Any advice for a new record collector.

[arnold139]

Just a 17 year old kid who just got into record collecting and thought this would be a good place to discuss my new hobbie. Also was looking for any tips, advice, on collecting/storing records, or to just talk about records in general.

[nico]

Give it up by not taking it up.

Otherwise just collect what you like to listen to and be patience, especially when it comes to fashionable and hot bands. 99 out of 100 times, a limited edition record release version will sell for big bucks days after the release but will be very cheap in a few months or years. So spend your pocket money wisely.

[takemeaway89]

Don't be afraid to spend big money on big holy grail items as they never go down in value just up.

[thomas75]

I agree with Nico, being patient would be my no.1 avice.

Better wait for someone who wants to sell records here on this board for instance and work out a private deal instead of jumping on the next auction on ebay.

[colintappe]

Invest in a good stereo. You need to hear your records on a set up that can show you just how good they sound if you're really going to love them.

And don't pay more than retail for new records.

[chris2far]

Make a budget and save up just for Vinyls.

And then choose wisely what you buy with the Money you saved. And be aware that big items always pop up when your record money is already used up.

And most important. Dont buy records with the money you saved for vacation or tax-bills.

[chungking48]

Get out while you still can!

[xreganx]

Popsike.com is an invaluable tool for gauging what you should be paying for a record and how often they turn up for sale.

[reasontorevelate]

* Go to live shows, see bands and discover new ones. Buy their records if you like 'em.
* Find out where DIY priced distro's are and order there online.
* Don't break your budget by variant-collecting before you have a collection.
* It can be fun to collect smaller, less known bands that nobody collects, cheaper too. Be the first to spot anomalies or document all the variants.
* Don't buy to "sell it later" , or to flip it. Buy to keep, unless trading is in your genes.

Lastly, a good "stereo set" can still sound shitty without good cables. Listen and test before buying if possible.

[reasontorevelate]

Don't buy a stereo set if you're only into mono recordings

[cp]

Keep your collection quality over quantity. I have about 20% of the collection I had 5 years ago and it lets me appreciate my records much more without a bunch of filler that I may listen to once or never.

[lordxhumungus]

There are no rules. Just have fun! Enjoy the music! I used to read the "thank you" lists to discover new bands and seek their records too. These days it's much easier to explore new bands on the internet, hear their tunes, and then buy their records.

Some people hate picture discs, some people hate 10"s. Forget that crap. Collect what you like.

You mention record storage too. You're a young person so be mindful of taking care of your records properly! Use proper shelving and storage boxes! If you're still doing this when you're in your 40's (like me) you'll be glad you did!

A wise man once told me something that I find to be very true:

The only records I regret buying are the ones that I didn't.

[ferry]

Most important (for me): be patient! In the end it'll work out... Sometimes it takes more that 17 years to find a record

[xhumplikx]

-Collect what you like.
-Get in on the pre-orders.
-Take a chance at a random merch table or distro.
-Buy a few different records online to save on shipping.
-Save the cardboard mailers you get. You can re-use them.
-Buy in bulk. If someone is looking to dump their whole collection as one large lot, chances are the price will be very discounted.
-I've found www.bagsunlimited.com/ to be a good resource for supplies

[shrockmw]

Being patient is crucial. I've never seen a record pop up only once. Even the crazy hard to find records will eventually show up again. Especially if you are actively looking for them.

Also, if Revelation Records are your game, this board and the people here have been both amazing and helpful. Everyone I've ever dealt with or messaged has been nothing short of friendly and a pleasure to work with.

Last thing is something someone on this board said, but I can't remember who (lordxhumungus maybe?). That person said, "I've never regretted buying a record I wanted, but I've certainly regretted not buying one." And the more I think about that statement, I find it to be true for me.

[wscottyg]

I agree with most of these guys. Be patient. Quality not quantity. Buy music that you love. My friends and family were influential in my taste in music. Different music, bands and particular records remind of great moments in my life. No filler records. If you have extra cash to blow on records (most often, extra cash is spent on records), spend wisely. RevHQ, Ebay, Interpunk are good hardcore/punk web stores. Oldies.com, Amazon, Amoeba & Turntablelab are good for everything else. Shop local, too. Store records in plastic sleeves, vertically. Travel the country (and world). I found "hard-to-find" records sitting in record store bins waiting for me!