Purging Your Vinyl Record Collection: Rules To Live By

There comes a time in every record collector's journey when they reach maximum capacity (or minimum budget) and they need to take a look at their collection and cull. Trim the fat, cycle out, trade up: whatever you want to call it, we all do it and here is my philosophy behind what I keep and what I trade or sell -- leave a comment with your thoughts!
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[@NevilleGodwin]

I’m in the process of doing my first cull after many decades of collecting as now even the floor space in my storage room is covered. I’m going down the route of “would I play it again” and being honest with myself. With so many records and CDs to choose from I’m going to be quite ruthless as I need to really move 15-20% to make a meaningful difference.

[@Mountprospect1]

Culling is a fantastic habit to get into. Keeps my collection fresh, curated, interesting & , most importantly, stops it becoming a weight. I'm sure most collectors (of anything) get to the point where their collection starts to become overwhelming and a little out of control. Everyone has their own thresholds for this but a regular cull is a great way to combat it and keep some balance. I think the minute you find it difficult to let anything go in your collection is the exact time you probably should. And then of course you get into the great position of having a hobby that pays for itself. Win win!

[@alexstewart8097]

''My thoughts are NOT your thoughts''...

[@phantombangs9028]

It has taken me awhile to realize that quality is better than quantity..I'm overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that I own.

[@drwisdom1]

I quit buying records 33 years ago when they stopped selling them. But that still left me with 30 feet of records. The concept of "culling" my collection is such a daunting task I can't do it.

[@dmomcilovic9185]

You can’t take them to the grave , do it you won’t regret it. Think about the last time you listened to each record..how long ago , worth keeping ?

[@mrhoffame]

I have always felt the best thing you can do as a collector is to allow yourself to change and grow and growth can be gained from buying and purging phases. I think it is so healthy to go through phases where you are gathering vinyl, selling vinyl, and sometimes just not doing either where you are not buying or selling but just really putting an intense focus on what you have. I seem to find that whether I'm doing a purge or gathering a bunch of vinyl...I'm also discovering something new about music or myself as a collector in both processes. That is always exciting to me.

[@TooManyRecords]

Love this take.

[@Beeraltar]

Selling and Purging is healthy. lol just wasting raw materials. Just be careful with what you buy & dont fall for marketing crap.

[@rEdf196]

I acquired a 1960's to 1980's era 400+ collection for free 1n 2002 but was in dirty moldy condition. many were in otherwise near mint condition after cleaning . I did clean dozens of them over the years but most remained grimy and unplayable taking up space with other stuff in the storage room but when the COVID 19 pandemic hit, I suddenly had a lot more free time on my hands. I cleaned all 300 remaining records and trashed about 100 cracked, gouged and warped records. Built a new 4 level 3 foot wide record shelf. It was a tough job but it finally got done.

[@phantombangs9028]

This video speaks to me and has come out at the perfect time. I am an almost middle-aged collector/pack rat of all types of media. I have a disturbingly vast collection of mostly good stuff, since I've worked at record stores throughout my adult life. At the end of the month, I have to move from my decent sized apartment to a much smaller apartment. I'm a very organized person, so I didn't realize how much crap that I actually had and now getting ready to move, all I think about is cleansing my collection and how difficult that it's going to be to do it. I'm considering to start selling on eBay (unless you have a better suggestion)...as I get older, I care less about owning stuff and I start worrying about what will happen with it after I die.

[@moehammondmedia]

Sell it to me. I’ll buy it.

[@vtoro6531]

Usually when a song comes from a album that I never heard of, I digitally listen to it and buy it on vinyl if I really enjoy it. But 1000 records in, I think I have either a problem or that I just really love music xD But buying records really let me listen to genres of music that I thought I wouldn’t be into and ended up expanding my taste of other sounds.

[@tdunph4250]

Thanks for doing this informative video! Truthfully, this video has given me some motivation and some will to go head down to my basement and trim down some of my collection. I have been meaning to do this for a while. (even my wife has mentioned that it might be something to consider too lol) I have been noticing as well that the amount of time that I actually am able to spare to listen to anymore than 1-2 at a time is sparse. I can think off hand of about 20-30 that I really don't know why I have them or it has been more then 2 years since I listened to them. Perhaps a purge is on the horizon?

[@crichards1986]

Once I started culling, it became an addiction. I love keeping my collection lean, mean and tight.

