Author: Andrew

Whether you own five or five hundred records, organizing your vinyl collection can be tricky. There are lots of ways to organize records, but depending on the size of your collection, how often you play the records, and how you’d like to display your collection, some options are better than others. 

Here are a few great ways to organize your vinyl record collection: 

1. By genre 
2. By value 
3. Alphabetically  
4. Chronologically 
5. Aesthetically (by Album Art)

Let’s discuss each of these organizational methods, how to implement them, and why they might be a great fit for you. Additionally, most of these methods can be done in combination, as organizing your collection should be best fit for your listening habits and taste. 

1. By Genre

Organizing by genre can be an excellent way to make your collection organized but still easy to access.To divide by genre, first, decide which genres most of your records fall into.These can include:

• Rock
• Pop
• Hip Hop
• Electronic/Dance
• Indie 
• Jazz

Once you have an idea of which categories your music falls into, start dividing the records.You can do this by separating record genres into stacks or boxes, as you can always arrange them on an organizer afterward. 

Once you have your music sorted by genre, it’s time to put everything away. You can also use this process to take out items you’d instead donate or sell.This way, you’ll free up room for new records in your collection. 

The most significant benefit of organizing by genre is how easy it makes listening. If you’re in the mood to hear a genre rather than a particular artist, organizing this way makes it incredibly easy to locate records, even out of extensive collections. It’s also an excellent fit for people who enjoy the way streaming platforms like Spotify and Pandora categorize music. 

However, one downside of this method is that many albums don’t fall into concrete genres. It’s difficult to classify certain records if they’re genre-bending, experimental, or just don’t fit with your typical listening tastes. 

Another thing to consider is how many records you have within a genre. If you mostly listen to hip hop, you may want an additional method of organization within the division by genre. You could do this by implementing almost any other option on this list. 

The best way to organize by genre is through a shelving system, which you can easily create by designating a record organizing rack (or racks) for each genre. 

For an excellent record rack to organize by genre, check out this KAIU Vinyl Record Storage Holder from Amazon.com. 

2. By Value

If you sell records as a side hustle, this is the option for you. Organizing by value is a great way to divide your record collection if you eventually plan on selling items in your collection. Or, you could do this as a way to prioritize higher value records, as many collectors like to show off their most prized items. 

Organizing by value can be done similarly to organizing by genre. However, keep in mind that stacking records or not relocating them can compromise the album’s condition. For example, if you have a mint-condition record, you wouldn’t want to put it at the bottom of a stack where it could be damaged. 

This organizational method can be complicated for those unfamiliar with record values. However, there are plenty of helpful resources for determining record value. Moreover, even if you don’t want to sell your records in the near future, it’s good to know the value of some records to help you take better care of valuable items. 

Most collectors use the Goldmine Grading System, which you’re already familiar with if you’ve bought a record listed as “mint,” “excellent,” or “fair.” This grading system is widespread, so familiarizing yourself with it in order to organize your record collection is truly a helpful skill for any collector. 

Organizing by value doesn’t require any special equipment, apart from sturdy shelving that applies to any method of organization. But if you’re dealing with high-value records, it’s wise to purchase some protective sleeves. These Invest In Vinyl Plastic Sleeves from Amazon.com are perfect for collectors that want to keep their vinyl in the best condition possible. 

3. Alphabetically

Organizing your vinyl records alphabetically is perhaps the most versatile option on this list. If you want to organize alphabetically, you could use a variety of different alphabetizing systems, such as: 

• Artist first name
• Artist last name 
• Record title 
• Artist name + record title 

How you choose to alphabetize your records depends on how many records you have by a particular artist (for example, if you have all thirty-nine Prince albums, organizing by artist name alone won’t help you very much). 

However, if you have a few albums by each of your favorite artists, this can be a perfect way to organize your records. Dividing your collection by artist name, in particular, is an excellent fit for people who are more fans of individual artists rather than one specific genre. 

Alphabetizing is an excellent option for people who love Spotify’s “This Is” playlists or enjoy an artist’s complete collection. Organizing this way allows these kinds of listeners to have an artist’s discography easily accessible. 

Alphabetizing by album name is also a good choice, but not for certain collectors. Suppose you consider it disrespectful to put Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour next to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, for example. In that case, this method won’t be the best option for you. 

The other major downside of alphabetizing by album name is it may be hard to remember what songs are on which albums. When artists aren’t grouped together, you may have to pull multiple records to find a particular song. 

All in all, alphabetizing by last name/band name is probably your best option. This way, all of the music from one artist is kept together but still organized. Plus, you can take out records and play them without too much hassle in finding their exact home on your shelf when you’re done.  

If this method sounds like a good fit for you, consider some alphabetical tabs for organizing your records. These Cap Collectibles Black Vertical Record Dividers from Amazon.com are the perfect way to make your collection even more organized and accessible. 

4. Chronology 

Whether you love music from a specific time period or you like seeing how artists progress, organizing your music chronologically can be perfect for some collectors. 

