Vinyl For Beginners

[Klaus5]

Ive recently begun collecting vinyl because most of my music is mp3 format and i want something physical. Vinyl has a kind of novelty factor (to a 20 year old) and has more character than CDs/mp3s, also its the original way the music i love was released. The method of playing is more intimate than sticking in a cd or clicking play on a computer and the lables and sleeve art is lovely.

I have currently only got two 7" from ebay (and a double lp: tubbys special, in the post).

It would be really nice if people could share their tips, links, anecdotes etc and anything i should know about collecting vinyl.

Im not looking for an "investment" or "vinyl junkie collection", just to slowly build a collection for my listening pleasure.

First off, where to get records?
I use ebay as i mentioned, and ive been round all the charity shops that have records in my town (no luck there yet). Im mostly after ska, rockteady and reggae roots,dub&dj up to mid eighties-ish. Secondhand is nice but id also like to get new reissues.

Pressure Sounds looks to have some good things. Any other quality reissue (and second hand) vendors on the web?

How do i know what releases/pressing and reissues are of good quality, not overdubbed with modern synth drums and skanks, well mastered etc?

Ive been reading up on vinyl care and general info on www.recordcollectorsguild.org.

Other sites that are interesting/useful:
Roots Archives Forums (obviously!), www.strictly-vibes.com, and www.xraymusic.co.uk. Please share your favorite sites.

Thank you for reading all that and any assistance/advice you can offer me!

[ital kemar]

hi klaus.
you could do worse than trying ernie b's reggae. very low prices compared to almost everyone else.
postage from the U.S can be pricey for one item, so try to find two or three items each visit and lessen the cost.
and keep reading roots archives, always great tips on good sounds from other members.

enjoy the journey

ital.k

[Vinnie]

a list with online shops http://www.roots-archives.com/forum/read.php?3,28722

my favorites go also to reggaemusicstore and dubvendor
lionvibes for some oldies

tip: just buy what you like and can afford

old originals are getting expensive so go for the repress if there are any
http://www.bloodandfire.co.uk/db/viewtopic.php?t=34969

enjoy the collecting

[Geoffrey]

One thing regarding playback: if you have an amp that supports it, try to get an MC cartridge for your turntable.

[Gabranth]

Your name's Klaus? Are you from Germany? If so, check out soundquake.com (easier and faster than ebay)! Mostly new stuff, but also lots of reissues of classics.

[vtov]

Best way to check sound and musical quality is to listen yourself, so try and find some record shops that allow it. Always nice to run through a stack and come out with a nice pile to buy.

For new stuff you can never be sure - we've all bought a few that looked great but didn't sound so. Many people ask on here about specific albums so you can do that.

[ruffandtuf]

sounded like me 2 years ago! You want to build a collection slowly? Good luck because collecting vinyl becomes an obsession, as you start learning of new music you will become more and more interested, visit this page frequently because this guys know alot about reggae music!

[I-Lion Tafari]

Collecting is a wonderful hobby. I found records I was after for more than 25 years.
You can hunt down nice stuff in the bay if you´re patient. Not all old originals go for big money.
Wishing you all the best + let´s hear about your new stuff!
Viel Spaß dabei!

Nuff greetings

[Klaus5]

Thanks for the tips and bits! I will check out ernie b thanks. I will be reading roots archives alot more now, and can read all the record threads that i previously skipped over!

Thanks for those links Vinnie, i dont know how i missed that sticky!

One thing regarding playback: if you have an amp that supports it, try to get an MC cartridge for your turntable.

Thats all foreign talk to me, ill need to research..

Your name's Klaus? Are you from Germany? If so, check out soundquake.com (easier and faster than ebay)! Mostly new stuff, but also lots of reissues of classics.

My name is Jon actually and im from the UK, still I will check that site. Cheers

sounded like me 2 years ago! You want to build a collection slowly? Good luck because collecting vinyl becomes an obsession, as you start learning of new music you will become more and more interested, visit this page frequently because this guys know alot about reggae music!

Currently, my aim is mainly to collect things i already know i like, i cant really afford to spash out on things i havnt heard or know i like yet.

I seem to have (unintentionally) focussed on 1974 so far! I have Ken Boothe - Everything I Own (Trojan), Carlton & Leroy - Not Responsible (Black & White) and Skin Flesh & Bones - Solitary Man (Harry J). I paid £2 for each of those, first 2 are abit battered visually but play perfectly, solitary man is near mint condition. Do those sound like good prices?

[6anbatte]

My name is Jon actually and im from the UK, still I will check that site. Cheers

If you are in London here's a thread worth checking out;

**["London Record Shops"](http://www.roots-archives.com/forum/rea ... 794,page=1)**

Happy hunting.