[@sandysmith9869]

I almost sold some of my prized records. Then reality hit me, and I thought "Crap, what the hell am I doing?!" I wasn't ready to let go.😣

[@mrhoffame]

Since every piece I have in my collection is something I actually like what I have found is when I do go through a purge phase it can really be helpful for me to understand WHY I'm going to purge and the standard that inspired the purge. This way I can hold each album to that standard and not try to rationale if I "Like" the album or not. I have always found that to be helpful because in the 2 major purge phases I went through where I got rid of about 400+ albums that is what allowed me to get rid of some albums I probably could not have let go any other way lol.

[@ummagumma7826]

That was a great video! Good content and a personal connection to your collection rather than the usual youtuber do's and don't's. More Shpongle please.

[@anthonybest7193]

What a fun video Matt! First of all, I appreciate the wisdom with regards to culling one’s collection as I will very soon be eclipsing 500 records after having only bought my first one in September of 2020… so I’m really gonna need to start thinking about offloading some of the stuff that I’ve only spun once and permanently shelved since. Secondly, I really enjoyed the latter half of the video when you went through the recent arrivals in your collection; I’d love to see more content like that!

[@TooManyRecords]

For sure! Those aren't recent though there's no order, they could have been from two years ago honestly! That whole 2x4 is mixed.

[@sethmishne]

When I first started collecting I bought a lot of albums that I thought I wanted only to rarely listen to them. Now I'm more careful with what I get and try to only get things that I know I'll listen to a lot.

[@TooManyRecords]

Exactly what I described :P

[@sethmishne]

@@TooManyRecords I got so many albums that I have no idea why I ordered them because I've only listened to them a few times and probably not going to play them again at all. Now I'm more selective and don't buy albums I don't think I will listen to repeatedly.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

That's a wise approach going forward.

[@stevenodactyl]

This video about cutting records just added to my list of albums to pick up. So thanks.

[@TooManyRecords]

LOL which albums

[@yyman23]

My collection is more like a black hole (or Hotel California) - Whatever gets into this house, never leaves :-) I have a hard time letting records or CDs go. I'm just planning to buy a bigger house to have room for everything.

[@onobori14]

That reminded me of my own attempts at culling. ‘Like this one, I’ll keep it. Oh, this one’s decent too, I’ll keep it. Hmmm...never listened to this but will one day, I’ll keep it..’ etc etc.

[@supremegg735]

this video came out at the right time for me! Lately (pasty 1.5 years) i've been listening to more types of music, and have started figuring out what music i find to be good. Yesterday, i looked back at my vinyl shelf and realised how many of those albums i don't listen to. For example, i have built up Green day's whole discography. I love them still, and i'm keeping some of their albums (the first one, kerplunk, dookie, insomniac, nimrod) but there are soo many albums of theirs that i now find unlistenable (f.e. AI, revolution radio, uno dos tre, father of all) so i'm selling them. Yeah they hold nostalgia and they're actually really cool pressings, but i'd much rather have "In the aeroplave over the sea" or "Discovery" than UNO

[@cameronhoff7430]

Great video Matt. Going to start my purge tonight!

[@mrhoffame]

Two great guys you might want to chat with...Dillion over at Nobel Records and Billy at Riverbend Records. Both here in the Vinyl Community and both have shops opened in just the past few years. One philosophy they share is that eventually everything comes back around when you are in this business on a daily basis. Especially when you focus on selling locally and not mostly online. They both have put out AMAZING things out their collections in the stores and it is amazing and how often they find copies come back to them in some collection they buy, trades, etc. If people are coming into your store and buying these things, as oppose to online, that probably means they live in the area which also means god forbid if that person dies, or they need quick cash, or you get some things in they want and they want to get some trade credit,....that stuff is staying local and actually has a high chance of coming back through your shop.

[@TooManyRecords]

I think that's a very valuable mindset and one I hope to adopt as a store owner, although my point about irreplaceable records might transcend that philosophy. Dillon is a good buddy of mine but I don't know Billy, I'll have to say hi!

[@therevrockinrollin]

The more things you have the more attention those things require

[@usquebaugh1]

I last played my 2019 Bernie Grundman repress of John Frusciante's The Empyrean the Thursday night before RHCP's Unlimited Love came out (and was delivered) and so I logged this comment just the help you out with that first record you pulled. IMHO it's a KEEPER!

