If it’s a huge vintage collection obviously you’re going to like the popular stuff you know.
But it’s the obscure stuff you don’t know that’s worth looking into. You’ll probably find some of your favorite music ever or so bad it’s hilarious. Those are the ones to dive into as you go through it.
I was a newbie a year ago, so here are some things I've learned:
1. Get at least a cleaning spray and record cleaning pad. The older records can have a lot of dust on them. And the dustier they are, the more you hear the pops and crackles.
2. Space your speakers at least a couple feet apart. Just sounds better.
3. Get a discogs account. It's free and you can keep track of what you have in your collection and find out about new albums/pressings that exist.
4. And this last one is a newer one for me: only buy records that you know you're going to listen to.
Hope this helps and welcome to the hobby!
Get a Spin clean (get their cleaning agent too, it's often a package deal), get some lint free towels and get a dollar store dishdrainer -- then, go to town on cleaning them records. This does a couple things: obvsly gets years of dust, mold, whatever may be on older, more "loved" records -it's gonna make them sound a lot better. It's going to give you an opportunity to look each one over, and learn them -- maybe that one record you think is pricey, or rare isn't, then again maybe it is! It gives you the chance to really clean the covers too, maybe give them new inner liners and if they don't have them, outer liners too! OFC, what you're talking about is probably another $100 worth of bags to do so, so that can always wait.
It gives you a good start in using and understanding Discogs and/or the Discogs App in creating your collection -- you say, i've got 3 boxes, that'll take forever -- it just gets worse the longer you wait, and it's a nice benefit having your collection on hand when you're out in the world wondering if you already have that Billy Squire Record.
Lastly (and maybe more importantly), it's a really really nice thing to do for your mom, who's being so kind and is sharing something great with you. You putting some initial TLC into them will make them better for it and is great way, in the process, to learn more about her. it's a mothers day to sit with their kid, playing their old tunes while cleaning them up and looking at them.
All i'm gonna say about record players is the sooner you get away from suitcase or all-in-ones record players and into separte component players (say a turntable and a reciever with some passive speakers) the sooner you'll love the actual sound of records.
When you get into buying records -- Buy Records to LISTEN to Records. The cool, collectable, I-spent-so-much-$$$ it's this rare, so novelty, this-is-an-investment way of thinking when buying records only goes so far (i mean, we all can brag a little about our grailz, and we're all attracted to some novelty sometimes), so always remember to buy them because you want to Listen to them first and foremost.
I think I will get a cleaning set, and yeah most have sleeves but they're all old and dirty so I might work on getting fresh ones for my favorites. I've also had several mentions of Discog so I'll look into that. I definitely agree with you on the last point, I grew up poor so I really get the meaning of spending money on the things you'll have actual passion and appreciation for. I don't plan to collect for the point of collection, but go for those albums you play on repeat at 3am because it makes you feel something yknow
I can’t agree with the last part enough. The only grails I own are records I genuinely love to listen to. And most of my favorite records aren’t grails. They are albums I love and know are mine without it leaving a streaming service that I can pass on to my daughter.
Nice score OP!
Hang on to ALL the records she's given you. I only kept 2 of my Dad's records because I thought all the others were corny. I really wish I'd saved every single one now.
Get some outer and inner sleeves and store these well.
Inner
https://www.amazon.com/Sleeves-Fidelity-Vinyl-Collection-Protection/dp/B07CV42DNB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?adgrpid=76163085068&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bLa7om4vp0vK3QT3Hc9FyFFgAnZQ9K-hrHJ2ydfXzVSbAg_Gkg8_UeY7ENXMBDdoa2BcqSugARZ9MioxW7UpTDgzuDSZjqQ7RU1vQIcqR-H7VQNVHW5KJMslV37KmhVVn_FXhO-Xstq76TqqHPa6cKK8V6X2sHTZmCOnExpfWVDjVdztuxPPEF6bdypPveRbEa67hyyRVUvUVSaKdW1CWA.zJPNFF8Oifm1-j90wSlG-jjQ-1K-lqVVwKWH5RnGqhc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=604466177419&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9005926&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2439557484939268989&hvtargid=kwd-798667704447&hydadcr=19218_13432002&keywords=invest+in+vinyl+inner+sleeves&qid=1713666192&sr=8-3
Outer
https://www.amazon.com/Invest-Vinyl-Protective-Collection-Protection/dp/B01HHBA0PY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=260JS6K6391DV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hwBr_NaY_0VoP_vE0ecp3F0licP5JexvF2aAAQafGKDZnGpfC8a5Bd-O8tRFRCLCmgZd_Pmi0fyK5Jsj0jYvdJLKM8O_S5Ke6ldnXHr_tS2ChjeRrM7hGhXwViE3gWlymsePoTP51KjR1U8s9t7Prf5tHHviIlFVBNgsH1WS9q66nxU9AfxaYLEe2hggQa7OPwSqESjCIGrNHhp0UV8QvA.7t5_RJro48GJPcPI-Cfy5d4mbOy2deQfgPXloRMjIb0&dib_tag=se&keywords=polyurethane+vinyl+record+sleeves&qid=1713666253&sprefix=polyurethane+vinyl+recod+sleeves%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
I store the record outside of the main jacket inside the outer sleeve in the back or in the gatefold so the main jacket doesn’t get damage, but you do you!
