Welcome to How To Vinyl

Thanks for visiting!

Hello there, and welcome to How To Vinyl! The purpose of this little site is to share my hobby of vinyl record collecting with those looking to get into the hobby. Once you know a few tips and tricks, you’ll find that collecting and caring for your records is surprisingly simple- and rewarding, too! Check out my tutorial videos for some how-to visuals, or if you want to know what to look for while shopping, check out the links above for a guide to the Goldmine price guide.

Why Should I Start A Collection?

In a world where vast catalogs of music are available to us instantaneously through streaming, one might wonder- why bother keeping physical media? Maybe you’ve recently made big donations of old CDs to thrift shops, thinking the obsolete tech is just taking up space in your home. It’s true that streaming is very convenient. For some people, it meets all their needs. But what are its shortcomings? Any form of music delivery has its benefits, but its drawbacks, too. And a few of the shortcomings of streaming are the areas in which physical media excels.

Firstly, the sound quality of physical media is reason enough on its own to keep at least a few titles on hand. Because it doesn’t have to rely on the technology of digital files, physical playback is able to store much more rich, nuanced sound. Some streaming sites like Tidal are devoted to high sound quality, but nothing can truly beat the fidelity of a well-cared-for vinyl record, or a brand-new CD. These discs use physical processes (a needle in the case of records, and a laser in the case of CDs) to read small indentations in their surface. This tried-and-true method is capable of capturing a stunning range of auditory information that digital files just can’t quite replicate the same way. Streaming your music or storing MP3s on your device can be thought of as similar to seeing a photo of a painting in an art gallery. You get the main idea, but if you want to get the full, breathtaking experience, you’ll want to go see it in person. Similarly, hearing your favorite albums in their original physical format will be like hearing them again for the first time- give it a try!

Secondly, another benefit is complete ownership of your music. Many streaming platforms rely on subscription models. You can’t move the files elsewhere, and you lose access if you can’t pay your fee- or, you lose the ability to listen offline or other convenience features, in the case of apps like Spotify. Additionally, if an album is removed from the service, you are no longer able to hear it. Physical media saves you from this problem- no one can take away or restrict your access to a CD, tape, or record you already own. Additionally, with the right equipment, you can copy and transfer the tracks to your heart’s content!

All in all, it’s a good idea to collect a few physical copies of your favorite music. You get the full experience as the artist intended, and you also get more agency over your listening. It’s a win-win! And with the right tools and know-how, tracking down the titles you want is easy and fun. Check out the resources here on the site to get started in building your collection!