Julie's Guide to Starting a Vinyl Collection

I get asked this question a lot, usually by someone standing in the shop holding a record they clearly love but looking a little unsure about the whole thing. So here is my honest advice.

Start with one album you already know by heart. Not the one you think you should own, but the one you actually listen to. Put it on a turntable and hear it the way it was meant to be heard. That moment, when the needle drops and you hear the warmth and weight of analog sound, is when you will know if collecting is for you.

You do not need an expensive setup. A good entry-level turntable (we carry several in the shop and can help you pick one) and a decent pair of powered speakers will get you started for under $200.

After your first record, build around what you love. If you are into 70s rock, dig through the classic rock bins. If you are a jazz person, start with the Blue Note reissues. There is no right way to collect. The only rule is to buy what you will actually play.

A few practical tips: store your records vertically (never stack them flat), keep them in their inner sleeves, and clean the stylus on your turntable regularly. Your records will last decades if you treat them well.

Come by the shop any time. We love helping new collectors find their first few records, and we will never judge your taste. Music is personal, and your collection should be too.