Smart Home Lifestyle

April 22, 2006

Vintage vinyl: Where to get them, what to look for and how to keep 'em squeaky clean

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, especially when it comes to used books, used tools, and used vinyl. See for yourself. Walk in just about any used record store, and soon enough you’re bound to hear shrieks of delight followed by “remember whens” and “I haven’t heard that band in twenty years.”

There’s something to be said about digging through dusty old record bins, especially when you uncover a first printing, mint condition Pink Floyd album for a “steal.” Just make sure you’ve got your “play it cool face” on.

The search begins

Searching for vinyl is the new hot hobby, in fact to some, it’s become a down right addiction. There’s always that new store, that new shipment, that new city to explore. And record availability has never been higher. Records can be found on-line at sites like eBay or www.forevervinyl.com, but it’s the local stores that provide the best thrill of the hunt, not to mention the best deals.

“Every single person has a different criteria, but the classic rock records seem to move the most,” said Rob Eder, Rockin’ Robin Records Owner. “The popularity of records has definitely increased recently. I believe it’s about nostalgia, but there’s also a physical aspect to it to. It’s almost a ritual. It’s not just a cognitive memory, it’s also a physical memory.”

Brevards’s Rockin’ Robin Records, recently purchased by Rob and Debbie Eder, specializes in both digital and analogue, focusing on CDs and DVDs, but also a very large collection of records at a variety of prices.

“A seller’s reputation is extremely important,” said Eder. “People travel far and wide for a good dealer.”

Other notable record stores in Asheville include Harvest Records, whose owners really know their stuff when it comes to music, and can order just about anything. And Voltage Records, which has a good 80’s music selection.

Steer clear

Don’t just go by the dealer’s price to determine a record’s quality, look at the record’s condition.

“The most important thing is condition,” said Eder. “The vinyl has to be in good condition and that determines the price. The most rare LP, if not in good condition, is worthless.”

Look at the record, take it out of the jacket and check for the obvious, such as warps or scratches. Also, check for wear along the spindle hole, which is a good indication that it was handled through a record changer.

Another thing to notice is the record’s pressing, or printing. Like first edition books, first record pressings are more valuable if in good condition. A stamp creates the grooves of a record. This stamp is used over and over until it wears out. The more the stamp is used, the less exact the grooves are, which accounts for no two records being completely alike. Once the stamp is worn, a new stamp is used for a second pressing, increasing the value of the original first pressing albums.

How do you rate?

Is your record mint, near mint, very good+, or very good? You better find out because the better the condition, the higher the price. Mint is optimal, meaning the record is absolutely perfect in every way. Anything less than mint will have more wear on the cover, possible scratches and a lower price tag. And when ordering on-line, be careful, since some sellers list “near mint” records as “mint”. Remember, in order to be “mint” it has to be perfect; another reason why your local record store proves the best option for record shopping- you can actually see and feel the record.

Soap it up

Did you know you can wash a record? Record cleaning machines help keep you vinyl in tip-top shape, while ensure the best possible sound. Record cleaners, which range from $350 to $2000, actually “soaps up” your record. A vacuum turntable turns it, scrubs it and then uses another vacuum to suck all the fluid and dirt off the record. Some cleaning machines are manual and some are fully automatic. Record cleaners are great for large record collection, and newly acquired vinyl. Without cleaning, a dirty record won’t hurt the needle, thanks to the needle’s diamond-like properties, but it will distort the sound quality. Accumulated dirt ultimately keeps the needle from riding in the record grooves properly.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec