The Do's and Don'ts of Record Collecting | Talking About Records

Let's talk about the Do's and Don'ts of record collecting. Regardless if you're a new vinyl record collector, or have been collecting for years, this video provides some helpful tips, strategies, and reminders to help improve your experience collecting records.
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[@frankkuth5635]

My # 1 tip: collect, don't compete. It's a hobby, not a race.

[@NTXVinyl]

Amen to that!

[@kokograves3316]

wish I knew this when I first started collecting, wasted so much money

[@hypnagogue]

exactly. ppl who buy copious amounts of records just to keep them sitting in shrink wrap need to learn this. what even is the point to this other than looking cool to others who do this?

[@MidoLeppard]

Totally agree but some friends or collectors you know make it a race !

[@vagabond197979]

Do: If you come across a record that's been on your want list for a while, even if it costs a little more than you'd like, just buy it because you don't know when you'll see it again. There are a handful of records that I wish I had bought when I saw them!

[@NTXVinyl]

That is a PRICELESS tip! So many regrets from not doing exactly this!

[@The_Music_Sanctuary]

Total agreement...👍

[@dennisole457]

Doing this with city of evil by avenged sevenfold 🤣 hate the cost but they're hard to find in good condition

[@vagabond197979]

@@dennisole457 You won't regret it! Even if you do you can always just resell it and hopefully only realize a tiny loss; not a big deal for a record you really want.

[@hypnagogue]

i learned this the hard way. passed on stratosphere by duster when it was $15 and it’s since become one of my fav albums and i haven’t found it in a while. i saw it for $25 another time but needed to save money so couldn’t get it :(

[@offthebeatentracks4515]

I treat every record equally. If it's worth 500 bucks or if it's worth 10 cents. They all get premium inner and outer sleeves. I completely agree about record stores. Find a great one and reward them for their dedication to the art form. Amoeba, while hugely popular, the quality of the used vinyl is all over the place. I have a couple of stores that I trust and I stick to them. Cleaning is absolutely imperative. I bought a Klaudio ultrasonic cleaner. It cost a fortune but the difference it makes has made it worth every nickel. It will make a VG record NM. Amazing device.

[@SnackBarStudio]

Great video. My # 1 mantra as a collector (not seller) is to only buy albums you actually want to listen to. Some collectors buy for $ value, but then have nothing to listen to. Either they don't like the albums they bought or they leave them in the shrink.

[@NTXVinyl]

Amen! I live by this as well. I don’t have a single album in my collection that I would not want to listen to at some point. Just a waste of space IMO. Records are made to be played! 🙌

[@jacknjill3000]

When you say leave them in the shrink, do you mean unopened or keeping them in the open shrink wrap. Since I’m getting back into record collecting again and sort of new bc it’s been about 20 years. I see sellers pointing out it’s in the shrink wrap often. As tho it bring the price up more bc the cover has been protected since new. Also promo or discounted cut out records, are those more value able or less? Bc I just bought like 5 classic albums in the discount section for $5. to $7. each and the vinyl was like VG+ but all thc covers weren’t perfect and they all had cut outs. So is that depending on the seller on if cut outs are less valuable or an industry standard? Just wondering bc if so, I don’t want all my albums to have cut outs and have no value besides being able to listen to them .

[@tball5677]

I been collecting since 1978. I been doing everything you spoke of for over 4 decades now. Welcome to the party.

[@inranglhood60]

I love walking into a Walmart and seeing a $50 record next to a $30 Crosby "record player"... 🤣😂🤣

[@GrootManEiniqua]

"Don't take your records for granted" very important, I've sold two records that I liked because I thought I would get another copy some other time... I was mistaken, and they're now worth so much money... smh

[@NTXVinyl]

We’ve all been there. Exactly why I mentioned that one right off the bat. Thanks for watching!

[@MsKalachakra]

I agree with #1 only believe it or not, and I learned the lesson the hard way, wish someone said that to me before I did a purge back in 2014. I could explain to you what I don't agree with your 2 to 5 but instead I'm going to share my two "secrets". Thanks to those two I'm able to find a lot of enjoyment in my record collecting habit and those are: 1. Don't be a vinyl purist but find all about the CD era (90's and 00's) as well as the vinyl era (70's and 80's) This is about saving money but also about learning to appreciate the other format. 2.Sort your collection by genres and subgenres, you'll became a much better collector if you do that in my opinion.

