In the late 1990s when most people had already replaced their record collections with CDs, I started collecting vinyl. It was a practical hobby, I told myself, because I was learning to DJ in clubs where vinyl was still the dominant format. Plus, used records were often very cheap.
A lot has changed since then. Now, digital is the dominant format for DJs, while consumers seem to love vinyl. Maybe it’s all nostalgia, or maybe it is because there’s something special about the way the sound of records reverberates, or the art of the album cover. Whatever it is, while streaming still dominates the music industry, vinyl has outsold CDs for the past two years. And, whether you’re looking for new or used vinyl, “cheap” is no longer a word associated with the format.
In recent years, new record stores have popped up across Southern California and record fairs happen frequently. Still, finding the record you want will take a little skill and a lot of digging. If you’re new to vinyl, or returning to the format after a long break, keep these tips in mind while you’re shopping.
Set a budget.
Buying records can quickly get expensive. New albums typically cost more than $20 a pop, sometimes well over that threshold. Used ones vary in price depending on factors like condition and scarcity. It’s not unusual to see secondhand records that cost more than the new releases.
You’ll want to set a budget for yourself before you go shopping just to keep things under control. When you’re done digging, tally up the stack of records you pulled and make cuts accordingly.
Start with small shops, then work up to record fairs.
Before you plan pilgrimages to events like the Pasadena City College Flea Market, which can be overwhelming even if you’re a seasoned crate digger, head to your local shops. Start building your collection and figure out what you want before hitting up the big vinyl events.
When you do make it out to the record fairs, allot enough time to hunt down treasures. The largest events can eat up a significant chuck of your day. Be sure to bring cash, especially if you don’t use a digital payment method such as Venmo or Zelle. While it’s more common to see vendors who accept credit cards now than in the past, not all do.
Be social.
Record shopping shouldn’t be a solitary pursuit. Shopping with a partner means that there’s always someone to offer a second opinion and another set of eyes to notice the record that you missed.
When shopping solo, engage with people. If a fellow crate digger looks at your stack and compliments your picks, they’re keepers. If a staffer makes a suggestion based on what you’ve pulled, listen to them. It’s likely a good recommendation.
If possible, check the record’s condition before buying it.
When a record isn’t sealed, check its condition. This is particularly important for records you find tucked away in the dustiest bargain bins. A few light surface scratches generally aren’t a major concern, but you want to make sure that there are no deep scratches or warping. Check to see the grooves aren’t too worn. The ideal record has a shiny surface. Some stores have listening stations. Use them to preview the records. Listen for skips, but, more importantly, make sure you like the music.
Research before you hit the stores.
If you’re looking for something specific, research before you dig. Find out if a record was ever released in the U.S. If it wasn’t, look at how much it would cost on Discogs with international shipping included. That will help you determine what’s reasonable to pay if you find it at a local shop. If multiple versions of specific songs were released, go through YouTube clips to identify whether you want the album cut, the 7-inch mix or the 12-inch extended version. Doing all this beforehand will help you make the best selections when you shop.
Be patient.
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This story is part of a collection of stories printed in August 2024.
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Recently, at a record fair in the courtyard of L.A.’s Music Center, I flipped through crates and stumbled upon a copy of a record that had been on my wish list for nearly as long as I’ve been collecting vinyl. Patience is the most important tool to have when digging for vinyl. It can take months, sometimes years, to find a record you want at a price you can afford. When you do find it, though, it feels like striking gold.
Keep track of where you found your favorite records.
When you find a record you love, pick up the shop’s flyer or card, follow them on Instagram and tell your friends. Plan to stop by the store periodically because they’ll probably have more music you want.
At record fairs, you’ll quickly realize that many vendors sell at multiple events, and some only sell at fairs and pop-ups. Moreover, plenty of these vendors are specialists, so if you’re looking for specific genres of music, you’ll want to keep tabs on where they are setting up their booths next.