[@mr.automatic3622]

I definitely go through this frequently, as a DJ. I have tons of 12" singles, but I rarely play out with vinyl. I've got one vinyl gig this year. So, for 12"s it's really down to, what can I not get in a high quality copy digitally, what might I pull for the occasional "all vinyl" gig, and what will I throw on for fun. A lot of Italo Disco I own is OOP, and even things available digitally seem to be people who questionably uploaded their own rips of the vinyl, not taken from the masters.

[@stangotigerfists]

A lot of collectors (including me) have a Discogs "store", which is just everything they feel like they can part with. But there's often no financial pressure to sell those titles. Would be interesting to hear how the financial realities of owning a real store impact your decision making/calculus in terms of what you have to hold onto and what you can let go of.

[@nodbor1]

I sold not only my store's stock, I sold some of my own collection to pay the rent. I had my store from 1995 to 1998. At $1000 a month and working seven days a week most of the time, I was not able to do much else in life. The store was fun to have at the time.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

As a record and recorded media collector, with a large enough collection that I could open a store, storage has been a concern. I found the IKEA Kallax 4 x 4 shelving units to meet the bill. My ceiling is high enough that I can stack one Kallax unit on top of the other. I have 4 of these Kallax units. All my LP's are on these shelves and the 8 cubicles on the bottom hold boxes of 78's and my R2R tapes. I added 2, 4x cubical Kallax units, stacked, on the outside of my 4x4 Kallax units. These hold my record and CD boxed sets. My sealed LP collection of over 1,000 albums and boxed sets are in record boxes in an alarm-protected closet. My 10K+ 7" collection are in boxes in my computer room. Soon as we re-do the flooring, I have shelving which will hold most of them. I buy records that I want and plan on keeping forever. I do have duplicates of some, which may include the stored sealed copies, but I have duplicates for a reason. One example is the the Dave Mason "Alone Together" album, which was originally pressed on marbled vinyl. No two are identical. Not that long ago they re-issued the album, but not using the original multifold jacket. I do have multiples of many of the 7" records, but I am purging them. One thing I have done is to record the records to hard drive, with 2 back-ups. The new purchases get recorded right away but I am only about 1/3 way through recording the albums and I'm almost through the A's of the 7". all are recorded as lossless wav files. Also having a 3,000+ CD's, all of those are recorded to hard drive, recording new purchases as I get them. My recorded media collections are my children which I won't let leave home. I've been collecting for over 60 years.

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

Informative vid and have enjoyed the hobby of collecting music and music related memorabilia which I really enjoy. Completely agree with you on changing tastes due to me listening and enjoying music I never thought I would. Certain albums I have are also cherished due to playing an important part of my life, which I tend to leave a hand written note attached describing what the album means to me, for the kids or grandkids, should they choose to keep them. What I find interesting, while in High School, the album Spirits Having Flown by The Bee Gees was my favorite album at the time and now my grandson has taken a real liking to it and plays it all the time. I will probably leave him my autographed copy and you take care, really enjoy your vids.

[@TooManyRecords]

Gosh darnit I love that handwritten note thing.

[@howtovinyl]

When I moved across country, it was pretty easy to get rid of a bunch of "dead weight" in my collection, but I'm still finding stuff where I have to ask myself, "Why'd I keep this?" My general criteria for culling is: Is it an unnecessary double? Have I not listened to this in the past year? Do I see myself listening to this again? Is it easy/cheap to replace if I decide to get another copy? Is it worth more to someone else than it is to me? Did I forget that I even had it in my collection? Was this an impulse buy that was a mistake?

[@TooManyRecords]

Sometimes I forget I have records but it's just because I have quite a few lol... for me, that wouldn't be reason to give it up, but if I forgot it, found it, and wondered why I had it -- that's different.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

I'm going to remember these questions when I pick record to sell soon.

[@duff0120]

i only need my beatles, pink floyd, early coldplay, oasis and aha records, so im totally fine rest of my life )

[@NOAHCASAS]

I STARTED BUYING L.P. 33.3 RECORDS OVER 25 YEARS AGO FIRST I'D BUY THE CD IF I ENJOYED THE WHOLE ALBUM AND THEN I'D BUY IT ON L.P. VINYL IF IT WAS AN OPTION I'D PICK IT UP I REALLY TAKE CARE OF MY CD'S BUT AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF COLLECTING VINYL I BARELY GOT ONE AFTER 5 YEARS OR SO AGO I BOUGHT MY FIRST TURNTABLE BUT FINDING OUT HOW HARD AND RARE ARE A GREAT HANDFUL OF L.P.'S I OWN AND ARE NO LONGER BEING PRESS ON VINYL DO TO RECORD LABELS NOT EXISTING ANY LONGER HAS ME THINKING IF I WOULD EVER OPEN THEM NOT NOW BUT MAYBE ONE DAY I'LL OPEN THEM