[@NTXVinyl]

Could not agree more on the sorting topic. I'd say as soon as your collection gets over 50-100 albums it's critical to keep them in some sort of order.

[@dominicst-jacques7564]

Really enjoying your content. Thanks for putting it out there

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@erico888]

Another Do, never buy anything you aren't going to play or rather, enjoy for the music. Don't buy something just to flip it. I also tell folks who are thinking about getting into the hobby to remember it takes time and effort and it's NOT convenient like listening thru earbuds off your phone. Good video.

[@NTXVinyl]

I live by this rule. I have zero records in my personal collection that I don’t enjoy listening to. Thanks for watching!

[@brandonmcdonald2868]

I was a huge culprit of this when I started, now I make sure I only get records that I listen to on my phone regularly

[@jmfloyd23]

Hello! I’m a longtime vinyl user/collector. Great tips for us vinyl collectors and newbies alike. Love your passion for vinyl and music! I’m a fairly new subscriber and a fellow Texan living in West Texas.

[@NTXVinyl]

Awesome! Thank you Max!

[@jmfloyd23]

@@NTXVinyl you’re welcome! Where is your store located?

[@NTXVinyl]

@@jmfloyd23 Dallas area

[@MewVenus]

One of my best friends got me started on Discogs the second I got my first record as a gift - before I even got my first turntable - and I'm so glad because I immediately started expanding haha

[@mymixture965]

To bring so many good tips that had not been done by others is very good. Great video.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@albumswithandy3561]

Do listen to an album on streaming if you're not sure if you've like it before putting out $30 for it. Nothing will kill the fun of collecting than buying albums you don't like. Don't forget to enjoy the hobby. Don't treat it like a job. Finding things you like is fun and shouldn't be the end. Enjoy it as you do it.

[@peterhawn6944]

Thanks for all the useful tips !

[@NTXVinyl]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PickupthePieces76]

I'm new to record collecting, but I have collected other (music) stuff before to a small degree. Many lessons apply to general collecting. For me the number one point is to keep in mind what my main goal is. And for me that is to listen to music I like and would listen to on a regular basis, in this case on vinyl. It's very easy to fall in the trap of just buying records because so and so said you should buy now and it's going to go up in price, etc. And also buy something just to show others what an amazing record you have. Of course it's cool to share a good find/nice buy and enjoy the chase of a record, but for me every record I buy does have to comply with my main goal first. It's just to keep myself in check and not go overboard with the collecting side of things.

[@NTXVinyl]

That's a great tip! "Have a goal in mind" And I'm the same way. I do not buy any records for my collection unless I will actually listen to them.

[@josefbuckland]

Yes and nothing beats a good wet clean. I did a video on this a few years back

[@marvelousmartian5379]

When I started I made the mistake of touching my records with my bare hands. What I found out was that the oils on your hands messes up the grooves especially on the first song, so I started wearing a thin cotton glove on my dominant hand like archivist do to handle my records and I keep the glove on my turntable so I can easily find it when not in use. Also when you invite friends over to listen to your records tell them you do baggage checks before they leave! Even if you don't do it, it does prevent them from "liking" one of your records more than you do!

[@doep]

Sounds like you have some nice friends... 🤔

[@bunz637]

Maybe you’re friends aren’t exactly the nicest?

[@seand67]

Awesome advice across the board. Thx

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks so much!

[@danielgeiger7739]

Agree on taking care of records and keeping collection and gear on par. Re listening space, I notice your bookshelf speakers are on your bookshelves! Pulling speakers away from front wall will greatly increase soundstage. Over the last couple of years I upgraded quite a bit the gear (VPI TT, Soundsmith cartridge, EAT Phonostage, PrimaLuna pre, Pass Labs power, Pearlacoustics speakers) and set-up, including room treatment, and that has greatly increased my record enjoyment. Re preorder, I mostly pre-order from Bandcamp, obscure stuff no brick&mortar store stocks. Just ordered a lathe cut single from Greece, limited to 50 copies. No store will get that. Also bought the Skeletal Family RSD release today from my local indie store, along with some 80's classics (Siouxsie, Kllling Joke, Human League, Cure). - DO collect what YOU like. DON'T collect "must have" records. I don't have a single Beatles record, I find them boring. - DO sell/trade records you don't like. Maybe hang on to something marginal for a while, but if after a few years it still does not entice you, get rid of it.

