Record Collector vs. Listener

Vinyl record collecting is habit-forming. Do you know that there are degrees of collecting? What are they? Who are they? Are there 12-step programs for collectors? Where can I buy records? 

They're everywhere! They're everywhere! While record collecting actual began in the very early 1900's with wax cylinders, the hobby, as we know it now, did not really take shape until the 1960's.

There are two basic types of collectors: listeners and audiophiles or purists. They are the next door neighbor, the waitress, doctor, lawyer, mechanic, old "hippie," senior citizen, baby boomer and musician - just to identify a few.

Within these two groups, there is a great similarity in what they collect. Music genres (pop, rock, jazz, classical) record in mono or stereo on 78's, 45's or 33 1/3 rpm's capture the attention of both groups as well as collections of specific artists, labels and promotional records and materials.

The listener collects more on an emotional level. There is a thrill in finding that certain album or record at a very good price, going home, turning on the old phonograph, watching the vinyl spin, hearing the needle hit the record and listening to the wonder of recorded music history through pops and cracks.

The purist or audiophile spend an untold amount of time cataloging, sorting, cleaning and protecting their prized possessions. They will spend hours, days, even months searching for that perfectly preserved album cover and record that has never been touched by human hands or a needle and, they are willing to pay dearly for that item.

Regardless of which group is collecting, the real reward is the actual grooves of the record - the sound so many of us have clung to over the years. We value that - there is no price tag for what we hold so dear to our hearts.

Through all of recorded history, there is one survivor - the record. We've seen 8-track, cassette and now CD come and go. There is not only a surge of new recording artists offering their music on vinyl records, but also a large market for new releases of classic records.

Why? There's just something about looking at the front and back of that cover, removing the black vinyl from the sleeve, placing it on the turntable and waiting for the pop of the needle prior to the sound of music. The vinyl record collector is a true slice of Americana and a piece of our rich American culture.

I am so excited that I actually get to sell my passion. Visit my eBay store Gosinta, you'll never gosinta 'nother store again! I sell turntables/record players, too!