LP Vinyl: Quality, Pressing, Label, Weight, Where to Buy ???


Getting back into LP vinyl...its been a long time = mid 70s?  Searching for an educational review on the forum for buying decent quality vinyl LPs...an overview of quality, weight, pressing, label, and best source/location to purchasing (prefer to stay away from ebay as it seems to be hit/miss on what you get). Does anyone have suggestions for an educational review on the subject? 

As a discussion point...I was looking at buying an older LP (vinyl only); I did an internet search = "Faces" - The First Step Album. Online search produces numerous results with prices from $18 to $120...older, used, remakes/repressed, various quality ratings (is there a uniform rating scale), unopened...list goes on. 

Greatly appreciate the forums experience and insight!

jmrrobbie1

Showing 1 response by bkeske

I was in you same situation a couple years ago. Now, absolutley back into vinyl after may absence since the mid-80's.

I have purchased mostly period pressings, and if in VG-NM shape they can be outstanding (depending how the original was recorded, engineered, mastered, etc).  Rarely do I buy anything less that a stated VG+ condition. 

As stated, Discogs. First, I began my Discogs journey by cataloging all my existing music into Discogs. Took some time, but worth it. You will find you will then have all the information you need in obtaining and searching out a particular pressing that are available, and also available for sale. Then, I began purchasing from various sellers on Discogs. This has been hit and miss. Try to stay with sellers who have close to a 100% positive feedback, that means even 98% may not be good enough. As you begin purchasing, you will probably find reliable and consistent sellers, and do repeat business with them. I find some have a very different idea what a VG, VG+, and NM may be. And that can be frustrating.

eBay. I have actually had very good luck on eBay. Plus is you can usually see pics of the actual album(s), which can give you a better idea it's condition. And, as with Discogs, I save sellers I get consistently good vinyl from, and repeat purchase from them. 

In general, I have purchased better overall period pressings on eBay vs. Discogs.

New vinyl, there are many good outlets available to you. Popmarket is a good place to start, as is Acoustic Sounds. I have actually got some very good priced vinyl from Target as well, albeit the selection can be limited.

Have fun, and enjoy vinyl again. I know I am. But, it is a very large rabbit hole.