[@NTXVinyl]

Great tips and insight! Couldn’t agree more on only keeping what you like! And I may have to play around with speaker location! 👌🏼

[@danielgeiger7739]

@@NTXVinyl The best thing about speaker placement is: It's free! Lots of videos and web pages out there on how to approach it. Good luck hand have fun.

[@tonysmith5878]

RIGHT....I AGREE IT'S NOT A RACE TO SEE WHO HAS THE GREATEST PIECES.

[@dimebagdave77]

Sound advice😁👍I'm new to your channel and I've been enjoying it very much

[@NTXVinyl]

That means a lot! Really appreciate you watching

[@KWE.ECLECTIC]

There is no wrong or right way to collect anything. It is a personal adventure that only has one goal, and that goal is to please the collector. Now, if you plan on being a seller, then the ballgame changes.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Great advice I have had records I've gotten rid of and regret it. Like you said I took him for granted I didn't think I liked them that much they were rare punk albums but at the time they were just albums I wasn't listening to and I either gave them away or traded them.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidscott2095]

Thank you for the video. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I lost a lot great, vintage hip hop records from the 90's in a flood. I live in the Florida Keys and we had a hurricane that caused a surge and that tool out my collection. In 2021, I decided to rebuild my collection and I am at about 450 records now.

[@fizzlebomber674]

i bought an all in one audio technica LP 60 in like 2014 and a couple of records at barnes and noble. So i'm the example of the beginner you were talking about. I upgrade couple years ago to $600 turntable which should have superior sound because it's a higher end cartridge. Now i'm dealing with constant static pops that drive me freaking insane no matter what record i put on, surface noise, and a clicking motor. Maybe I was better off with the audio technica all along.

[@charliechaz1982]

Sorry to hear about your issues after spending more money that sucks. Although the lp60 isn't an all in one as you still buy the speakers separately etc. Lp60 is actually a pretty decent starter turntable for the money.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Maybe you could check on anti static guns and of course, keep as clean as you possibly can.

[@fizzlebomber674]

@@robertwoodward9231 i bought the anti static gun and wound up returning it for a refund. Didn't make any noticeable difference.

[@hypnagogue]

first thing to do is see if there’s an issue with ur setup, maybe a cable needs grounding or is broken/not plugged in right. if not, then try wet cleaning ur records. using poly sleeves instead of paper reduces static too. also, vacuum ur room frequently, it’ll reduce dust and static.

[@robertwoodward9231]

@@fizzlebomber674 My audio repairman has a vintage one, the brand doesn't come to mind but he would absolutely not part and sell me. I know how well it works. Maybe some research. Next visit I'll check.

[@tonysmith5878]

U HAVE TO GROW AS A COLLECTOR....NUFF SAID.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

I'm glad I jumped on discogs when I only had 200 records...lol. It took me all weekend but I had fun with it if I was to start now it would be horrible

[@simonarcher1510]

I “lost” my records for 30 years, thinking my parents had got rid of them when they moved house. I “found” them recently and am thrilled that they survived!

[@NTXVinyl]

WOW, that’s pretty damn cool.

[@simonarcher1510]

The reason it took 30 years to find them is because I lived in the UK and moved to the US in 1994. It was a joyous occasion to be reunited with my collection. But I could only fit a fraction in my suitcase upon my return. The good news is that my daughter is taking a trip the UK this summer and I’m sending her with an extra bag! 🤭

[@sorrenjones548]

A record space is awesome advice! Do you have a record space in your store? There used to be a store near me where customers could listen and experience the music in store before purchase and it built such a buzz

[@NTXVinyl]

Plenty of stores have listening stations in stores. Definitely a good thing to be able to preview a pre-owned LP before buying

[@sorrenjones548]

You should do a video on the records you wish you would have kept in better shape if you had have known how better to preserve them. I am sure every collector out there has a record in their possession they wish they had taken better care of had they known back when

[@NTXVinyl]

Oh for sure. I bet I have replaced most of them by now though. I upgrade quite frequently given the number of LPs I see on a daily basis

[@moonbeamskies3346]

My advice: only buy records you will actually listen to.

