How to Build a Vinyl Record Collection

From Radiohead to Springsteen, more artists are releasing their music on vinyl each year. Whether because of the rich, velvety sound or the novelty of an older technology, one thing is clear: Vinyl has made a comeback.

Tapping an iPod may be convenient, but the earbud sound pales in comparison to the sound from a spinning turntable. Newer doesn’t mean better, according to Pete Majors, manager and buyer at Vacation Vinyl in Hollywood. Majors suggests there is something enchanting about owning the artist’s physical record. He gives these tips for building a vinyl collection.

• Go Antiquing: Break away from Amazon and eBay to search antique malls, thrift stores and garage sales for a steal. Or, if you have old records buried in the basement, sell or donate them for others to enjoy. Don’t get too excited, though. “It’s kind of a myth that old records are all valuable,” says Majors.
• Know Where To Go: For vinyl novices, check out recordstoreday.com for the best list of record stores in the U.S.
• Do Your Research: Before buying used or collectible records, make sure you scour the Internet and talk to several vinyl experts.
• Storage: Majors suggests storing records bookshelf style, not stacked atop one another. Keep vinyl away from sunlight and invest in polyethylene bags to prevent dust and wear.
• Save Your Music: Want to preserve your old records? Try purchasing the Ion LP 2 CD ($420), a vinyl converter that plays records while simultaneously converting them to CDs.
• Invest in Options: Not sure if the vinyl love will last? Invest in Pyle Pro’s retro-looking classic turntable ($182). It may look ancient, but it includes a radio, iPod dock and CD player.
• Recycle Into Art: Dust off those old vinyl cases, frame them and put them on display. Try a symmetrical 4x4 design on the bedroom wall or a funky zigzag up the staircase.

Jamie Friedlander is a staff writer at Executive Travel who, though constantly listening to her iPod, has started exploring the world of vinyl.