Organizing chronologically has an additional benefit for fans of artists with defined eras. For fans of Taylor Swift, for example, a chronologically organized record collection would show the shift from country, to country-pop, to pop, to indie pop. 

One downside of organizing your records based on when they were released is that this system makes rereleases, remasters, and special/limited edition records hard to classify. If you want to categorize your copy of Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night, but it’s the 2017 remaster, then how do you classify it?

If this issue doesn’t bother you, though, it’s a wonderful option for organizing your vinyl collection. 

5. Aesthetically (by Album Art)

If you love your records and pride yourself on your vinyl collection, why not display it? Organizing your records by cover art is a perfect option for those who listen to their records frequently and want to show them off. 

One advantage to organizing your records like this is that you can do it in addition to another organizational method. If you have ten favorite albums, display them on your wall or prominently on your shelf, and have the rest organized by band name, for example. 

Why You Should Organize Your Vinyl Records

There are lots of benefits to organizing your record collection, and although it can be a time-consuming task, it’s well worth the effort. Organizing your records:

• Makes them easier to listen to. You can’t listen to your records if they’re in a box in the attic.Organizing your records makes them easily accessible so you can play them as often as you’d like. 
• Keeps them in good condition. Disorganized stacks of records collect dust, fray at the edges, and even get bent or scratched. Making sure your collection is in a comprehensive, organized arrangement will keep them upright, easy to dust, and damage-free. Additionally, keeping your records in good condition means you have the option of selling them later, which is discussed more below. 
• Helps you know the contents of your collection. Perhaps your collection has reached the point where you don’t even know what you have anymore. Organizing your records gives you the opportunity to see what you have and remember to revisit albums you used to love. However, you should remember to remain disciplined and whenever you listen to one record, put it away afterward. 
• Gives you the chance to switch things up. Part of the fun of collecting records is getting to add to your collection! Reorganizing your records lets you know what you can get rid of and what you’d like to add to your vinyl repertoire. Even if you don’t want to sell some of your records, you can always purchase new ones that you forgot you wanted. 

Things To Consider

When deciding to organize your record collection and choose the best method for you, there are a few things to keep in mind, as not every organizational strategy will suit every collector. 

• Time 
• Number of records
• Frequency of use

Time 

If you have over 100 records, organizing them chronologically, for example, might require a little more research than you’d like to put in. Moreover, if you don’t want to spend a lot of time organizing your record collection, grading every single record to find its value may be too much work. 

If you’re willing to start a slightly more significant undertaking, however, finding the value of all of your records or alphabetizing may be well worth your time. 

Number of Records

If you have hundreds of records, you likely can’t display all of them on your walls. However, other methods of organizing can be perfect for those with extensive vinyl collections. Alphabetizing by band name, for example, can be a beneficial investment of your time if you have lots of records and no way of knowing how to find anything. 

Frequency of Use

If you listen to one or two albums year-round, organize your collection accordingly. Your records are for you to enjoy, so keeping it stuck between two records on your shelf that you never listen to doesn’t benefit anyone. 

If you have just a few records you love more than the rest, consider organizing album art and displaying them on your wall. This method not only makes them super easy to access, but displaying these albums is also a way of expressing your love for particular music. 

You could also dedicate an extra shelf to the records you last played. This way, you can access the ones that seem more appealing to you or fit your mood. 

Final Thoughts

Organizing your record collection can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. There are many ways to organize vinyl, but a few stand out as the easiest and most accessible for most collectors. 

For most listeners, organizing music by band name and artist last name is helpful, easy, and efficient. However, other listeners may benefit from displaying their records and organizing by the cover art. 

However you choose to organize your music, doing so makes it easier to access and appreciate your vinyl collection.  

Vinyl records have been exploding in popularity over the past decade. From popular artists releasing limited edition LPs to the comeback of record players, you may be wondering if there’s a market for selling your vinyl records. 

Here are the main places where you can sell your vinyl records:

1. Local record stores
2. Book shops
3. Antique stores
4. Online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Mercari
5. Social media

Whether you’re a casual vinyl listener or you’ve been collecting for decades, there are plenty of great ways to sell your records near you and online. In this article, we’ll discuss the best places to sell your vinyl records, as well as all the information you’ll need to get started. 

1. Local Record Stores

Local record stores can be a good way to support small businesses and get some extra cash for your vinyl. 

Stores like We Buy Records (Chicago and Midwest), Amoeba (Los Angeles),  Rough Trade (Brooklyn, New York), and Criminal Records (Atlanta) are all great spots depending on what part of the US you’re selling in. All of these, as well as tons of other record stores across the country, also have online shops!

The downside of selling with record stores is that they still need to make a profit, meaning you’ll probably only receive about 20-30% of what you paid for the record. However, it may be okay if you have an extensive collection you want to get rid of, or if you bought a record at a thrift or antique store at an excellent price. 

But the negative parts of selling with a record store may be worth it for those looking to save time. Choosing one of these shops instead of selling on an online platform or through social media means you’ll probably get paid much faster, as there’s usually not too much hassle with determining the sell rate. 

