HWSC presents: Vinyl Buyer's Guide
Good evening!
I would like to say a big thank you to anyone that has been listening to the podcast so far.
Unless we say otherwise in a specific episode, all of the records discussed on the podcast are available. Eventually, we’ll get around to learning about the NIPs for markets and stuff. And we’re open to suggestions. But for now, this is how we see it working.
Part 1: Club Vinyl
Club Vinyl is available at fair market value (FMV), priced in sats.
Since the price of vinyl fluctuates and Bitcoin is volatile, it isn’t really feasible to announce a “sticker price” while recording podcast episodes.
For your convenience, each Companion post contains a link to the pressing details on Discogs, and you will see a range of prices based on recent sales history for the record in question (reported as low, median, and high). You can search current listings on the site to get an idea of FMV for various record conditions (see below). Discogs is not the only marketplace, but it’s a good one.
When you’re ready to discuss offers or quotes (or if you have any questions), please reach out to the Club or myself. Mentions or DMs are fine. Or if you would prefer, you can send an email to hotwaxclub@proton.me .
We will also update companion posts when records are no longer available, but if you are ever unsure, contact us to confirm the availability.
If you are not new to buying vinyl records, this process probably doesn’t sound that unusual to you. But if buying vinyl records is new territory for you, don’t feel intimidated! We are happy to help.
Common Grading System: a code assigned to describe the record’s condition.
The lettering system is sorta universal/intuitive, but I added notes for extra context and to clarify what I mean when I use those labels.
Sometimes it is important to specify if the record itself has a different condition from the other components (ex: vinyl is VG+, sleeve is G).
Mint (M): This means absolutely perfect, usually sealed. I pretty much never describe something this way, because it gets into the weeds. If you know anything about vinyl, sometimes you open a sealed one and there’s already lint or other particles on it inside the package. So much for “looks like it just came off the press”. It’s too subjective of a standard and sometimes it seems like sellers are trying to invent value that isn’t there. Or the supposed value is something other than listening to the thing. Just my opinion.
Near Mint (NM): This is how I describe most of the records that were bought new and there’s only been one owner. If the record still looks and sounds like new, this is what I’m thinking of.
Very Good Plus (VG+): The sweet spot. It might show some light scuffs or surface marks, but it shouldn’t affect the play. It should have little to no surface noise.
Very Good (VG): It might seem more like a stereotypical “used record.” Surface noise is more apparent, especially during quiet parts, and you might not even notice once the music gets going.Most of the Club’s records are in these 3 categories.
**Good (G): **To be honest, oftentimes things labeled “good” are actually just bad records. It might not skip, but there will be visible scratches and scuffs, and worse, you’ll hear significant surface noise. It’s not always that bad, and surface noise is subjective. But for any record described as G, I would recommend listening to it in person (if possible) before committing to the purchase. Personally, I’m wary of buying anything online labeled G.
**Good Plus, Fair, and Poor (G+, F, P): **These are all pretty much the same to me…which is basically unlistenable. The value in owning them is usually something like novelty, bragging rights, aesthetics/decoration, or something else other than how it sounds.
Part 2: Vinyl in the Wild (TBD)
We have plans to come back around and publish a part 2 as a guide for when you’re shopping for vinyl IRL! Although you can always reach out to ask for tips if part 2 isn’t out yet.
