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Vinyl Record Collecting For Dummies
Get on the vinyl train and learn about this captivating hobby Vinyl Record Collecting For Dummies teaches you how to start a collection, grow your collection, and make that collection sound excellent. You’ll learn how to shop for new, used, and rare records, and how to select the turntable that’s right for you. Learn how to determine a record’s value, build your collection on a budget, and properly store and maintain your records. This handy Dummies guide also gives you the background knowledge you’ll need to hold your own in conversations with vinyl enthusiasts―all about music genres, the pros and cons of vinyl types, how records are made, and even the history of record collecting itself. Now you can start collecting rare records, new releases, and everything in between. This is the perfect Dummies guide for anyone who’s ready to get swept up in the excitement of collecting vinyl records, including beginners and seasoned collectors.
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Dave Thompson
266 books42 followersEnglish author Dave Thompson has spent his entire working life writing biographies of other people, but is notoriously reluctant to write one for himself. Unlike the subjects of some of his best known books, he was neither raised by ferrets nor stolen from gypsies. He has never appeared on reality TV (although he did reach the semi finals of a UK pop quiz when he was sixteen), plays no musical instruments and he can’t dance, either.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 7, 2024
Well written , interesting guide to start vinyl collecting. Gives tips on equipment, ideas on how to start. Explained what to look for on a record, talks about rare albums and includes coverage on 45s. Easy to read and easy to understand.
January 5, 2025
I ordered this after reading an Amazon review stating it was aimed at British collectors, written by someone who lives in Britain. The reviews goes on to warn that it talks at length about UK labels and acts, and many of the illustrations are of British records - which is exactly what I was looking for.
In fact, according to the book itself, the writer lives in Delaware. The alleged predominance of UK bands is largely accounted for by the fact that a lot of British bands have been very successful in the US (and elsewhere); and, as for illustrations, out of around 140 photos, I counted a dozen obvious British pressings. Around the same number as there are US 78s and cylinders; or, returning to vinyl, non-UK or US discs.
So if you can't believe a review, who can you believe? Try the evidence of your own eyes. This was one of the most entertaining, and informative, books on vinyl collecting that I have read, particularly in recent years. Far from obsessing on one country, the book covers music from across the western world and if there's any major criticism, it's that it doesn't go any further.
What I especially enjoyed was being led through histories of vinyl (and its forebears), and record players, amps and so on. Entertaining diversions into other forms of analog sound (8-tracks, reels, cassettes) are also welcome. I also found it interesting to read this alongside Eilon Paz's "Dust and Grooves" - while Dummies serves up an excellent overview, Paz offers fascinating case studies. But both authors make no secret of their passion for the subject.
In fact, according to the book itself, the writer lives in Delaware. The alleged predominance of UK bands is largely accounted for by the fact that a lot of British bands have been very successful in the US (and elsewhere); and, as for illustrations, out of around 140 photos, I counted a dozen obvious British pressings. Around the same number as there are US 78s and cylinders; or, returning to vinyl, non-UK or US discs.
So if you can't believe a review, who can you believe? Try the evidence of your own eyes. This was one of the most entertaining, and informative, books on vinyl collecting that I have read, particularly in recent years. Far from obsessing on one country, the book covers music from across the western world and if there's any major criticism, it's that it doesn't go any further.
What I especially enjoyed was being led through histories of vinyl (and its forebears), and record players, amps and so on. Entertaining diversions into other forms of analog sound (8-tracks, reels, cassettes) are also welcome. I also found it interesting to read this alongside Eilon Paz's "Dust and Grooves" - while Dummies serves up an excellent overview, Paz offers fascinating case studies. But both authors make no secret of their passion for the subject.
October 2, 2025
Call it an old man crisis, feeling my age, longing for my youth or whatever you want but recently I began collecting vinyl albums and 45s.
I am a child of the 1960s and 1970s. I grew up listening to Folk Rock, Motown, Heavy Metal,
singer-songwriter and relevant, Progressive and Conceptual Rock and Folk music.
Some of my favorite groups and individual singers include Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, The Moody Blues, Carol King, Creedance Clearwater Revival-you get the idea.
I grew in the Vietnam War era, a huge cultural shift, Woodstock and political upheaval.
A good friend of mine traded a lot of his old LPs and 45s for some of my collectibles such as toys, diecast-etc. I consider it a great trade.
Since I now own a sizable LP and 45 collection I was curious as to how to take care of my records, what’s the best stereo to play them on, what they are worth, what LPs are sought after and rare, how to store them, the history of records and when the time comes-how to sell them.
In Wiley Brand’s Vinyl Record Collecting For Dummies I discovered all the information I could possible want.
Author Dave Thompson has written and compiled an impressive guide about collecting vinyl records. From cleaning to storage the book covers it all complemented by photos, the different genres of music, the artists and so much more.
So, buy the book, set up your stereo, break out the LPs or 45s and get ready to ‘get in the groove!’
Ephesians 5:19
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.
I am a child of the 1960s and 1970s. I grew up listening to Folk Rock, Motown, Heavy Metal,
singer-songwriter and relevant, Progressive and Conceptual Rock and Folk music.
Some of my favorite groups and individual singers include Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, The Moody Blues, Carol King, Creedance Clearwater Revival-you get the idea.
I grew in the Vietnam War era, a huge cultural shift, Woodstock and political upheaval.
A good friend of mine traded a lot of his old LPs and 45s for some of my collectibles such as toys, diecast-etc. I consider it a great trade.
Since I now own a sizable LP and 45 collection I was curious as to how to take care of my records, what’s the best stereo to play them on, what they are worth, what LPs are sought after and rare, how to store them, the history of records and when the time comes-how to sell them.
In Wiley Brand’s Vinyl Record Collecting For Dummies I discovered all the information I could possible want.
Author Dave Thompson has written and compiled an impressive guide about collecting vinyl records. From cleaning to storage the book covers it all complemented by photos, the different genres of music, the artists and so much more.
So, buy the book, set up your stereo, break out the LPs or 45s and get ready to ‘get in the groove!’
Ephesians 5:19
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.
May 17, 2025
Lots of good info compressed in a single book. great starter!
November 13, 2025
Good entry point. Some excellent background
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews