For music enthusiasts, there’s no greater feeling than uncovering a rare vinyl record either online or in person. The thrill of the hunt is what makes collecting vinyl records so addictive. However, with the resurgence of vinyl in the last decade, finding rare vinyl records has become increasingly difficult. 

 

Understanding the Appeal of Rare Vinyl Records

The vinyl market has exploded in recent years. With that, the number of new vinyl records being produced has also increased. In 2020, vinyl sales reached a historic high in the US since 1991, with 27 million units sold. 

 

While this is great news for the vinyl market, it also means that the number of copies for each record is higher than it has been in the past. So, while new releases are selling well, they don’t hold a candle to the value of rare vintage records. 

 

Why Collectors Crave Rare Vinyl Records

The appeal of rare vinyl records lies in their scarcity. Limited releases and records that were released in small quantities have the potential to be worth a lot of money. For example, the most expensive vinyl record ever sold is a copy of the Beatles White Album from 1968, which sold for $30,800. What makes this sale so impressive is that the album was the very first album ever produced by Apple Records and it was owned by Ringo Starr, one of the Beatles.

 

Of course, not all rare vinyl records are worth millions. But, they can be worth a lot to a collector. Some of the most valuable records are those that were released in small quantities by independent labels. These records are rare because they weren’t widely distributed, not because they’re hard to find today. Other rare records include records that were never released and records that have since been discontinued due to controversy or a lawsuit.

 

Where to Buy Rare Vinyl Records: Top Spots to Explore

With the popularity of vinyl records soaring, you might be surprised to learn that they can be quite difficult to find. When it comes to finding rare vinyl records, you’ll need to get creative. Here are some of our favourite tips for where to buy rare vinyl records both online and in person.

 

Discovering Rare Records Online: A Digital Treasure Hunt

The easiest way to find rare vinyl records is to buy them online. With a quick search, you can browse through millions of records from around the world. However, that also means that you’ll be competing with collectors globally. Here are some tips for where to buy rare vinyl records online.

 

Navigating Online Marketplaces for Rare Finds

Online marketplaces like eBay and Discogs are a great place to start your search for rare vinyl records. With millions of listings, you’re bound to find some rare gems. The key to finding rare records on these platforms is knowing what to look for and using specific search filters. Both eBay and Discogs allow you to filter your search by things like genre, release year, and even format, making it easier to find the records you’re looking for. 

 

Exploring Trusted Specialty Websites like Play De Record

Specialty websites are another great place to buy rare vinyl records online. Websites like us here at Play De Record cater specifically to collectors and sell both new and used records. The benefit of shopping on specialty websites is that they’re curated. You can be confident that the records listed for sale are indeed rare. At Play De Record, we sell a variety of rare records including vintage records and rare groove records. 

 

Visiting Us Here at Play De Record

Of course, you can always stop by our store here at Play De Record in Toronto to shop for rare vinyl records in person. Nothing beats the experience of digging through records in search of that one special find. Our store is home to a diverse selection of new and used records. You never know what you’ll find in our collection of records. Our selection includes rare records online and in-store, allowing you to shop in whatever way is most convenient for you. 

 

Networking with Fellow Collectors: Sharing Knowledge

One of the best ways to learn about where to buy rare vinyl records is to talk to other collectors. 

 

Joining Vinyl Collector Forums and Social Media Groups

There are countless online forums and social media groups dedicated to vinyl collecting. Platforms like Facebook and Reddit are home to a large community of vinyl collectors. Joining these groups is a great way to connect with other collectors, ask questions, and learn from more experienced collectors. 

 

Attending Record Collector Conventions and Meetups

In addition to online forums, we also recommend attending record collector conventions and meetups. These events are a great place to meet other collectors and learn from their experiences. Oftentimes, collectors are more than willing to share tips and tricks for finding rare vinyl records. 

 

Caring for Your Rare Vinyl Collection

Once you’ve built a collection of rare vinyl records, it’s important to take care of them. Vinyl records are delicate and improper storage can cause them to warp or scratch. 

 

Proper Storage Techniques to Preserve Value

Rare vinyl records should be stored vertically in a cool, dry place. Exposure to sunlight and fluctuating temperatures can cause the records to warp. We recommend storing your records in a plastic or paper sleeve and then placing them in a jacketed sleeve. This will protect the album cover from splitting due to the record’s weight. 

 

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Before playing your rare vinyl records, we recommend cleaning them with a carbon fiber brush. This will help remove any dust or debris that could scratch the record. When handling your records, be sure to hold them by the edges. Fingerprints and oils can damage the record and affect sound quality. 

 

For more information, check out our blog post dedicated to sharing the best tips and tricks for both maintaining and caring for your vinyl records.

 

Conclusion

For music lovers, collecting vinyl records is a rewarding hobby. The resurgence of vinyl records has made it easier than ever to buy new releases. However, the true appeal of collecting vinyl records lies in the hunt for rare records. The value of rare vinyl records is derived from their scarcity, with some records selling for thousands, or even millions, of dollars. 

 

Our best advice for collectors looking to add rare vinyl records to their collection is to shop at a variety of locations, both online and in person. Get creative and explore online marketplaces, specialty websites, and local record stores. And, don’t forget to network with other collectors to learn from their experiences. 

 

Finally, once you’ve built a collection of rare vinyl records, be sure to take care of them. Proper storage and maintenance are essential for preserving the value of your collection. 

At Play De Record, we’re passionate about vinyl records. Our collection includes a diverse selection of new and used records, including rare records online and in-store. Whether you’re looking for vintage records, rare groove records, or something else, our collection is a great place to start your search. 

 

And, if you’re in Toronto, we’d love to have you stop by our store to shop for rare vinyl records in person. We even host in-store events, so you can connect with other collectors. 

Happy hunting!