A Guide To Buying & Collecting Vintage Vinyl

Whether you’re starting off your vinyl collection or looking to upgrade your existing one, you’ll need to know the best practices for buying used music. This blog will cover all the key information to help you make the right choice.

Condition

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, there are a few things you should know when buying used vinyl music. These tips can help you avoid getting scammed and get the best possible value for your collection. One of the most important aspects of a record is condition. You want to make sure that it’s in mint condition, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could end up paying too much or not enough for the album. You’ll want to check the record for any light scratches or damage. It’s also a good idea to check the sleeve from several angles.

Where To Find And Buy Vintage Vinyl

If you’re a fan of vintage vinyl, there are plenty of great places to find it online. These sites should not replace visiting a local record store, but they can help you save time and money while expanding your collection. eBay is the world’s largest online auction site and has a massive collection of used records. It’s a good place to start and has a range of search filters including genre, style, decade and format. Discogs is the biggest vinyl marketplace and database on the internet with millions of titles. It’s a good place for first-time or beginner collectors as it has extensive information on every release. There is also a Popsike tool that processes sale values for all LPs on the site. It can be helpful for finding a potential bargain as it gives an idea of what the current market price is and how much fluctuation there has been in recent times.

Understanding Value

The value of a used record can vary greatly depending on many factors. It could be based on its rarity, demand, or the condition of the vinyl itself. If you are going to buy a second-hand record, it is always a good idea to check its value online first. It can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Most record shops will grade their inventory according to the Goldmine grading guide. This grading system is often a bit inaccurate, so it’s important to look at the sleeve and the vinyl itself before you make your purchase.

Know The Artist

When buying used vinyl music, you should know the artist. This is important because it will affect how much you can expect to pay for the record. If the artist is well known, then the album can be considered more valuable than a release by an unknown artist. This is due to the fact that a release by an artist who is well known will likely be more popular than an album from an artist who isn’t as well known. The age of the record can also have an impact on how much it is worth. Generally speaking, the older an album is, the less it will be worth.

Call The Book Broker

There are many ways to find out more about vintage records. One of them is by visiting a store likes ours here at The Book Broker. Our professionals can help you locate an authentic copy of a specific title and we can often give you a good deal for it. We may even be able to help you find hard-to-find classics that aren’t listed anywhere else. Contact us today!