I’ve been collecting vinyl records ever since I was a young teenager, some 39 years to be exact. But it’s important to state, here and now, that I am in no way, shape or form an expert on record collecting. Far from it in fact. Truth be told, I couldn’t tell one copy of The Beatles’ White Album from the next, not without seeing and handling the actual records first, and not without fully researching them either. And even then I’d probably struggle.

It’s also important to say that, despite being a collector for almost 40 years, my collection isn’t all that extensive, and only consists of around 350 records (at the time of writing), including LPs and 7”, 10” and 12” singles, made up mainly of rock and heavy metal releases. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a particularly big collection at all.

But in all fairness to myself, for around 21 of those 39 years, my collection was in storage at my parents’ house, for numerous reasons: house moves, kids with sticky fingers and a need to meddle, and a separation and divorce, to name but a few. Then, when I finally did settle down again and was reunited with my collection, it’s safe to say there was definitely less of it than I remember having originally. Lost. Misplaced. Discarded. Stolen… who knows? All I know is that there are definitely records missing that now need replacing.

The reason for this post, however, isn’t to discuss how many records I may or may not have, nor is it to talk about which bands or genres of music may or may not feature in my collection. The reason I wanted to write this post was to explore the difference between older vinyl records and the newer vinyl produced for today’s market, and their collectability… Which releases sound better, and which are more valuable to collectors.

After joining numerous online groups centred primarily around the buying, selling and collecting of vinyl records in recent months, I’ve quickly come to realise that many different people have many different opinions on the subject. Some insist that new releases don’t belong in a collection at all. Others even claim there’s no such thing as vinyls, only records, and that anyone who uses the word vinyl isn’t a proper collector. Ridiculous and petty, I know.

So what are the differences? And why should it matter?

For me personally, it doesn’t matter. I’ll quite happily state for the record (if you’ll excuse the pun) that my collection, although mainly made up of original releases from the late ’60s through to the early-to-mid ’90s, it also includes numerous later re‑releases, as well as an ever‑growing selection of new, modern day releases. To me, a record collection should be as individual as the individual that’s collecting them, after all, it’s their collection, no one else’s.

Whatever your opinion, it’s a fact: vinyl records have most definitely made a massive comeback. Their popularity steadily increasing since the mid‑2000s, and in 2022, worldwide vinyl sales surpassed those of CDs, making vinyl the most‑purchased physical music format once again, and for the first time since 1987.

Older records generally refer to those pressed and released between the 1950s and the mid‑to‑late 1980s, which were mastered and pressed directly from the original analogue tape recordings, offering what many consider to be a more natural sound than that found on later pressings.

Typically pressed onto thicker 180g plastic, sometimes referred to as heavyweight, in order to help improve durability, older records, particularly those original pressings of some classic albums, often hold the greatest historical, sentimental, and monetary value to collectors. Though such records are far from immune to damage and poor sound quality, which majorly devalues them.

With most things in life, hand-in-hand with age comes wear-and-tear, and those records that have been around for many decades, if not handled with care, may show significant signs of surface noise in the form of pops and crackles which develop over time as a result of scratches, dust and groove damage. The sound quality may degrade, especially where a record has been played repetitively over a period of time, and there’s also a distinct possibility that the record itself may have been crudely mastered or pressed in the first place, due to financial constrictions or limitations in technology available at the time of recording and/or pressing.

Older records may have also become brittle over time due to exposure to heat or direct sunlight, making them prone to breaking or cracking, and if not handled, protected, and stored in the correct way, may also show signs of visible edge damage.

Newer records however… those produced in more recent years using standard digital recording and mastering technologies rather than analogue tapes, including both new releases and re‑issues of older material, allow for greater precision in editing and mixing. Though some collectors argue that this increased precision comes at the expense of the warmth, depth, and overall character associated with older analogue recordings.

Newer records can also offer a wider range of formats. Individually numbered limited‑edition releases, coloured or multicoloured vinyl, splatter vinyl, and picture discs, for example, are often far more appealing to collectors. Many of these editions will no doubt become harder to obtain over time, growing more desirable and more valuable in their own right.

The availability of newer records can also be more appealing to collectors, particularly those just starting out. With many retailers, both online and on the high street, as well as many bands’ own online merchandise stores, it has become far easier to purchase records, making the task of hunting through second‑hand shops and record fairs redundant to some degree. Though for me personally, I prefer nothing more than a good rummage… There really are some amazing bargains and treasures to be found.

Newer records today however, despite the widespread use of modern technologies, are still far from perfect. Many releases falling short in terms of quality control and the final product. Warping, off‑centre spindle holes, and non-fill (missing grooves) can cause significant issues, particularly with mass‑produced releases. And of course, newer records remain just as vulnerable to the same wear-and-tear as their older counterparts if not handled, treated, and stored correctly.