2. Book Shops 

Depending on where you live, there may be used bookstores interested in buying your vinyl records. Many places that buy books, DVDs, and CDs also appeal to a clientele that buys vinyl, meaning you’re likely to find book stores willing to pay for records, too. 

Unfortunately, book stores have the same downsides as record stores in that you probably won’t make very much off of the sale. Again, that’s good for people with extensive collections or records that don’t mean much to them, but it’s probably not the best option for those looking to sell pretty valuable records. 

Like record stores, however, selling at a bookstore almost guarantees quick cash. It may not be as much as they’ll sell the record for, but selling this way does have a speedy turnaround compared to some of the other options on this list. 

3. Antique Stores

Like the previous two, antique stores will buy from you, but the rate may be less than ideal. However, what separates selling here from the last two is that you can sell multiple items here, not just music, movies, and books. If you have any sizable collection of antique items, including vinyl records, it may be wise to sell with an antique store rather than other places. 

One limitation is that antique stores may not want newer vinyl records. However, if you have collectible records or older records in reasonably good condition, antique stores may be the right place for you to cash in. 

4. Online Platforms 

Online platforms, which are discussed in detail later in this article, can be a solid option for those willing to spend a bit more time finding the right buyer. Websites like Discogs, eBay, and Mercari can be hit or miss for some users, but they prove to be a valuable and lucrative way to sell vinyls for others. 

There are two significant drawbacks to using online platforms. The first is the fees you have to pay for your sales. Depending on the site, you can expect to pay anywhere near 3-15% of your list price, not including shipping. 

If you sell a record for $200, this fee isn’t terrible. Considering a record store may not give you $170 for the record, it could be a great option. However, factoring in shipping, plus time waiting for the item to sell, plus the original price you paid for the record can all impact profit. 

The second drawback is negotiation and bidding. It’s less acceptable on certain platforms, but on eBay and Mercari, it’s virtually the entire means of making sales. It can feel like a massive waste of time for some people, especially considering there’s no guarantee that the potential buyer will even follow through with the purchase. 

These factors will be discussed further in the sections about the benefits and limitations of selling records online. 

5. Social Media 

If you’re relatively active on social media, using your platform to sell records may be an excellent fit for you. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are built around connecting with people you either know or share interests with. If you’re a vinyl collector looking to sell some of your records, it’s likely you already know people who’d be interested in buying them. 

Facebook and Instagram are also relatively easy to list items on, as you can make a Facebook page for your online record shop. For Instagram, you can create a pinned Instagram story with listings for the records you’re selling. Prices can be negotiated, but unlike other online methods of record selling, you can also choose to make the prices firm. 

When using social media, it’s important to remember that there’s still little guarantee that interested buyers will actually follow through. Similar to other online platforms, the process for selling can be slower, more tedious, and less certain. However, if you find the right buyer, this venture can be incredibly profitable. 

Best Places To Sell Records Online

Here are some of the best places to sell records online:

1. Discogs

Launched in 2000, Discogs is probably the most well-known online platform for selling records. Because it’s been operating for over twenty years, the site is not only a great place to sell vinyl, but also an excellent resource for learning about it. The site hosts a blog, forum, and even groups (similar to Reddit Subreddits) for fans and collectors of particular genres of records. 

The site has over 45 million records listed, making it a great place for buying and selling. Additionally, between Discog guides and user forums, there’s no shortage of information on how to sell your records on the site. All in all, it’s an excellent option for selling vinyl. 

2. eBay

There’s a good chance you’ve bought something from eBay before; it’s one of the most used websites in the world for buying and selling almost anything, including vinyl records. 

Although eBay’s bidding system can be frustrating for some, it separates this platform from others and allows you to make a lot more money on a sale than other sites. 

However, eBay charges some of the highest fees of the websites on this list, so keep that in mind when considering it over other options. 

3. CD and LP

Like Discogs, CD and LP has been around for quite a while. Founded in 2002, the site has been a staple in the record world for years and currently hosts over 15 million record listings. 

One unique part of CD and LP is their international market. Although sites like Discogs and eBay host sellers from all over the world, CD and LP operates out of Saint Etienne, France, making it especially good for finding music you may not be able to in the US. 

If you’re an international seller or just a collector looking for another place to list records, CD and LP is a perfectly acceptable option. 

4. Your Own Website

While building your own website may sound like too much work, it’s relatively easy with sites like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. If you have any kind of experience with these sites, you’ll know they make building your own website relatively straightforward. If you’re a seller looking for greater independence and less competition, this option could be for you. 

If you’re only selling a few records, it’s probably easier and less time-consuming to choose a different method of selling your vinyl. However, if you want to make selling records a long-term side hustle, making your own website may be just what you need to make your business take off. 

5. Etsy

The benefit of using Etsy to sell vinyl is twofold. First, Etsy is one of the only places that allows you to turn a profit on junk records. If you have a sizable collection of records that unfortunately aren’t in excellent condition or just aren’t valuable, Etsy is a great place to sell them as craft supplies. 