[@cybercrasherstv]

Perfect timing for me honestly, I've been questioning getting rid of some of my records. This actually made me realize I have nothing I should get rid of. There are a few I may get rid of (blond bootleg, velvet underground), but the majority are probably worth a lot, but are also too important to me rn (I got rsd twin fantasy on white for market price last year, and I will probably never sell it ever). But I do have a white whale vinyl that I I may sacrifice some to get, so maybe in August, I'll update this with the vinyls I sold or missed to get it

[@TooManyRecords]

What's the white whale?

[@cybercrasherstv]

@@TooManyRecords sewerslvt's "draining love story". The album is now hundreds of dollars on discogs, there will probably never be a repress, and the only one that isn't ultra expensive doesn't have a holographic color. It is also one of those albums that is etched into my entire being, so it's that's cool

[@TooManyRecords]

@@cybercrasherstv I've heard that album is amazing but I've resisted listening because the reason you mentioned.

[@NPGLAMB]

funky dl is really good listen to that soon

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

Just culled about 150 Folk/Country albums I just wasn’t listening to. Always a good exercise. Thanks for sharing

[@christophervehon9554]

I usually will find albums I have only listened to once and haven't and will not listen to again and those are the ones that are removed. I try not to complicate it. Haha!

[@scenesofmotion1]

Wow caught me off guard with the Funky DL record I haven't spoken to anyone outside of the UK who has ever heard of him

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Best thing I did is sell off my entire collection of 35yrs ,made lots of cash selling and bought my house. Digitised everything over the years and still have the music to enjoy. No regrets.

[@rvin2105]

I am building my collection, I am still classifying the records. Most of my records came from thrift stores, some of them I love, all have been re-sleeved and cleaned. How I can get rid of them in a meaningful manner? most of them are 1 or 2 dollars in discogs and no more than vg, some sleeves are pitiful. There should be about 50 or 75 that I would cull. Any suggestions?

[@ttownscott]

I have found that I sold back almost all of the Record Store Day albums that I thought would be great but lost their appeal. I also keep my record collection to two Ikea Eket shelves with local sourced flip boxes on top. That is still A LOT of records. Probably 500. Of course, I don't consider myself a collector but a listener. My most expensive album I own is a UNICEF Raffle win of Ozzy Osbourne 1 of 50 blue vinyl. I'm in my mid-fifties and listen to records I've had since high school and records I've bought in the last year, so there is constant culling.

[@danielscott1749]

I once purged my collection in my 20s I am now 67 and still regret it because so many albums which I thought I could replace I was never able to.

[@matepoon]

My opinion Matt is that you should only keep records you listen to, or have some sentimental attachment to. You picked out a lot of records that you've not listened to, or even some, have no idea what they're about, at all. Love the channel....

[@jamesbarone7885]

Are you the guy from "Your The Worst" (Desmin Borges)?? If not, definitely a twin Been (re)watching it over the past few weeks. GREAT show.

[@BramHagen]

for da riddim - looking forward to the store opening - this Florida boy is always looking for an excuse to visit the Left Coast -

[@limitedtoonenyc]

my big one: how hard is it going to be for me to replace... that's like number 1 for me.

[@leathermask]

More videos like this!! Very informative and entertaining even for somebody who just finished their purge.

[@TooManyRecords]

NOTED :)

[@leathermask]

@@TooManyRecords There are lots of people on KZbin that talk about records and collecting but you’re by far the best IMO! Also you tend to talk about the artists/releases/sorts of things most of my vinyl nerd friends talk about/care about. If there’s anyone that should be doing videos on the logistics of collecting it should be you! Hope you’re doing well.

[@Curling_Rack]

i usually test the waters after 5-10 years of owning a record, so it can help me fund the next rarity/gem

[@johndelavina3335]

I may have a few things for the store, too. ;)

[@TooManyRecords]

oh really? ;)

[@MattCupan]

Since opening the store, have you found a very thin, wavering line between collection, and what goes out for sale?

[@TooManyRecords]

I don't take as much as you would think, keeping the store stocked is priority, at least for now.