My collection is stored in purpose‑built storage units that stand in a cool corner of the living room, away from direct heat and sunlight. Each record is stored upright in its own 450‑gauge polythene sleeve and never laid flat. This not only helps to protect the record itself from warping and other such damage, but also helps to preserve the original sleeves and inserts, which are equally as important to some collectors.

I never try to cram too many records onto a single shelf, leaving small gaps to allow air to circulate and to prevent sweating or condensation forming on or inside the polythene sleeves. At the same time, I make sure there isn’t so much space that the records begin to lean to one side or the other. Another sure way to cause warping.

No doubt some will say I’m doing it all wrong, but this method has always worked best for me, and to date, I’ve never had a problem… Touch wood.

When it comes to the sound quality of newer records, particularly those mastered from high‑resolution digital files rather than analogue tapes, the jury is still well and truly out for many collectors, with sound quality varying considerably, depending on the overall production of the record.

Re‑issues of older pressings are a good example of this. Some specialist labels are able to produce sound quality that is comparable to, if not better than, the original releases. Others however, rely on compressed digital files intended for streaming or CD formats, which can result in a flat and lacklustre sound when pressed to vinyl. Ultimately, though, sound quality remains a matter of personal preference and opinion.

Record sleeves, inner sleeves, and original inserts such as lyric sheets, posters, stickers etc. are also as equally important to some collectors as the records are themselves. So it’s equally as important to look after those too. No matter how good or rare a certain record may be, some collectors won’t even consider purchasing them if the record sleeve is damaged, worn, defaced, or has been replaced by a non-original generic sleeve, or if any of the inserts are damaged or missing. Storing your records correctly and safely, as mentioned earlier, is one way to make sure that your record sleeves and any additional inserts are kept safe from loss or damage.

I’m sad to say that many of my records from my teenage years contained posters and the like that I just couldn’t wait to pin to my bedroom walls. These inevitably got damaged and torn over the years, and many were later taken down and simply thrown away, devaluing the records they came with there and then. Kids eh?

Then there’s records with autographed sleeves. Don’t think for one second that just because a record sleeve is autographed, it’s instantly worth more money, because that’s seldom the case.

Agreed, if you happen to own a rare Beatles album which has been signed by the Fab 4 back in their hay-day, and the authenticity has been verified, then yeah! Chances are you’re probably sitting on a small fortune… but an autographed copy of a new album by an artist most people have never heard of?… Unless that artist eventually makes it big or becomes mega famous in the future for whatever reason… Then the chances are, all that that signature’s probably done, is defaced the sleeve and therefore devalued the record somewhat. Remember, not everything that glitters is gold.

So which is more collectable and more valuable?… older vinyl, or new?

Without a shadow of a doubt, older vinyl records will always be the more sought‑after, especially original first pressings by artists such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Elvis Presley, to name just a few. Particularly rare editions featuring unique elements such as sleeve or label misprints, alternative sleeves, banned sleeves, or records with the wrong label on the wrong side, which can sometimes command prices in the thousands. Such records are ideal for investors or for anyone else who simply wants to own a rare piece of musical history.

But be warned: condition is everything, and mint copies will always be far more valuable than those showing even the slightest signs of wear. There are also many counterfeit records on today’s market, particularly fakes of high‑value titles, so a good deal of knowledge, patience and, yes, money is required if you intend to take collecting older records seriously. Always verify the authenticity of any record before handing over your cash.

That’s not to say though, that newer records can’t be collectable too, or that they won’t prove to be good investments in the future. As mentioned earlier, individually numbered limited‑edition releases, coloured vinyls, and editions sold in special packaging such as box sets, record tins or limited‑edition alternative sleeves, especially those that eventually go out of print, will almost certainly increase in value and desirability over time. So it’s always worth taking a punt. And if not, you can still enjoy the fact that you own a record that perhaps only another 9,999 people in the world might own.

However you choose to start or grow your record collection, whether it consists solely of older, more valuable originals, only newer and more affordable vinyl, or a mixture of records in all shapes, sizes, values and ages, always try and keep it personal to you. There are no right or wrong answers, regardless of what some people may say or think.

Start with the music, artists, and releases that mean something to you personally, regardless of whether it’s a vintage album that was released 5 decades ago, or a brand new release that no ones ever heard of from 5 days ago.

Mix it up a little… Your collection doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around one artist or one genre of music, nor are there any laws which state you have to own every record ever released by a certain artist just for the sake of it. If they released material you don’t like… why bother buying it?

Do your research and always exercise due diligence, especially when it comes to making big cash purchases, and wherever possible, always try to inspect a prospective purchase first, for warping, scratches, damage, and other tell-tale signs that something just isn’t right.

Finally, never spend above your means. Keep your collection affordable, and treat each record with the care and respect it deserves. Whether you’re collecting them as an investment for the future, or whether you intend holding on to them for the rest of your life. Building a record collection takes a lot of time, money, and effort, and you don’t need to spend every last penny you have in the bank in order to buy every record you want in one go… Take your time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint… and remember one thing…

Records are for listening to, not just for staring at. Enjoy them.