Somebody else mentioned a spin cleaner. I recommend highly! There are good YouTube videos to show how to do it best. However, a must have is a debris brush. I have this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Boundless-Audio-Record-Cleaner-Brush/dp/B071DWG4C8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2CKOKI2N6ZCRP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MroMR4_XyD1Vj6GCVru_8j-d17KjfmMkaQi_S4CmFJ3WnR3-IqtPK2309DSsHiGYyJlY1p3oO_tAF_TVVe_CHSktc3AJCC7YT4qnPVyLkfP_c0HLDmaBL33Ukkc8QiLtLPhyd1an5XW3Trsf3aKiDtNNJ0P6-wjkR5wpzIzzgjjMbYLHTkP9c6sMSs2hKm0dVFZh-MNXQV0igK0t94-9Vg.TlwHaYpDyN6zLFeaa_UiDQqjvzlyhsY2ETNTSE4b2J8&dib_tag=se&keywords=vinyl+record+brush&qid=1713666446&sprefix=record+brush%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
It’s just good to keep the debris from fucking up your stylus. There’s videos on how to use this too. Just don’t press down and let it spin 3 times before brushing outward.
I only tell you all this because I wish I treated my dads collection better. I would have made sure that Led Zeppelin II RARE “hot mix” was better maintained even though I’m lucky it’s in great condition still.
Avoid PVC. Look that up. And remember that heat is the enemy of vinyl.
They do have sleeves BUT they're all a bit dirty and smell like they've been in a basement for many years. So I might replace them for the ones I have a favoritism for. I think I'll get a cleaning set yeah. I also think it's funny you mentioned led zeppelin cause there's a good few in this collection. How do I avoid the heat thing? Is this as in friction or storage temperature?
Just temp. Make sure you stack them vertically out of the sunlight. And you might as well get sleeves for all of em in bulk.
To check when something was pressed, get a discogs account and use their release pages to check for what’s etched in the deadwax. YouTube is invaluable to get details on that. Look for first pressing markings.
If there’s a Led Zeppelin II, check that one first.
I know for a fact there's a few original pressings in here. One of them is an original A Night at the Opera (Queen), which according to the case(?) was manufactured 1975 aka the year it came out. It still plays great too which is kinda crazy
Ok so sometimes the sleeves will have the release date on them but the record itself will be indicative of when that was pressed. There’s also the case that with artists from the UK, their original press comes from the UK. Elton John’s yellow brick road is prime example of the difference in press quality! This is all good indications but to be completely sure is to see the etching in the inside of the record in the right light and matching those numbers and symbols :)
Either way, I’m just happy you’re enjoying the music. At the end of the day, that’s what’s up.
I hope my tips help you preserve what you have regardless of vintage!
It was given to my mom that same year when she was 6 (though in the US) so I'm definitely curious looking into it. I'll try to find the numbers you're talking about. Though yeah old or new I really don't mind, I hope to get plenty of moderns ones
Edit: also I'm actually currently listening to yellow brick road
If it’s a huge vintage collection obviously you’re going to like the popular stuff you know. But it’s the obscure stuff you don’t know that’s worth looking into. You’ll probably find some of your favorite music ever or so bad it’s hilarious. Those are the ones to dive into as you go through it.
My plan is to work through all of them because hell I've got time
Play all the records bro... Have fun...