[@neuroisis85]

Two things I do to keep my collection nice and tight: 1. Only buy something I rate with at 4/5 stars and higher, nothing lower. 2. I buy nothing recorded after the 90's because it's most likely recorded digitally anyway. 3. No live albums, no 45 rpm anything, nothing over 2LP.

[@leonlamar8341]

A brilliant and long overdo video on the subject and awesome philosophy! Thanks. I too need to purge the ole collection. To loosely quote someone, if it doesn't bring you joy, get rid of it. I've been downsizing my life, seems like forever. So, this video is just in time. Also, good to get a record shop owner's perspective. I'll be taking some of my newly purged vinyl to my local record store here in Houston, Texas. I'm sure I won't get much but perhaps, someone else will find joy in the music that I no longer care for? BTW, those IKEA Kallax bookcases are brilliant for vinal collections!

[@ummagumma7826]

I have 200 records, I would like to keep it that way by getting rid of some records and buying ones I actually want to listen to. Also this is my third serious 'phase' since early 2020 - watches (bought about 5 none more than $400), cologne (bought about 60 bottles eek but again I'm done) and now records which I've slowed down quite a bit.

[@lauher21]

Matt I have been meaning to ask you this. How is static in Portland bad?

[@TooManyRecords]

??

[@robertmitchell6015]

Hi Matt are you still opening the shop with your friend? If you’re putting your own records in the shop for sale will the shop buy them from you to then sell? or will the money go to you only for your personal records? Just interested how this will work between you both, money has a way of getting in the way, just saying. But I wish you well

[@TooManyRecords]

If records are donated to the shop from someone who works there, there is a form of buying them to turn them into store stock, but still figuring out that as it goes on haha

[@jahfehkah]

What's your preference when collecting older vinyl releases? Are you after original pressings or looking for newer remastered reissues? Cost would be the number one factor, but if you had the choice between a 70s original pressing or a new remastered reissue of the same album and they were the same price point, which one would you choose? Would the new remastered version have better sound quality or the original? (In general terms. Understanding that different plants have different quality control)

[@TooManyRecords]

Whichever one sounds better. There isn't a catch all when it comes to if a remaster/repress sounds better/worse, it's all case by case.

[@nodbor1]

check out 45RPM Aduiohile on some of the reissues that he has bought and what he thinks about them.

[@Dazlidorne]

9:07 It's a numbered, limited edition. Don't break your rules!

[@Jackson-jd1um]

I hit close to 300 a couple days ago and I can’t bring myself to get rid of any of them haha

[@jammerlammy9746]

If you dig some Stereolab, you’ve gotta check out Sound-Dust.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

7:22 Stars of the lid are great. I have "Gravitational Pull Vs. The Desire For An Aquatic Life" on white vinyl and "The Ballasted Orchestra" 1st press. I need to dig into their other albums. I originally bought those albums as add on sales from a discogs seller that had a Sonic Youth album I wanted.

[@andyshacks7812]

I started buying records again about 3 years ago - I already had a small collection from the 80s/90s. Maybe it’s time now to look through and do a bit of a purge. I just know though that I’ll go “ oh I haven’t listened to that in ages “, give it a spin then decide to keep it. Still no harm trying I suppose lol.

[@henrys3629]

Is it ok to throw away a record? I I was really upgrading my 45 collection for $1 each barely 2 years ago. The awesomest record store closed before I could get everything I wanted. 1000's of 45s from the 80's/90's. That being said, I'm afraid to get rid of stuff because it's so hard to replace stuff now without costing tons. I would love to purge 25-50 LPs.

[@grapefruitplussoda]

I like to think I've become much more selective with what I buy, but I still end up with a fair amount of stuff that sits around. Good vid!

[@timvankeulen7462]

For me it’s always a combination of records I know and love and records that I discovered and loved, I love having some records in my collection that I would probably have forgotten about eventually and now have a way to come back to it years later and rediscover it. I do sell off records I don’t care for, regardless of value

[@shanexyz3972]

This obviously depends on why you're culling, but I'd say being willing to sell an album should be paired with a willingness to sell the album down the road if you think you can get more for it later on. Sometimes I feel like we as collectors may just want to get rid of as much stuff as we can so we can move onto bigger things, but if that one record you've decided to sell has been steadily creeping up in price over the last couple of months, it may be worth it to sell it later on.

