Record Collecting
Record collecting is a hobby centered around acquiring, preserving, and enjoying vinyl records, which have been around since the late 19th century. Initially made popular through the invention of the phonograph and later the Gramophone, vinyl records became the primary medium for recorded music, particularly throughout the 20th century. Different formats emerged, including the 78 rpm records, the 33 1/3 rpm long-playing (LP) records, and the 45 rpm singles, each contributing uniquely to music culture. Collectors often appreciate the analog sound quality of vinyl over digital formats, valuing the tactile experience, album artwork, and the nostalgia associated with physical records.
The value of a record can be influenced by its age, condition, and rarity, with certain collectibles, especially those from obscure artists or rare releases by mainstream artists, commanding higher prices. Record collecting can be pursued for both enjoyment and potential profit, with collectors often trading or selling records through various channels, including online auction sites. In recent years, vinyl has seen a resurgence in popularity, leading to a renewed interest in record collecting, which has been depicted in various cultural works, portraying collectors as passionate and sometimes obsessive. This hobby offers a rich and engaging experience for music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Record Collecting
Recorded music has existed since 1877, when Thomas Edison invented the "talking machine." This early phonograph led to the invention of the Gramophone, the first machine to play flat, circular records. From the Gramophone came the modern electronic phonograph.
For many years, recorded sound existed primarily on vinyl records, which are imprinted with a groove traced by a phonograph's needle. Vinyl records belong to the category of sound reproduction known as analog.
Record collecting has existed for as long as records themselves. However, interest in the hobby grew steadily in the twentieth century, with the popularity of rock music and the introduction of different record formats.
Various record formats are categorized by size and by the speed at which they are played. The electric phonographs of the early twentieth century used records designed to play at 78 revolutions per minute (rpm). These records, known commonly as 78s, are either 10 or 12 inches in diameter and are made of hard, thick vinyl.
78s quickly became obsolete when the 33 1/3 rpm record, known as the long-player (LP), was introduced in the 1950s. LPs are made of a vinyl composite that is lightweight and extremely durable. The groove on an LP is more refined and precise than the groove on a 78. Additionally, an LP can play up to 30 minutes of recorded sound per side, while a 78 can only hold 4 ½ minutes.
Along with the LP came the seven-inch 45 rpm. 45s are used as singles, typically featuring only one song per side. During the 1960s, 45s were extremely popular as many musical groups and artists released hit songs as "A sides" and other songs as "B sides." While 78s are only available as used "vintage" records, LPs and 45s are still manufactured in the twenty-first century.
Record collectors are often considered "purists," because they tend to shun the compact disc (CD) and other digital music formats. Collectors argue for the superiority of the warm analog sound over digital reproduction. Some collectors specifically seek album artwork, and dislike the reduced size of the CD sleeve, and the intangibility of online music.
Things to Look For
In general, any record dating to the 1950s and earlier is likely to have some value if it is in good condition. In rock and pop record collecting, albums by obscure artists typically have a higher value than popular releases from mainstream acts.
However, the most coveted rock and pop records are the rare releases from mainstream artists. For instance, a 45 of an unreleased Elvis Presley single is likely to be among the most valuable pop records.
The exact value of a given record almost always depends on its physical condition. Flaws such as fingerprints, scratches, and chipping are important to avoid. The condition of the record sleeve is important as well. A sleeve that is free of rips, wrinkles, stains, or other visible flaws is far more valuable than a worn-out one.
It is important to note the conditions in which a record has been stored. Records should always be stored on their edge rather than lying flat, and should never be stacked. A room with a comfortable temperature and minimal dust is a better environment for the preservation of vinyl records than a dank basement or stuffy attic.
Many records are valuable because of their album artwork. A rock album with a discontinued or banned cover, such as the original American-market Beatles album Yesterday and Today, is more valuable than even a pristine copy of the revised album sleeve.
Trends
Since cassette tapes and CDs were popularized in the 1980s, vinyl records have become more valuable. For a period in the 1990s, most pop groups stopped releasing albums on LP. In the twenty-first century, however, LPs experienced something of a boutique comeback, even as music increasingly moved online.
In the early twenty-first century, record collecting has been romanticized in literature and films, such as the movies High Fidelity (2000) and Ghost World (2001), and the nonfiction book Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting (2003) by Brett Milano. Collectors are commonly portrayed as eccentric, introverted, and obsessive.
Collecting Records for Fun vs. Profit
Collectors are often interested in profiting from their records as they appreciate in value. Records can be sold privately to other collectors, or to record store owners. Online auction websites such as eBay are also popular options for selling one's records.
Anyone can start a record collection for the fun of listening to and trading records. However, as with all collection-based hobbies, some collectors become obsessive. Major crises such as debt and divorce can result from obsessive record collecting.
Learning More
Organizations
Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC)
Rock Records Collector's Association (RRCA)
Books
Thompson, Dave. The Music Lover's Guide to Record Collecting. San Francisco: Backbeat Books, 2002.
Stanley, John. Collecting Vinyl. London: Mitchell Beazley, 2002.
Osborne, Jerry. The Official Price Guide to Records. New York: House of Collectibles, 2004.
Leibowitz, Alan. The Record Collector's Handbook. New York: Everest House, 1980.
Milano, Brett. Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2003.
Silke, John. Record Collecting in the Digital Age. Amazon Digital Services, 2013.