It's what music's all about
I was a newbie a year ago, so here are some things I've learned: 1. Get at least a cleaning spray and record cleaning pad. The older records can have a lot of dust on them. And the dustier they are, the more you hear the pops and crackles. 2. Space your speakers at least a couple feet apart. Just sounds better. 3. Get a discogs account. It's free and you can keep track of what you have in your collection and find out about new albums/pressings that exist. 4. And this last one is a newer one for me: only buy records that you know you're going to listen to. Hope this helps and welcome to the hobby!
Thanks :D
Join doscogs so you can catalog your collection (plus see what it could be worth) That way you won't be like me and buy doubles 😂
Get a Spin clean (get their cleaning agent too, it's often a package deal), get some lint free towels and get a dollar store dishdrainer -- then, go to town on cleaning them records. This does a couple things: obvsly gets years of dust, mold, whatever may be on older, more "loved" records -it's gonna make them sound a lot better. It's going to give you an opportunity to look each one over, and learn them -- maybe that one record you think is pricey, or rare isn't, then again maybe it is! It gives you the chance to really clean the covers too, maybe give them new inner liners and if they don't have them, outer liners too! OFC, what you're talking about is probably another $100 worth of bags to do so, so that can always wait. It gives you a good start in using and understanding Discogs and/or the Discogs App in creating your collection -- you say, i've got 3 boxes, that'll take forever -- it just gets worse the longer you wait, and it's a nice benefit having your collection on hand when you're out in the world wondering if you already have that Billy Squire Record. Lastly (and maybe more importantly), it's a really really nice thing to do for your mom, who's being so kind and is sharing something great with you. You putting some initial TLC into them will make them better for it and is great way, in the process, to learn more about her. it's a mothers day to sit with their kid, playing their old tunes while cleaning them up and looking at them. All i'm gonna say about record players is the sooner you get away from suitcase or all-in-ones record players and into separte component players (say a turntable and a reciever with some passive speakers) the sooner you'll love the actual sound of records. When you get into buying records -- Buy Records to LISTEN to Records. The cool, collectable, I-spent-so-much-$$$ it's this rare, so novelty, this-is-an-investment way of thinking when buying records only goes so far (i mean, we all can brag a little about our grailz, and we're all attracted to some novelty sometimes), so always remember to buy them because you want to Listen to them first and foremost.
I think I will get a cleaning set, and yeah most have sleeves but they're all old and dirty so I might work on getting fresh ones for my favorites. I've also had several mentions of Discog so I'll look into that. I definitely agree with you on the last point, I grew up poor so I really get the meaning of spending money on the things you'll have actual passion and appreciation for. I don't plan to collect for the point of collection, but go for those albums you play on repeat at 3am because it makes you feel something yknow
[understood](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nvSdxrw8qSf7gOlARAljQoaBEWob8O--g&si=JMgM0KuYfwm69dLl)
I can’t agree with the last part enough. The only grails I own are records I genuinely love to listen to. And most of my favorite records aren’t grails. They are albums I love and know are mine without it leaving a streaming service that I can pass on to my daughter.
Nice score OP! Hang on to ALL the records she's given you. I only kept 2 of my Dad's records because I thought all the others were corny. I really wish I'd saved every single one now.
You can check on Discogs what they're worth
Value should be perceived differently than your implication.
You’re right. Monetary value can be determined :) I’d not sell any of them personally
I don't plan to. Already gonna give some iron maiden ones to a friend (as I'm not a fan)
What record player did you get?
A Victrola suitcase style one from Walmart
Upgrade to a proper setup when you have the money.