[@TooManyRecords]

Or it may get a repress and the window is gone

[@thevinyltruffle]

Culling is so hard for me. I have a bunch of stuff that I know I need to cull, but sometimes selling it is so hard. I have a handful of records that I culled over a year ago, and I can’t get rid of them. I have put them up for sell a dozen times and dropped the price by 50% off the going price, and no one wants them. I would be super cool to have a shop to take em into. I feel like you could put them in your own section “From My Personal Collection” and that alone would help sell them. I am very envious of everyone in the Portland area. They have so many amazing record stores and they are getting TMR?! Assholes! My city sSSUUUUKKKSSS for digging. Big time suck fest.

[@TooManyRecords]

The fun part about the shop is that many of the records are from my personal collection. It's a unique way to approach opening a shop, rather than having JUST collection buys from random people. It's a mix of the two, which should be interesting. Come visit!

[@jewelxiat]

There is one vinyl I’m thinking of reselling (not in like a scalper way but hopefully to make some money back) but I modified the casing and that’s what’s holding me back :”D (it’s Melanie Martinez’ LP “K-12” and the case opens like a pop-up book- it was my first vinyl and so I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to store it flat lmfao but anyway- I used Velcro on the edges to keep the cover closed and I regret it to this day because I only bought this vinyl for the heart shaped vinyl that was “supposed” to come with it. (Yeah. It didn’t. I think I managed to get a refund but I don’t remember, lmao.) And since I didn’t get the deal and it’s left a bad mark on me, I wanna get rid of it :”D how screwed am I?

[@TooManyRecords]

Selling a record you own is different than scalping. I have a whole video talking about it, you're all good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHKkdqOan8yZi8k If you added velcro it will definitely reduce the value, and removing it may rip the jacket :(

[@fjamesrous]

I just performed my very first "cull" this past weekend! It was hard, but I held strong and traded in 2 records I never listen to for 3 new albums that I love ❤️ (Side note: that Frou Frou album has been on my Want List for years)

[@TooManyRecords]

What'd you trade, and what'd you get in?!

[@fjamesrous]

@@TooManyRecords I got rid of Sloan's (a Canadian band) "sixth best record" (as described by the guy at my local) and a 1st pressing of Katy Perry's Prism (bought when my daughter was really into pop, not listened to since). I picked up Sylvan Esso's What Now, Tash Sultana's Notion and finally completed my Outkast discography by snagging the most recent repress of Aquemini (an album I listen to through digitally often, but struggled to cough up the $45 for the physical copy).

[@deancronin6934]

Before a big sale or record show I will thin out the herd, it’s a healthy thing to do, if I don’t spin it in a year, it goes on the chopping block

[@miketomlin6040]

Opposite for me , by the age of 50 owned about 1,500k. Now aged 60 own 10k. I got into 'collecting' more as I aged, although i started buying quirky Lp's with little or no musical value.

[@jazzkatt7083]

I went from thrift store vinyl to buying a few ERC pressings. I have purged some noisy records and quality is now everything! Crumby records will be crumby no matter what system you play them on.

[@jrsanders5]

I cull records for store credit, so the wife doesn't know I'm making more purchases

[@djvinylgoblin]

What a wonderful video on a important topic that all collector should know. I recently been doing a little purging myself in my vinyl collection. I mostly got rid of the record's that were in poor condition rather than something I didn't want. I will say it did make a difference space wise ( even if it didn't look like it lol). I did get rid of a few I didn't like but mostly due to condition. Being a somewhat seasoned collector I try to buy stuff I like and will listen to and or hard to find. P.S. if you don't know you should check out Frou Frou's version of holding out for a hero by Bonnie Tyler. Also, any pop albums or albums from any type of genre you would recommend? Being an aspiring music producer trying to dig REALLY deep into genres I don't listen to much as of late.

[@TooManyRecords]

Magdalena Bay's latest album is a masterpiece

[@aussierob7177]

I have always bought records that i really need to listen to. That is why i only have about 100 LP's. Each one is chosen for sound quality to complement the music i like.I stopped buying records at the end of the 70's

[@lawdood]

Been off work for medical reasons the last few months so have spent the time adding my collection to discogs as well as culling. Found that if there's anytime to sell off some vinyl, now is it, as so much has skyrocketed in value. Like you, when I first got into collecting several years back, I bought anything and everything that seemed like I might have a passing interest in or was cheap. Now I'm finding I just don't need some of that in my collection. There's also stuff that's now just out of print and I'm wondering if it's necessary for my collection or I'd be better off selling and adding something more to my liking with the $$. So I've been selling off some on ebay and discogs and then many of the thrift store dollar used records I picked up early on which still hold little value I set aside in my trade in pile and once I get enough of a batch I take that to my local used record store for some cash. It's been working well for me, for example, realized recently I had all three of the Lil Uzi Vert RSD albums/ mixtapes. Bought them at the time because of hype. For the value I found that I no longer needed them in my collection and sold them for a pretty extreme chunk of change. Now I'm getting one back I guess from VMP next month. lol

[@selsela3140]

This video has a great timing for me. I also run out of space and got more and more picky with what i add to my collection.