While Etsy can keep poor condition records out of thrift stores and into your pocket, it’s also suitable for selling collectibles. A search for “Beatles Vinyl Record” on Etsy, for example, pulls up thousands of product listings, some of which selling for hundreds of dollars. 

Another benefit of Etsy is that they take a 5% transaction fee, which is far lower than other fees on this list. 

6. Mercari

Like eBay, Mercari is a platform for almost everything. Unlike eBay, however, Mercari appeals to a younger generation, as it’s a relatively new platform and is mainly used to sell clothing for teenagers and young adults. 

Mercari is an excellent option for collectors looking to sell newer vinyls, as the target audience for these records is more likely to search for them on Mercari (or similar platforms, such as Depop and Poshmark). 

Factors To Consider Before Selling

If you’re just getting started selling records, either online or near you, there are several things to learn about and consider first. 

The Condition of Your Record(s)

Many novice sellers and collectors can’t distinguish between different record conditions. When you go to sell and don’t know the condition of your product, you open yourself up to lower payment and lowballing. 

The Availability of Your Record

A quick Google search will immediately let you know if a record you want $150 for is all over eBay selling for $15. If the record seems relatively hard to find, you’ll want to be aware of it before making an asking price. 

The Time You Want To Put In

If you don’t want to wait around for days (or possibly longer) for your records to sell, look into local options that will buy immediately. If you’re willing to put in more time and be more patient with your sales, selling online may be better. 

Your Buyer

If you have a limited edition vinyl record of Harry Styles’ Fine Line or Taylor Swift’s folklore, you should probably market it to a different type of collector than a Pink Floyd or Queen album. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s essential to remember that a potential buyer may be more likely to purchase from certain platforms. 

For example, you would probably want to sell Fine Line on social media, Etsy, or Mercari, since platforms like Discogs and eBay are less popular with younger vinyl collectors. 

Benefits of Selling Vinyl Records Online

There can be many benefits to selling your records online, and for many collectors, online platforms work much better than selling in person at a physical record store. 

Here are some of the benefits you can get from selling your vinyl records online:

Can Be Much More Profitable Than Selling Near You

If you have particular records you know are pretty valuable, you can earn more profit. If you have one of these records, it wouldn’t make sense to settle on selling it for 20-30% of its value. While record stores can be great for some records, others that you know you could profit from are worth putting more time into selling. 

May Be a Better Use of Your Time

You can better use your time selling vinyl online depending on how close you live to a record or book store. Even though you may have to wait longer between when you list the record to sell and when you sell it, you won’t have to drive somewhere, have the record or record collection appraised, and then sell it. Selling online can mostly be done from your couch!

More Control Over the Price 

If you go to a record store to sell something, the price they offer you is almost always final. With selling online, especially on social media, multiple buyers may offer different prices, and you can choose the highest one. 

Limitations of Selling Vinyl Records Online

While selling online is definitely the better option for some, there are a few drawbacks to consider when choosing it over other options.  

Your Buyer May Want To Negotiate

This was discussed briefly earlier, but it’s important to mention again as this can be a significant factor in choosing to sell online, especially on Mercari or Facebook Marketplace. 

If negotiation is an option on your chosen platform, potential buyers will likely try to get the lowest price possible. Although this is understandable, it can be very frustrating to receive offers of one-third of your asking price. Moreover, more informal platforms like Instagram or Facebook are sometimes home to unclear or poorly communicated requests from buyers, further complicating the selling process. 

If you’d like to avoid negotiation, there are some online platforms where it’s unacceptable. On Etsy, for example, you can message sellers for requests, but there’s no option for buyers to specifically ask for a lower price. On platforms like eBay, sellers can list items as “Buy It Now,” with no possibility of placing bids. 

You May Not Want To Deal With Shipping

If you use social media, you could make agreements with your buyers to come and pick up the item from you, but with other platforms, you’ll likely need to ship the record to them. 

It’s a major drawback for some people, depending on how many records you want to sell and where you want to sell them. If you only ship within the United States and are only planning on selling a few records, it shouldn’t be too much hassle. However, going back and forth to the post office, dealing with international shipping fees, and shipping heavier packages can all be reasons sellers find online sales less than ideal. 

Most Platforms Charge Fees

If you’re selling a record in mint or near mint condition, you’re probably going to turn a good profit from it, making fees from online platforms manageable. However, if you’re selling less valuable records, shipping costs plus platform fees might be more trouble than it’s worth. 

These downsides may be enough to turn some sellers towards in-person vinyl selling, but it’s worth the effort and potential expenses for others. Selling online can be a great option, but weigh the pros and cons of doing so with your goals for selling vinyl. If you decide it’s not worth it, there are plenty of benefits to selling at a record, book, or antique store. 

Benefits of Selling Near You

If selling online sounds like a bit too much for you, selling near you at a physical store definitely has its upsides. 

You Can Avoid Fees From Online Platforms

This is discussed above, but it’s especially important for sellers looking to sell multiple, slightly lower value records. While you will be paid less at a record store than the vinyl will be sold for, this is still a better option for some. 

