Record Store Day is on its way and all the vinyl happy collectors are jumping for joy with all of the planned limited releases. For someone who had no idea what we’re talking about, this article is made for you. Here are 10 tips for budding vinyl collectors in any stage of their collection.
First of all, learn the terms of the trade. Knowing your slang and vocabulary for record collecting is essential to keep savvy with the kids in the trade:
LP – Usually a 12 or sometimes 10 inch 331/2 RPM (rounds per minute, the ‘speed’ of the player, usually adjustable on the turntable of choice) record is usually an album as opposed to a single. This if often paired with the prefix “2x”, “3x” and so on, this just indicated the number of vinyl records in the gatefold or sleeve.
Single – This is often a 45 RPM, 7 inch record, often with an A and B side, previously popular for the greatest hit off an album or EP, paired with the B side. Singles can also be found in 10 or 12 inch form too.
The B side – Now a lost and unheard story, the B side’s tale is an unfortunate one. The B side, or what some may consider the “crap” side, is the second side of a 7” single. The song on that was usually the one that would be the cleanest, nicest one in your collection, because you never played it. Always paired with its better looking, more famous brother, the A side, the B side was usually the one song of the album that the band really wanted to promote by pairing it with a popular and often better song. You won’t be forgotten.
Gatefold – A gatefold is simply a 2xLP sleeve with a fold in the middle, sometimes with some artwork or a tracklist located inside. These are often thicker and hardier than a single sleeve and sometimes more valuable or cherished.
Sleeve (or cover) – A sleeve is just the paper where the vinyl lives. You could call it the little brother of the gatefold, it is usually a single sleeve, sometimes containing 2 or more records but most often one lone record. A sleeve can also be the plastic or paper containing the vinyl located inside the cover.
Wax – Just fancy word for vinyl, referring to the previously used shellac material used for 78 RPM records.
45s, 78s – 45s refer to singles that run at 45 RPM, sometimes distinct or their larger hole in the centre of the record. 78s are the old timers form of entertainment, used in gramophones and now outdated. 78s are 10 inch, heavy, thick, shellac records used prior to the use of vinyl.
Needle – This is where the sound is made. “Needle” can be referring to the cartridge and the tip. The tip is the actual diamond tip that makes contact with the grooves and produces the sound, keeping this tip in shape is essential.
Cartridge – The cartridge is the bulky thing above the needle. The cartridge processes the sound into voltage and then into music to your ears. Different cartridges offer differing quality, tone and overall sound, picking your favourite cartridge is a matter of experience and personal preference.