[@NTXVinyl]

Amen! I live by this rule as well. Seriously.

[@brentorr9953]

I want one of those shirts

[@NTXVinyl]

That can happen! 👌🏼 shop.ntxvinyl.com/Genre/695269

[@MrPompanoman]

I agree with everything you said. my records are very nice.I clean every record with the squeaky clean rcm from 3d camfab in Ontario I have had the vpi 16.5 but it was misplaced unfortunately you should try the squeaky clean machine it's like 150 00 then you must provide a wet vac.it works great. Have a great day man loved your video many stupid videos about vinyl out here geez

[@Chaos-chosplay-is-bored-ToRd]

💯

[@SCORPION89199]

Great video I really enjoyed it. Try not to limit yourself to 1 genre. Don't limit yourself to 1 genre Or style, I grew up on classic rock and heavy metal but I found records from Columbia that I thoroughly enjoy, Also Explore Lesser known or obscure artist in your favorite genres, you will find a lot of great stuff that way, there plenty of classic rock bands from the 60s 70s and 80s that never made it big because their record label screw them over or they broke up Before they made it big. A good example of this would be black sabbath a lot of people like black sabbath especially the Ozzy years But there's a lot of other What is called(Some call it pro do metal) bands Like bang,Sir Lord Baltimore, From New York state or on the more heavy prog side there's a really good band called steel mill That's kind of like sabbath mixed with Prague original copies cost about $1,000 but reissues about I got mine for 21 and change. Keep em coming Have a great day Jesiah.

[@NTXVinyl]

Thanks for watching!!

[@marcgoecke9401]

did spot your Nine Inch Nails immediately :)

[@tonysmith5878]

TRUE STORY.... WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED FOR A WHILE IS A RABBID BUNCH OF PEOPLE TRYING TO GET ON IN A HURRY AS "DIGGERS" AND PROFESSIONAL ONES AT THAT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT TO LOOK FOR?!?!???? BIZARRE! AND THESE PEOPLE MAKE IT STRANGE AND ALSO DANGEROUS TO COLLECT ANYTHING OF INTEREST.

[@thepirategamerboy12]

I currently have a Sony PS-LX250H, from what I've read it's basically equivalent to an AT-LP60. I found it for $5 at a thrift store and spent a little more to replace some worn parts. In this case, my small collection is probably worth more than the turntable, but the turntable is still decent enough. Not sure if I'll ever upgrade it because I don't think I'll ever become a huge vinyl collector. One noob question: Is it a big deal that one time while I was adjusting the speed, the stylus accidentally scraped against the exposed platter for about a second?

[@NTXVinyl]

If you can’t hear a difference than you’re likely fine.

[@brunohebert1351]

One thing important though: have you replaced the stylus on it? Coming from a thrift store (or anywhere as a matter of fact), if it's used, even if you're told that it's in great condition, it's always better to replace it. You'll enjoy it more and protect your records.

[@thepirategamerboy12]

@@brunohebert1351 Yes, I did. That's what I alluded to when I said I spent a little more replacing worn parts.

[@brunohebert1351]

@@thepirategamerboy12 Great, you're good to go then. If you get "addicted" to vinyl, then down the road you might feel the need to upgrade but until then, if it's sounds good to you that's what matters. Enjoy

[@thepirategamerboy12]

@@brunohebert1351 Thanks. I've gotta be honest, while I listen to the records I have every now and then, I mainly have them for the packaging and stuff. They're not very convenient for me to listen to. For actually listening to the music the majority of the time, I prefer CDs, FLACs, etc. You can't honestly tell me that vinyl sounds better than a 24bit 96k FLAC file. The other problem is that it's so hard to find some of the stuff I want in actually decent condition for prices I'm willing to pay. I can't find a single mono US Rubber Soul that doesn't have shitty seam splits and covers so rubbed and ring worn that you can barely even make out the Beatles anymore.

