Here are some of the essentials you need to buy before going down the rabbit hole of the vinyl record world.
Okay, so you’ve decided you want to get serious about collecting vinyl records. Here’s a breakdown on the best ways to keep your records in tip-top shape.
First of all, why is it so important that you take care of your records? Well, you probably started collecting vinyl records because of two reasons: the vintage nostalgia and the sound quality. So, if you want to maintain that sense of nostalgia and sound, then it’s best to put in a little extra effort into cleaning and protecting your collection.
Starting with your home setup, here’s what the best record collectors have. Easily the top three essentials for taking care of your records are a high-quality turntable, protection sleeves, and a carbon fiber brush.
The first step to record maintenance and protecting your sound quality, is to get a high-quality turntable. Your entire sound quality relies on the type of turntable you purchase, so definitely do some research before diving deep into record collecting. It is important to note that a good record player does not have built-in speakers. That’s why it’s best to not go for the $60 suitcase turntable. Although it is affordable, the portable record player has been known to damage records and ruin the sound quality. Half of the sound quality comes from the type of speakers you buy for your turntable. Some people prefer separate speaker blocks and others like a bar that can connect to both their television and turntable. Maximum audio quality for all mediums of entertainment. A good option is the “Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Turntable-Black” that can be found at Target for $199, not including speakers. It may seem like a steep price now, but it’s worth the purchase to protect your records.
The second thing to get before considering yourself a record collecting connoisseur, think about buying some protection sleeves. Protection sleeves are typically clear and are used for a variety of reasons. Record sleeves are used to protect things like the color. Whether that’s the color of the record itself or the full vinyl album, keeping the entire record in a protection sleeve can preserve those vibrant colors for decades. To add to that, records are known to become damaged due to static exposure. Record sleeves that are anti-static and acid free will protect the vinyl from dirt and static exposure. You can get a 50 pack of clear record sleeves on Amazon for $15.
In addition to the turntable and protection sleeves, it’s also a good idea to purchase a carbon fiber brush to clean dust off your records. Gently running the brush along your records can change the sound quality tremendously. Just make sure to watch a video or read a couple articles on how to properly use a carbon-fiber brush, before using one yourself.
Now that you’ve heard a few care tips on preserving vinyl records, go buy the correct gear and then stop by your local record store for some new music. Remember, a record that’s been given a little extra love, can last a lifetime. So, remember to take care of your records after purchasing.
Author
Emma Frances Akerman