent Stores further from you but with stock and used records.
- Walmart/Amazon/Barnes and Noble/etc Large Retailers often have stock but do not always ship will. I recommend these mostly if their pricing is significantly better than other options.
With any of these, you can buy New or Used. I am noticing in channels where fans are buying from others there has been a large preference for sealed items, but the older and rarer an item is the less that is likely. Please do not be afraid of used items! Collectors who love their records use them. If you are concerned about their quality as questions on how they were stored, played, and handled.
Turntables/Set-Ups #
Set-Up Basics
While everyone generally thinks of the Turntable that spins the record as the main part of how to listen to the music, depending on your model of record player there are several more parts of what is needed to listen to your records. This always includes a needle (the little part that actually touches the record), the cartridge (what the needle is attached to, hung on the tone arm), your turntable and speakers. More advanced tables may also require an amp or an preamp and a receiver. Make sure you read manuals of your turntable to be sure what all is needed to hear your records play.
Suitcase Players
Many people receive suitcase record players when they begin collecting. If you dig online, you will find that Record Collectors who have been in the hobby will sometimes have negative things to say about them. Don’t feel too bad about the negativity you see, most people start with one of these and they are a fine beginner place to start.
With this, suitcase players can be limited in the sound they create. The part that the record lays on and spins on (called the platter) does not hold the whole record, and sometimes this can warp your records. Additionally, the tone arms don’t always stay as stable as you would like and will sometimes skip. Because of this, many people with these players will not play more rare records they own on them.
If you find yourself owning a suitcase player and find yourself falling deeper into the hobby, consider starting to upgrade your turntable and speakers. If you own 20 or less records and only use your turntable occasionally, its probably fine.
Where to go for Help
- For help online, r/turntables is a great place to start
- Local Record Stores will have employees that are usually somewhat knowledgeable and can help with the basic
- Audio Repair stores are unmatched if you can find one locally; Owners and workers living is based around these machines and they will be able to provide astounding guidance and fix any issues you have. Many also sell vintage repaired equipment, which is usually one of the best ways to get great quality sound for a lower price.