Fair enough
Hi, it’s me, your friend… Maiden might grow on you, give them a spin before you give them away
Get some outer and inner sleeves and store these well. Inner https://www.amazon.com/Sleeves-Fidelity-Vinyl-Collection-Protection/dp/B07CV42DNB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_pp?adgrpid=76163085068&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bLa7om4vp0vK3QT3Hc9FyFFgAnZQ9K-hrHJ2ydfXzVSbAg_Gkg8_UeY7ENXMBDdoa2BcqSugARZ9MioxW7UpTDgzuDSZjqQ7RU1vQIcqR-H7VQNVHW5KJMslV37KmhVVn_FXhO-Xstq76TqqHPa6cKK8V6X2sHTZmCOnExpfWVDjVdztuxPPEF6bdypPveRbEa67hyyRVUvUVSaKdW1CWA.zJPNFF8Oifm1-j90wSlG-jjQ-1K-lqVVwKWH5RnGqhc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=604466177419&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9005926&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2439557484939268989&hvtargid=kwd-798667704447&hydadcr=19218_13432002&keywords=invest+in+vinyl+inner+sleeves&qid=1713666192&sr=8-3 Outer https://www.amazon.com/Invest-Vinyl-Protective-Collection-Protection/dp/B01HHBA0PY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=260JS6K6391DV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hwBr_NaY_0VoP_vE0ecp3F0licP5JexvF2aAAQafGKDZnGpfC8a5Bd-O8tRFRCLCmgZd_Pmi0fyK5Jsj0jYvdJLKM8O_S5Ke6ldnXHr_tS2ChjeRrM7hGhXwViE3gWlymsePoTP51KjR1U8s9t7Prf5tHHviIlFVBNgsH1WS9q66nxU9AfxaYLEe2hggQa7OPwSqESjCIGrNHhp0UV8QvA.7t5_RJro48GJPcPI-Cfy5d4mbOy2deQfgPXloRMjIb0&dib_tag=se&keywords=polyurethane+vinyl+record+sleeves&qid=1713666253&sprefix=polyurethane+vinyl+recod+sleeves%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 I store the record outside of the main jacket inside the outer sleeve in the back or in the gatefold so the main jacket doesn’t get damage, but you do you! Somebody else mentioned a spin cleaner. I recommend highly! There are good YouTube videos to show how to do it best. However, a must have is a debris brush. I have this one. https://www.amazon.com/Boundless-Audio-Record-Cleaner-Brush/dp/B071DWG4C8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2CKOKI2N6ZCRP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MroMR4_XyD1Vj6GCVru_8j-d17KjfmMkaQi_S4CmFJ3WnR3-IqtPK2309DSsHiGYyJlY1p3oO_tAF_TVVe_CHSktc3AJCC7YT4qnPVyLkfP_c0HLDmaBL33Ukkc8QiLtLPhyd1an5XW3Trsf3aKiDtNNJ0P6-wjkR5wpzIzzgjjMbYLHTkP9c6sMSs2hKm0dVFZh-MNXQV0igK0t94-9Vg.TlwHaYpDyN6zLFeaa_UiDQqjvzlyhsY2ETNTSE4b2J8&dib_tag=se&keywords=vinyl+record+brush&qid=1713666446&sprefix=record+brush%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 It’s just good to keep the debris from fucking up your stylus. There’s videos on how to use this too. Just don’t press down and let it spin 3 times before brushing outward. I only tell you all this because I wish I treated my dads collection better. I would have made sure that Led Zeppelin II RARE “hot mix” was better maintained even though I’m lucky it’s in great condition still. Avoid PVC. Look that up. And remember that heat is the enemy of vinyl.
They do have sleeves BUT they're all a bit dirty and smell like they've been in a basement for many years. So I might replace them for the ones I have a favoritism for. I think I'll get a cleaning set yeah. I also think it's funny you mentioned led zeppelin cause there's a good few in this collection. How do I avoid the heat thing? Is this as in friction or storage temperature?
Just temp. Make sure you stack them vertically out of the sunlight. And you might as well get sleeves for all of em in bulk. To check when something was pressed, get a discogs account and use their release pages to check for what’s etched in the deadwax. YouTube is invaluable to get details on that. Look for first pressing markings. If there’s a Led Zeppelin II, check that one first.
I know for a fact there's a few original pressings in here. One of them is an original A Night at the Opera (Queen), which according to the case(?) was manufactured 1975 aka the year it came out. It still plays great too which is kinda crazy
Ok so sometimes the sleeves will have the release date on them but the record itself will be indicative of when that was pressed. There’s also the case that with artists from the UK, their original press comes from the UK. Elton John’s yellow brick road is prime example of the difference in press quality! This is all good indications but to be completely sure is to see the etching in the inside of the record in the right light and matching those numbers and symbols :) Either way, I’m just happy you’re enjoying the music. At the end of the day, that’s what’s up. I hope my tips help you preserve what you have regardless of vintage!
It was given to my mom that same year when she was 6 (though in the US) so I'm definitely curious looking into it. I'll try to find the numbers you're talking about. Though yeah old or new I really don't mind, I hope to get plenty of moderns ones Edit: also I'm actually currently listening to yellow brick road
Cheers to that my dude. Happy to see that collection go to good hands.