Helps Support Your Local Music Community and Small Businesses

Because it’s so easy to shop online, many bookstores and music shops lose business and customers to internet retail. Selling at a record shop helps keep local, community-oriented businesses afloat and supports your neighborhood music fans. 

Can Save You Time

Not only can you walk out of a record store with cash in hand, selling to a record store means selling to experts. If you have records you want off your hands but don’t know much about collecting them, selling locally can save you the research and time required to appraise your vinyl. 

Limitations of Selling Vinyl Records Near You

While selling vinyl records has a lot of benefits, there are a few things to consider before choosing to sell this way. 

Expect a Low Rate

Record stores have to make a profit, which means you’ll get significantly less for your record than you may want. It’s probably the biggest drawback of selling locally and possibly the biggest deal breaker for some sellers. 

It’s Not the Best Option for Very Valuable Records

If you have a record you know is valuable, either because it’s in excellent condition, sealed, or limited edition, put in the extra time and effort in selling it online. Collector’s items often sell much better online as you can take advantage of bidding and being selective about your buyer. 

Why Sell Vinyl Records

Over the past few years, vinyl records have become extremely popular. Although most artists release their music on streaming platforms, there’s still an enormous (and lucrative!) market for vinyl. That’s partially because the availability of affordable record players has also gone up

Buying and selling vinyl is also popular among a wide variety of people. Because music fans have been buying and selling vinyl records since the late 1940s and early 1950s, there’s no shortage of record collectors and record marketplaces.  

Selling vinyl can also be a great side hustle. If you’re knowledgeable about your records, there are lots of ways to sell your records successfully at a potentially lucrative rate. 

Additionally, selling vinyl within your community is a great way to build connections with other music collectors. Because vinyl has been around so long, collectors often come from all different backgrounds and age groups. If you meet someone who isn’t interested in buying from you, it’s possible they may know someone else in the community you could sell to. 

Finally, selling your vinyl is the perfect way to expand your collection. Everyone has music that will always be meaningful to them, but music tastes and preferences are constantly changing. Selling your records is a great way to clear some space on your shelf for things you’ll listen to more, which means you’re also giving someone else the chance to hear something new. 

Final Thoughts

Selling vinyl records can be overwhelming, mainly because there are so many options for doing so. However, picking the right option depends on how much you’re selling, how much time you have, and what prices you want to charge. 

For selling locally, opt for a record, book, or antique store. These may give you lower rates than online options, but they will probably be much faster. 

For selling online, Discogs, eBay, and Mercari are great options, but negotiation, time commitment, and shipping should be considered so you can decide the best way to sell your vinyl. 

Related articles:

• The 9 Best Places to Buy Vinyl Records Online
• The 12 Best Places To Buy Used Vinyl Records Online

Vinyl records have surged in popularity. Perhaps to the surprise and delight of many, outliving other mediums like CDs (compact discs) and MP3 players. If you are one of the many interested in buying and collecting vinyl records, you likely have many questions. A popular question is how many tracks fit on a vinyl record? 

There is no set amount of tracks that will fit on a vinyl record. Vinyl records are available in three standard sizes. The size impacts the number of tracks it can hold. You can expect to fit one to twelve songs on a vinyl record between the three standard sizes

As you may realize, figuring out how many tracks will fit on a vinyl record is complex. You must factor in the size of the vinyl record and the speed. This article will elaborate on the variances of vinyl records to help you determine how many tracks you can expect to find on a vinyl record. 

Standard Size of Vinyl Records 

There are three standard sizes of vinyl records. The size of a vinyl refers not only to the size of the vinyl but the RPM or revolutions per minute. RPMs refer to a record’s speed. These factors all play a role in the number of tracks that can fit on a vinyl. 

The three standards vinyl records sizes you will find are: 

• 7-inch
• 10-inch
• 12-inch 

Further explanation is needed to better understand how many tracks can potentially fit on a vinyl record.

7-Inch Vinyl Records

Most 7-inch vinyl records are 45 RPM; for this reason, they are often called 45s. The 7-inch is generally smaller than full-length albums. Singles are typical for the 7-inch vinyls. It is also common to use this size for  extended versions of songs. You can expect about 4 minutes and 30 seconds per side of a 7-inch cut at 45 RPM. 

Sometimes, a 7-inch vinyl record is cut at 33RPM. This RPM provides a longer  play time. You can expect about 6 minutes of music per side on a 7-inch vinyl cut at 33 RPM. 

10-inch Vinyl Records 

10-inch vinyl records can be cut at 33 RPM, 45 RPM, and sometimes, but rarely, 78 RPM. Below is a breakdown of estimated play time on each RPM. It is important to remember that more music could be added below the suggested times, but it could potentially impact the sound quality. 

• 10-inch vinyl cut at 33 RPM: around 12 minutes per side
• 10-inch vinyl cut at 45 RPM: approximately 9 minutes per side
• 10-inch vinyl cut at 78 RPM: approximately 3 minutes and thirty seconds to about 4 minutes and thirty seconds. 

