To complete the retro poser theme I've chosen for my apartment, I bought a record player today. Actually, two record players. Long story short, don't ever purchase anything used that has "as is" written on it in marker... Anyway, I've been having wonderful adventures finding great records on the local thrift circuit (40 keepers thus far). Does anyone else still use theirs?
Scruuunch crackle crackle pop.......nope I hooked mine up the other day and promptly unhooked it, too much noise. The only thing vinyl LP's have on modern recordings is full sized liner notes and art work. Edit: I do understand the romantic aspect of collecting vinyl though, I could see how it could be a fun hobby.
Oh yeah, playing the vinyl is always fun ~ personally I love the crackle and pop - makes each record unique. I really love playing old Beatles or Zep (etc.) with all the crackles - just sounds right to me. And you would be shocked at how much a quality turn table from the 70s sells for these days.
A few years ago I had a old "Disco" record player that had built in disco lights. It finally crapped out on me though. Good times.... Vinyl is cool, but 8-track rules.
Mostly just the sappy kind of material I like and stuff with badass cover art that I just had to pick up. But of the bigger names a few Elton John, Commodores, Three Dog Night, Eddie Murphy and Bill Cosby comedy records. The only downside to thrifting is having to dig through fifty gospel/folk records to find one keeper, and even then not knowing if the actual album is going to be inside its cover (as in the case of some Phil Collins records I thought I stumbled upon). Aren't those Beatles and Led Zeppelin lps worth a small fortune?
I just went through my parents stuff the other day; dad has an original Edison phonograph that was probably his father's and my mom's got 2 boxes full of great 70s hits like...Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Peter Paul and Mary, and... ...every Beatles album (ORIGINAL). I don't think they're worth much, so I'm just going to learn how to be a mixmaster or somethin'.
Ron: I'll give you five bucks. Kramer: Five bucks??? Newman: Well, you know how much those records are worth!? Ron: Yeah, I do... Fi' dollars. Newman: Those records are worth more than five dollars! Kramer: [In Newman's ear] He's gyppin' us... Newman: You're gyppin' us! Ron: Well, whattya got here, y'know, you got "Don Ho: Live At Honolulu", you got "Jerry Vale Sings Italian Love Songs" you got Sergio Mendes, now come on... Kramer: Wait, wait, wait... Sergio Mendes has a cult following. Newman: They follow him like a cult. Kramer: He can't even walk down the street in South America... Ron: Look, that's his problem, alright? Now you don't like it, too bad. Kramer: [In Newman's ear] I don't like it... Newman: I don't like it. Ron: Well, then get the Hell out of my store, alright? You bring me something decent, I'll give you some money. Kramer: [In Newman's ear] Alright, well be back, jack. Newman: Alright, well be back... *jack*!
Still have my entire album collection, including all the Beatles albums (American and British versions) Don't listen to them much anymore, but every now and then I get nostalgic. Vinyl rules!!!!!!!!
I know there are some LPs out there that are rare and valuable. I love going through flea markets, antique malls, and garage sales to pick them up for nothing just for the artwork. I don't know if its true, but don't some people claim that the sound off of vinyl is actually richer and more life-like than digital despite the cracks and pops?
ditto! Although I can't tell you how many albums I've lost over the years from leaving them at all night parties or people "borrowing" them, never to return! I think the rarest album I still have is a Capital UK first pressing of Rubber Soul still shrink wrapped, never opened.
I have an early 70s Pioneer heavy swingarm turntable that I found in a dumpster in Santa Monica before I moved back to Houston 7 years ago. I had it totally refurbished by Sound Exchange in Montrose for like $100. It plays great. I still have 100+ LPs, and I still buy LPs for rare stuff that you still can't get on CD. Sound Exchange is a great used vinyl store.
I have a bunch of early 90's vinyl in my collection. Many Seattle bands released their albums on vinyl before the "official" release of their cds. My rarest are a few Nirvana singles that had b-sides that weren't available until the box set that recently came out, a Temple Of The Dog album, and 3 copies of Superunknown, one blue, one orange and one clear with the extra tack "She Likes Suprises". I have a pretty big collection of colored vinyl as well.
I have hundreds of LPs. Sadly, although many of them are rare, no doubt, they were all played a lot! I need a new stylus for my turntable, or I'd be playing them like crazy, noise or not. There are several programs you can get that are supposed to reduce or eliminate the crackles and pops. I'm sure it affects what you hear somewhat, but if you have a rare Jamie Brockett or Bubble Puppy LP, and the like, and want to hear them relatively noise free, and put them on CD, it would be worth it. I don't know about the rest of you, but listening to a CD in my car isn't going to show the difference such a program might have on the sound. Any suggestions for LP noise reduction programs? Any suggestions as to a good place to get a new stylus or cartridge in Austin?
Deckard I used to get my turntable belts etc. at Circle stereo on Guadalupe - not sure if it's still there. It was north of 51st behind what used to be a Randall's and is now the new half price books.
