Buy Music Records

About Vinyl Records

The way we listen to music has changed over time. Before CDs, cassettes and 8-track tapes, vinyl records were the popular choice. As time went on and music styles changed, records were used in a variety of ways to create sounds, such as “scratching” by DJs and others. Still popular in some clubs today, the style adds a new dimension to the tunes being played. However, this practice always leads to damaging the record, rendering it full of scratches and useless for future listening. Fortunately, not all records have suffered this fate and you can still find some great gems.

When were music records created?

Thomas Edison created the first phonograph and record in 1877. At the time, it was originally used as a recording device, not for music. The original records were made of hard rubber, which did not have the best sound quality, and later made in 1898 with shellac. It was not until the 1950s when vinyl plastic material was introduced that the sound quality and durability of the records improved.

Vinyl records were produced in different sizes and playback speeds, including:

• LP (long-playing) standard records that play up to 30 minutes per side, are 12” in width, and spin at about 33 1/3 rotations per minute. Most of your full-length music albums were produced in this format.
• EP (extended-playing) records play up to 25 minutes per side, are 7” wide, and play at a 45 and 78 rotation speed. Vinyl records with these dimensions most commonly had single releases due to their smaller size, making it easier for marketing distribution.

Where to Buy Music Records

There are several options you can consider when you want to buy music records.

eBay

DJ scratching record

eBay is one of the top auction websites where you can buy and sell just about anything. You can get some great deals on vinyl music records by running a simple search. The only drawback is that you cannot see the items in person before purchasing. Most auctions will have photos, which do help. However, considering how expensive record auctions can go, it may be worth the risk. Also, you can always ask the seller if they are willing to send you additional pictures of the item.

Thinking of bidding? If you don’t have an account with them, signing up is free and easy to do. You will only have to worry about money once you have won an auction (or you decide to sell items yourself).

Other Websites

• Music Stack.com: This website compiles a price comparison of several online retailers and individuals who sell records and CDs. Search for an artist and click on any listing you are interested in purchasing.

• Gemm.com (Global Electronic Music Marketplace): Here you can buy music records from stores and individual sellers. Do a search for your favorite artists to see a large selection of choices. The website offers a description of the item’s condition and sellers’ ratings so you can see how others have liked purchasing from them.

• Forever Vinyl: This site specializes in finding rare vinyl records. Their rating system on the conditions of records they have in stock lets you know ahead of time what you would be receiving in the mail. They accept checks, credit cards, and PayPal. Forever Vinyl also offers appraisal of items (for a fee).

If you’re looking to buy music records, the Internet is a great resource. You can find great deals through online auctions, or buy directly from retailers and private parties. Happy hunting!

By Sheila Robinson