The 33 RPM cut is most commonly used for 10-inch vinyl records. This is ideal for EP (extended play) albums. EPS are often considered mini-albums, and the 10-inch vinyls cater to this niche album length. 

12-inch Vinyl Records

The 12-inch vinyl records are most often used for standard club DJs and LP or long-playing albums. This size vinyl is cut at either 33 RPM or 45 RPM. On the 12-inch vinyl cut at 33, you can expect about 18 minutes per side. The 12-inch vinyl cut at 45 RPM produces about 15 minutes per side. 45 RPM is the most common cut 12-inch vinyl. 

The Most Common Vinyl Records

With so many sizes and speeds to choose from, determining how many tracks will fit on a vinyl record can be exhausting and overwhelming. Instead, we will look at the most common vinyls to help you determine how many tracks they might have. We will consider the average song length of three to four minutes to calculate the approximate number of tracks on each of the most common vinyl records. 

The three most common vinyl records are:

• 45s or the 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl record. With about four and a half minutes on each side, you can expect about two songs to fit on a 7-inch vinyl cut at 45 RPM. 45s are considered singles because a single track fits without compromising the sound quality. 
• The 10-inch vinyl record cut at 33 RPM. Perfect for extended play or EP albums, this size boasts about 12 minutes per side. 12 minutes will give three to four tracks. When calculated for both sides, the 33 RPM vinyl record provides about six to eight songs. The EP is the sweet spot between a single and LP album. 
• The industry standard, 12-inch vinyl record cut at 45 RPM. This size vinyl record offers about X minutes. The 12-inch vinyl has become synonymous with long-playing. With about 15 minutes per side, it would hold approximately ten songs.

Buying Vinyl Records

Once you understand how many tracks may fit on a vinyl record, your next natural step would likely be purchasing your first records. Fortunately, there is no shortage of avenues for buying vinyl records as this audio format has exploded in recent years. In fact, in 2020, vinyl records outpaced CD sales for the first time in 34 years and continued this trend throughout 2021.

Some good places to start (and continue) to buy vinyls are:

• Locally. Local record stores will offer a diverse selection of new and used albums. You get the experience of thumbing through crates. You will get the best prices. And, you may stumble across a rare album. 
• Discogs. Discogs is an international marketplace. Other media formats are offered, but you can narrow it down by format, genre, artist, and condition. There are also Community pages where you can connect with other record collectors.
• Vinyl Me, Please. This online service features a Record of the Month Club. Members receive pressed albums monthly, and plans start at $33 per month. Vinyl Me Please collaborate with record labels to ensure quality products. You may get extras like colored vinyls instead of the traditional black vinyl, special packaging, added artwork, and cocktail recipes. 
• Large Retailers. 
  • Best Buy. This retailer is well-known for its wide array of music in various formats. One upside of buying vinyl records at Best Buy is that the store has a price match guarantee. 
  • Target. While Target carries a small selection of vinyl records in the store, they offer free shipping on orders over $35. They also have their own exclusives, like Taylor Swift’s 2-disc Lover album. 
  • Amazon. Of course, Amazon sells everything, and vinyl records are no exception.
  • Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters has a small yet solid selection of vinyl records to choose from. 

Related article: The 9 Best Places to Buy Vinyl Records Online

Vinyl Record Cleaning

Vinyl records require care. They can crackle, pop, and scratch. Adequate cleaning of your vinyl records will extend the life and maintain the quality. Fortunately, some simple steps will protect your investment and give you hours of enjoyable listening. 

Brushes

You will need two kinds of brushes. One is a vinyl cleaning brush. The groves on your vinyl records collect dirt, dust, and hair. Brushing removes these particles. To brush your vinyl records, you place them on your turntable, turn it on, and gently rest the brush on the record at a 90-degree angle. The record is cleaned as it spins.

The other brush you’ll need is a stylus brush. Like the grooves of your vinyl records, your stylus can also collect dirt and other tiny particles. Without regular cleaning, over time, your stylus may get damaged. 

Cleaning Solution

Brushes work well to clean the surface of your vinyls, but sometimes, they need a deeper clean. There are cleaning solutions made specifically for cleaning vinyls. They should be wiped in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth. 

Related articles:

• A Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Vinyl Records With Microfiber
• A Complete Guide To Properly Cleaning Your Vinyl Records
• How To Properly Use WD-40 To Clean Vinyl Records

Vinyl Record Storage

Besides cleaning, storage is another important aspect of vinyl record care. Vinyls should always be stored vertically and not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. They should be kept in their sleeves inside their covers. 

Some vinyl record users purchase additional inner and outer sleeves. The inner sleeves that typically come with vinyls are paper, which can flake off and stick to the record’s surface. The outer record cover is more durable, but it can wear over time as the record is removed and replaced over and over. There is a large selection of aftermarket sleeves available.