[@jonsays3762]

0:15 different velocities…and philosophies :)

[@kvgla]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! As I get closer to 1k (974 as of today), I’m starting to find it harder to justify keeping certain records that have appreciated in value (Daniel Caesar Freudian for example going for $150+). I look at source material/SQ, scarcity, will it eventually get a repress, how much will I actually spin this vs am I ok just streaming it, is the value of this just Discogs flipper nonsense, and does this record align with the direction I want to take my collection in. I’ve been collecting since 2011 and didn’t get serious until about 2015 when I hit 200 records. Since then I’ve really fine-tuned my taste and I now know exactly what I want my collection to look like so it’s getting easier for me to purge things that I don’t really need on wax.

[@TooManyRecords]

Damn, Freudian is $150? I didn't even look.

[@rydogglessauldoggles7856]

I am all about culling. My main rule is if it is still sealed after 6 months ( and isn’t some fancy pressing of an album i love and have already) I get rid of it as long as i can get what i paid for it. Also, if I have a strange variant of an album that has skyrocketed and it isn’t some record I think is a ‘10’ i will go make my money and get the $25 regular version. Some albums I won’t do this with such as the sea green version of Sigur Ros’ Valtari because it is perfect. I also do the thing if i see a wall record somewhere that i have to have then i will go make some small sacrifices out of my own collection to obtain - i have zero regrets with any time i have done this. I remember you gave some big guns for your PJ Beneroya Hall - i bet you have zero regrets there. Anyway - great video man. I absolutely don’t go digging in dollar bins anymore either ha ha.

[@TooManyRecords]

One of the big guns was my Rearviewmirror which just got repressed.

[@rydogglessauldoggles7856]

@@TooManyRecords ha ha - thanks Walmart!

[@MrAaron194]

I usually trade albums that i just don’t want anymore. Mostly with other local collectors. Alot of times if i upgrade a cd or cassette to vinyl, i’ll give them away or just throw them in with a trade.

[@tylerchisman9434]

Interesting to see how someone with a big collection goes through their records to trim the fat. How often would you say you do this? Would be interested in a follow-up detailing options to us collectors once we know what albums were looking to purge. And btw, what a gargantuan stack of mailers behind you in the hallway!!

[@TooManyRecords]

I probably do some form of evaluation every two to four weeks. And the mailers are ones I've saved for the store! all empty :P

[@tylerchisman9434]

@@TooManyRecords Interesting. I'm still at the point where I can buy more and have plans to some day soon build a custom wall unit for a significant part of my collection that will hold even more when. As for the mailers, that's what I figured. I've even given mailers to my local record store cause I can amass a good amount after a good while.

[@alexlinder3682]

Do you keep your records unopened until you spin them?

[@TooManyRecords]

Usually, but I try to open ones that are more expensive in case there's a defect.

[@willalfano8]

the empyrean is amazing, prob best frusciante album

[@earl007]

Best way to purge your vinyl which is twice or three times the price, scratches, pops is, buy CDs

[@tomwillard9066]

Or a repress that you discover had affordable originals available.

[@JJ-ez3tr]

This is an emotional topic. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sold off music I’d grown tired of, then regretted (including an OG pressing of Deerhunter “Turn It Up”). OMG don’t get rid of SOTL. That is a drone classic.

[@terryroyer1369]

I have bought music, then got sick of it and got rid of it and then wished I would have keep it. Made those mistakes too often, but you have to cull the collection inevitably.

[@Dazlidorne]

Sometimes, you're just embarrassed what you listened to when you are younger and don't want to be judged by it. *cough* Kid Rock *cough*

[@Mynoah16]

I started collecting stuff I knew but wasn’t in love with. I now barely get records anymore because I got everything I like that’s not expensive. I do preorder modern and new records. Don’t regret any purchase I’ve made since I started.

