VINYL RECORDS FAQ

Frequently asked questions about buying and selling vintage vinyl records.

What does RPM stand for?

RPM stands for “revolutions per minute.” RPM tellS you how many times the record spins around in one minute. This number is important because there are two different speeds: 33 1/3 RPM for 12” LP records & 45 rpm for 7″ single releases.

What are the different types of vinyl records?

78 RPM records are the oldest and first type of vinyl record. Developed in the late 1800s, these shellac-based recordings saw booming sales by the 1920s with many variations on exact speed or material composition that were used to make them. Its use declined considerably when newer types became more popular at 33 1/3 RPM 12″ LP album sleeve for full-length pieces – 45 rpm 7-inch single songs being one example among others. Since then it has remained essentially unchanged until the present day.

How to tell the difference between vinyl record types?

There are many ways to tell the difference between vinyl record types, but if you don’t have time for any of that then just look at how big their holes are! 45 RPM singles measure 7″ across. The larger hole on 33 1/3 records is 12″, and 78 RPMs come in 10″.

Why do 45 RPM Singles have a larger spindle hole?

One of the main uses for 45 RPM singles was in jukeboxes. Old mechanical ones had a hard time threading records onto their small spindles so they were made wider to make sure disks could be centered easily on turntables.

Do vinyl records really sound better than digital music?

While there are many varying answers to this question, the general consensus is yes. Music on a record has more personality and depth compared with an MP3 or even CD-quality file played through your computer’s speakers– especially if you own one of those fancy audiophile equipment that costs thousands in cost.

What causes pops, crackles, and hissing when listening to a vinyl record?

There are two most common causes for this: either dust and residue on tracks (the record is dirty) or they’ve been damaged by scratches that compromise their playback quality.

Can vinyl records be cleaned?

Vinyl records can be cleaned, but they will never become as good as the original condition. However, it’s possible for them to have less noise and dirt on them with cleaning techniques that go a long way in reducing unwanted sounds like static or scratching from vinyl surfaces when handled irresponsibly. Alcohol-based cleaners are not recommended because these could damage the finish. You might consider using warm distilled water together with soft lint-free cloths. Wipe gently towards grooves instead of across them.

Why do people buy old vinyl records?

There’s something about holding an old vinyl record in your hands that makes you feel like a kid again. You can read the liner notes, appreciate their artistry and listen as this disk rotates on the turntable – all while enjoying an analog experience.

Are vinyl records a waste of money?

Vinyl records provide a lot more enjoyment than digital. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to store music in small spaces, go with CDs or download Spotify songs onto an mp3 player. However, if you want a wide range of experience and quality sound, then get your hands on vintage vinyl!

Is there a difference between new vinyl releases and vintage vinyl records?

If you’re looking to buy a vintage record, be aware that there are some technical differences between new releases and older records. For one thing, much of the machinery used in pressing vinyl has long since been retired or decommissioned so it no longer exists! However, with quality materials and good manufacturing processes available today they can sound just as good even if not perfect due to sub-par pressing techniques which oftentimes only care about making collectibles rather than having high audio qualities.

Why are some vinyl records thicker? What do 180 grams mean?

When it comes to vinyl records, there are different weights and thicknesses. 180 Gram Vinyl is considered a premium product because of its heavier weight which prevents warping. However, some people might find this type too heavy for their turntables or players so be sure to check before buying.

Can you play new vinyl on old record players?

You might be able to play new vinyl on old record players, but it’s important that the equipment is working properly and you know what you’re doing. If not then there could potentially be damage done.

Are vinyl LP records worth any money?

It’s a question that many vinyl collectors ask themselves, “Are my old records worth anything?” Well, the answer is yes! Some will even give you money for them if they are in good condition. However this isn’t true with most of today’s music – so know what type of record it is before trying to sell or trade-up your collection.

Is buying vinyl records a good investment?

Vinyl records are a great way to get into the vinyl game if you’re looking for something that will appreciate in value. You can find rare pressings at garage sales and pluck them out when flipping through piles of 50c releases, but don’t buy what looks good from afar-the quality varies tremendously.

What are the factors to consider when evaluating vinyl records?

There is always a risk when buying used vinyl records and this varies depending on the condition. A knowledgeable buyer will quickly sort out common items from true rarities, then assess based on the following:

  1. Completeness of record. You should check for scratches or warping in order to avoid realizing too late that an expensive collectible was purchased with bad quality audio/video inserts
  2. Label color(s). Certain colors were associated with different series during production which could hint at the rarity
  3. Pressing
  4. Condition

Is it legal to resell vinyl records?

You may be wondering if it’s legal to resell vinyl records. Yes, that is totally safe as long you know the rules. What some people do not realize though is that there are restrictions on how many copies can be made and who sells them without permission from Artists or Original Owner(s).

How to find how much a vinyl record is worth?

You might think vinyl records are a thing of the past, but they’re not. In fact, there’s still plenty available on eBay and Discogs to find out about the worth of your collection.

What is a promotional pressing and is it worth more money?

Promotional pressing disks are a type of vinyl record that was sent out to DJs and other influencers in order for them to promote new records prior to their release. These promotional copies were almost always limited, so they can be considered more valuable than public releases because it’s not available on the shelf at your local music store or from an online retailer.

What should I look for or consider when buying vinyl records?

When buying vinyl records, the most important thing to consider is completeness. If a record has all of its original inserts and labels intact then it’s worth more than one without any missing pieces that were attached at some point in time (such as an inner sleeve or extra song on side B).

Where can I buy vinyl records? Who sells vinyl records?

There are many places to buy vinyl records, but the best place to buy them is online. eBay and Discogs both have great features that make them worth checking out if you’re looking for something specific or you want a collector’s item.

What is the best way to sell vinyl records? Where can I sell vinyl records? Who buys vinyl records?

If you’re ready to take the plunge and start your own vinyl record store, then eBay is a great place. However, if this isn’t something that interests you or maybe difficult for whatever reason Back To The Past Collectibles can help. They’ve been in business since 1978 so they know their stuff about selling records online as well as offline.

What should I look for or consider when selling vinyl records?

The great majority of used discs are not worth a ton to anyone. But you can usually tell the true rarities by their completeness and condition. You’ll want your buyer to have both label and sleeve (the original inner plus any lyric sheets, booklets, photos) in order to get full value from whatever collectibles he or she may be looking at purchasing.

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