Conclusion

How many tracks fit on a vinyl album is not a simple answer. It depends on the size and speed of the record, but the general answer is one to twelve tracks fit on a vinyl album. Regardless of the size of your vinyls, with proper cleaning and storage, they can last quite a while for your enjoyment. 

We all have that person in our life who’s hard to shop for. But if you have a vinyl record lover in your life, there are countless options for gifts that will satisfy them. Whether you’re buying them their favorite record or a new accessory, the possibilities are endless.

Here are 26 great gifts for the vinyl record lover in your life:

1. Vinyl record dividers
2. Record storage
3. New turntable
4. Stylus cleaner 
5. Record weight
6. Turntable mat
7. Custom vinyl record
8. Vinyl cleaning system
9. Record sleeves
10. Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting
11. Vinyl Me, Please: 100 Albums You Need in Your Collection
12. Turntable isolators
13. Record jacket repair strips
14. Record display
15. Carrying case and portable turntable
16. Vinyl subscription service
17. Vinyl record coasters
18. Vinyl mug
19. Stylus needles
20. Gift card
21. Matching vinyl and tee
22. Autographed vinyl record
23. Vinyl record phone case 
24. Personalized gold music plaque
25. Vinyl record jigsaw puzzle
26. Ambiance Enhancers

In this article, I’ll explain why these items make such good gifts and even recommend some specific options.

*Note: All product recommendations are available from Amazon.com.

1. Vinyl Record Dividers

At a slightly higher price point, these dividers can be oriented horizontally or vertically and group records into groups of two letters at a time, creating much more manageable subgroups.

Also, a common choice for organizing records, but slightly harder to find, is organizing records by genre. 

While less widely available than alphabetical vinyl record dividers, websites such as Etsy and smaller design companies offer various options for record storage by genre.

You could also consider looking into custom-made vinyl record dividers from a local artisan or a website such as Etsy if the vinyl-lover in your life has a unique organizational system.

2. Record Storage

A requirement for any vinyl record collector, record storage comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether the record lover in your life is at the beginning stages of their collecting or they’re seasoned pros, there are storage options for all.

If you’re looking for something a little more interior design-friendly, record stands are a great way to go. Stands such as the Crosley Manchester Turntable Stand offer a small storage option on which you can set your turntable. 

3. New Turntable

Chances are, if they’re a vinyl record lover, they already own a turntable. But it could very well use some upgrading.

Most people don’t start with their dream turntable, so this is likely an area for improvement that they’ve been putting off themselves, making it a great gift choice.

With many great options for turntables, it can be challenging to narrow down which one to get. The key is to match your budget with the preferred specs of your gift recipient.

The Fluance RT81 HiFi Vinyl Turntable is a highly rated, reliable turntable choice and possibly a significant upgrade from their current turntable.

The Audio Technica AT-LP60X 2-Speed Turntable is another excellent choice for a turntable upgrade that is both sleek and highly functional.

Both options are excellent mid-level turntables that are a step above what they may already have but still fall in a reasonable gift-giving budget.

While it’s best to know what the vinyl record lover in your life is looking for before buying them a new turntable, an upgraded record player can be a very thoughtful gift.

4. Stylus Cleaner 

If you’re trying to impress the hardcore vinyl record lover in your life, a stylus cleaner is an excellent gift choice.

While many people understand the importance of cleaning records themselves, a lesser-known but equally important part of vinyl maintenance is stylus cleaning.

Keeping the stylus clean is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, a dirty stylus can damage the records.

Styluses collect dirt and dust, even when you can’t see it, and can grind this dust into the grooves of records if not adequately cleaned.

Furthermore, a dirty stylus can affect the sound quality when playing records, causing them to sound grainy or muffled.

A go-to for vinyl record lovers, the ONZOW ZeroDust Stylus Cleaner, is tried and true. Simply lower your stylus onto the cleaning gel surface, and when you lift it back up, it will be free of dust and dirt.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Amazon has a huge selection of less expensive cleaners, such as this KAIU stylus gel cleaner. 

An ideal choice for a design-forward record lover, the KAIU gel cleaner comes in a compact, attractive wooden container that is both functional and eye-catching. 

5. Record Weight

Record weights are another excellent accessory for the vinyl record collector. Small and subtle, they’re the kind of item that a person is less likely to buy for themselves, making them a great gift choice.

Record weights are designed to improve sound quality. They work by providing extra weight to the top of the record, helping to stabilize the record.

While they’re not a necessity when playing records, they help reduce the vibrations during playback, allowing a more accurate sound to be produced.

6. Turntable Mat

A turntable mat, also known as a platter mat, is another helpful tool in providing quality sound when playing records.

While many turntables come with mats (especially high-quality ones), some turntables require you to buy mats separately. Alternatively, it may be time to upgrade the mat that came with the turntable.

7. Custom Vinyl Record

A truly thoughtful gift that requires both time and effort, you can give the gift of a custom vinyl record.

Websites like Vinylify and Freestyle Vinyl allow you to choose which tracks you want on your vinyl record and even let you upload your own album jacket art.