[@MrPompanoman]

Turn up your volume please

[@FilCrux]

Valuable insights for sure. Suggestion: what about you show us your gears? Certainty you have some precious tips about turnable systems also. 😉

[@NTXVinyl]

Great idea! Will have to plan to do that

[@jmad627]

Geez I have around 4-500 LPs. Cataloging them on Discogs is rather daunting. I’ve been collecting since around 1970 by hook and crook and accumulated a few. What are the benefits of doing this?

[@NTXVinyl]

Countless benefits. Having a log so you actually know what you have to avoid buying an album again, valuable from an insurance stand point in case of a disaster, very useful if/when you want or need to sell a portion of or your entire collection. It’s not quick, but once its done can be very gratifying and useful

[@jmad627]

@@NTXVinyl It does sound like a good idea. I have many duplicates, but that’s on purpose, I’m a Beatles fan/collector. However I have a lousy buyer rating on Discogs though not entirely my fault because I was dealing with what turned out to be a fraudulent account. So I don’t know if they’d allow me to list anything. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for the reply.

[@NTXVinyl]

@@jmad627 right on. Just keep in mind buying/selling on Discogs has no bearing on whether or not you can “log” your collection. Two different things. I used Discogs for years just to keep track of what I had before ever listing, buying, selling anything

[@tonysmith5878]

WHEN YOU STRAIN, YOU MAKE IT DANGEROUS.

[@flipmode916]

Don't sell during hard times. Sit on them a while. I let go of countless records for way too cheap. I'd spend almost triple or more just to get them back.

[@NTXVinyl]

If you can, sure. But I’d say most times collections are sold/bought is because the seller is in a bind financially and/or they are downsizing or have to get rid of it quickly, or don’t have time to deal with any of it.

[@NoMoreMrNice]

That’s right because you’ll never be able to get that Beatles mono box set back again. I learned the hard way.

[@Aprilseahorse]

Sound advice..... pun intended....

[@NTXVinyl]

Indeed! 😄

[@DreamstoRealityAutomotiveTV]

How about Just have fun with the hobby and stop trying to out do and out smart the next guy letting the next guy know how much more of a collector you are.

[@billymuellerTikTok]

it's NOT coming out of the pocket of an independent store when I buy new albums from amazon or a big box store - it's coming out of MY pocket... the more money that I save on new records online, the more money I have to spend for used albums (and RSD) at the independent store

[@NTXVinyl]

Love that approach! Shop local when ya can. 🙌🏻

[@billymuellerTikTok]

@@NTXVinyl the local stores are like car dealerships...the new stuff is for the showroom and the profit margins are thin because everyone knows the prices online - but they make all their profits on used inventory... too bad the local mom and pop record stores don't have a way to make money on financing and parts & service like the car 'stealerships' do... actually it's probably good they don't, we'd go in for a simple 45 adapter replacement (oil change) and they'd make us change all the belts on the turntable (tire replacement) and a make us replace the tone arm (brake job) too LOL

[@NTXVinyl]

I love it! And so true. Margins so slim on new vinyl, but ya gotta have it in stock.

[@tonysmith5878]

WHEN I SAY THAT I MEAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO HAVE CERTAIN PIECES OF WAX.... THEY'LL DO ANYTHING TO OBTAIN IT..... SCARY!!!!!!!

[@chopayrussell9660]

DO: buy what you like REALISE: thet record companies use variants, box sets and "limited" pressings as lures, you are fish to them, Be Wary!! DO NOT: DO NOT purchase Over Priced Plastic, there is NO VALUE in records, vinyl is a Variant of Plastic

[@NTXVinyl]

100% agree on buying what you like. Records can certainly have value though, just as any collectible does - regardless of the material the item is made from. If there is demand from collectors for something it can absolutely hold value as an investment.

[@chopayrussell9660]

@@NTXVinyl Respectfully disagree, collectables do not hold value ; all markets fluctuate You want to invest : precious metals, land , art ( depends upon the artist ) Listen to Steve Martin's invest strategies on cardboard..." Comedy is Not Pretty"

[@williamr3840]

DON'T buy new vinyl in the UK -- unless you like warped, pressed off-centre, mis-pressed and scratched vinyl! :0(