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Cheers I love your Channel watch you all the time I just don't comment that often. I dig your knowledge and expertise and your passion for vinyl. Purging isn't a bad idea I've been collecting LPS for 50 years off and on. I like to think I have all the genres and music I need. When I purge its with albums that are less important oh, for example my Beach Boys collection oh, my CCR collection, my doors collection, I will keep certain LP's from each collection that means something to me although they're not my favorite bands they do have albums that are worthy. Then there's the bands that I simply love and adore to the point of being a completist. As far as finding time to listen I dedicate to LPS every night to unwind after work, and with a large variety of genres I can suit my listening palette

[@neros12346]

Hope you're doing well Matt

[@TooManyRecords]

Busy busy busy

[@neros12346]

@@TooManyRecords same here!

[@BrianCoonley]

Another great video!!! My rule is I haven't considered spinning it for 6+ months, time to move it. If I've considered spinning it but haven't listened to it in a yr plus time to move on. And BTW, if you ever move the John Prime VMP, I'd be interested 🤷🏼‍♂️😂

[@vinylreckoning]

I did a purge over the last few months (about 60 or so) felt great. sitting on about 2k records. could afford to purge more but meh.

[@TooManyRecords]

What was your logic?

[@vinylreckoning]

@@TooManyRecords first tiny purge was due to stuff bought on a whim that I didn’t love, or mystery boxes sent to me for my channel. Second was “this album that I like but have zero attachment to is worth HOW MUCH??”

[@dairydog228]

I started collecting April if 2020 and would see videos of people with there parents old records and wish I had that. I told my dad I wanted to buy a record player and he said “oh I was a DJ in the 80’s and have old 80’s disco records!”

[@chrisrees7054]

I just like good music. How many records I own is irrelevant.

[@ConcertBuddie]

Good stuff. I’ve never understood the vitriol associated with flipping, purging, culling, etc. as it relates to ways to improve or enhance one’s collection. At the end of the day what/how/why we collect is a personal choice, and how we pay for it is really no one’s business. I noticed that comment (ie “rich”) in your last livestream and it was unfortunate. Someone just had a taste of “keyboard courage”, methinks. Keep spinning that sweet, sweet wax!

[@loucorona2684]

Easiest way to cull your collection is getting married.

[@maxemusmusic]

I see Audioslave in the back. Nice christian rock album

[@analoguecity3454]

I've been seriously into it for 5 and a half years now! Due to being on a fixed income, I've bought as many as I possibly could ( sometimes doing without something I need) ! But I've only accumulated about 500 so far, so not really a need to do that....yet! I say if I get over 2000 , I'll go in debt to rent a "climate controlled " space to store some! It's hard for me to sell em because I've worked hard to get them , so I'd rather rent space (which I can't afford)! But I'm sure I have some I don't mind selling!

[@analoguecity3454]

P.S. You've got some great records there, very "eclectic" taste (which is good)! My taste are more boring a lot more "run-of-the-mill" stuff! I'm up to try something different! But I'm 52 , and stuck in my ways (as old fogies are 😁🤭😆)!

[@grayhalf1854]

Moving house tends to focus the mind...

[@terriatmore1133]

That Ulrich Schauss record is SO frickin' good! Great video, Matt! Every year I take time to go through my collection and get rid of the "deadwood," as I call it. Just like you said, tastes change over time and I'd rather give them a good home instead of collecting dust in my collection. Cheers!

[@jasonmccollum5411]

i've pulled about 60 records aside from the 500+ i own to sell on discogs. the reasons vary from one to the next. for example, i have duplicates of a records i kept buying just to get a clean jacket. I've also bought two of the same release to get both variants only to keep the better color vinyl. from time to time, i'll buy music that I thought I liked at first only to jettison it upon further listens. certain music has to speak to me sonically in order for the to keep it around. i also listen music digitally too. I would be more inclined to keep a high quality, digitally remastered music file over a VG/VG+ vinyl record from 26 years ago that never would have seen a repress.

[@myleftthumb2294]

When I first started collecting, I was buying albums because of just one song on them that I'd heard on the radio. I wasn't into 45s. Unfortunately, a lot of the one-hit wonder albums aren't all that good - Classics IV with the song "Spooky" on it is probably the WORST example. What a dog of an LP.

[@richardthomas74]

I've been culling a bit lately. Picked up a bunch of random stuff over the years that I don't really listen to. Now space is depleting, so can't afford to have any fillers. That Adrienne Lenker record needs to be in my to-listen-to cube actually. Thanks for the reminder. Now what do I cull to make room for that?