Are you looking for a creative anniversary gift to commemorate your big day? With these sites, you can choose specific songs from your wedding and upload a photo from your wedding album as a cover.

Creating a custom vinyl record is an intimate and meaningful gift that is sure to warm the heart of the vinyl lover in your life.

8. Vinyl Cleaning System

A record collection is never complete without an appropriate cleaning method. If the vinyl record lover in your life doesn’t already have a cleaning system, this is the perfect gift.

Like cleaning the stylus, cleaning records themselves is crucial not only to the audio quality but also to the longevity of the records.

The dirt and dust that can cause abrasion in the grooves of the records should be cleaned out before running the stylus over it, forever damaging the records. 

There are many options for cleaning records, but the beauty of this gift is that it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

One of the best options for cleaning is this Boundless Audio Record Cleaning Brush.

This brush not only effectively cleans down into the grooves of the records, but it’s anti-static, meaning it helps remove the static charge that all records have when they’re removed from their sleeves.

9. Record Sleeves

While record sleeves may not seem like a glamorous gift, they’re instrumental in protecting vinyl records and will undoubtedly be appreciated.

10. Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting

A classic coffee table book, Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting is sure to be a fun read for any vinyl record lover and will allow visitors to share in their love of vinyl collecting.

An exploration into the vinyl community, this book is a collection of photographic essays from photographer Eilon Paz.

Paz paired his photographs with interviews with all types of vinyl collectors, including many famous ones, and compiled them into this book.

Not to be missed, this is a great gift option for the vinyl record lover who already has seemingly everything.

11. Vinyl Me, Please: 100 Albums You Need in Your Collection

12. Turntable Isolators

Turntable isolators are another great gift for the vinyl record collector. They function to remove any excess vibration that may affect sound quality.

13. Record Jacket Repair Strips

14. Record Display

A gift that is sure to be appreciated, a record display gives the audiophile in your life the ability to display whatever record is currently being played. 

15. Carrying Case and Portable Turntable

To complete this gift set, consider investing in a portable turntable; this Crosley Vintage Suitcase Turntable is a great option. Reliable and offered in various colors, there’s an option for everyone.

If you’re looking to keep it simple and elegant, consider buying a matching set such as this Victrola Suitcase Portable Record Player and Carrying Case. 

Your gift recipient will appreciate the understated design and the continuity that comes with having a matching set. Best of all, if one of them breaks, each item is also sold individually. 

16. Vinyl Subscription Service

A vinyl subscription service is a perfect gift for any vinyl record collector. Designed for someone with a growing record collection in mind, subscription services are the gift that keeps on giving.

Ranging in price and the number of records delivered each month, you can find the vinyl subscription service that best meets their needs.

While there are several services, one popular option is Vinyl Me, Please, which offers four tracks to choose from: 

• Classic
• Essential
• Hip-hop
• Country

Once you choose their track, they will be notified each month of the selection and given a chance to switch the record if they’re not interested in it or already own it.

Another option is Black Box Record Club, which has a specific gift package option. The recipient gets two vinyl records a month with this subscription service, and the selection is curated explicitly to their taste.

There are a lot more subscription services out there, but whichever one you choose, any vinyl lover is sure to appreciate the additions to their collection.

17. Vinyl Record Coasters

A lighthearted option for the vinyl record lover in your life, these Retro Vinyl Record Coasters are a great gift choice.

Complete with a display that looks like a mini turntable, these anti-skid coasters are each designed to look like a different retro vinyl record.

This fun and functional set of six coasters is a great standalone gift or accompaniment to any vinyl-themed gift.

18. Vinyl Mug

Another silly gift for the record lover in your life, this Vinyl Record Shaped Mug is a fun way of letting them know you care.

Shaped like a vinyl record with the album title “Cool Brew,” this mug is an ideal choice for someone in your life with a combined love of not only records but also coffee or tea.

This novelty mug is sure to be a favorite and is an excellent record-themed gift for you to give without breaking the bank.

19. Stylus Needles

While perhaps less fun than record-themed novelty gifts, giving the gift of extra stylus needles will never go amiss.

20. Gift Card

Still not sure? Gift cards are an excellent option for the vinyl record lover in your life who’s a little more challenging to shop for.

Whether they already have all the fancy accessories or their music taste is super niche, you can’t go wrong with a gift card.

Consider getting a gift card at their favorite local record or music shop. This gives them the freedom of deciding what they want to spend the money on, and nobody has a better idea of what it is they’re looking for than themselves. 

If the vinyl lover in your life doesn’t live near a record store, you can also get them a gift card to an online retailer such as Amoeba Music or Discogs.

21. Matching Vinyl and Tee

If there’s a specific album that you know the vinyl lover in your life has been wanting, why not pick it up for them?

If they haven’t mentioned an album in particular, why not look through their collection, and see if there are any albums missing from their favorite bands or artists.

Better yet, sweeten the deal with a matching tee of the artist or album that you bought to make it a set. 

22. Autographed Vinyl Record

If you can somehow manage it, a signed vinyl from one of their favorite musical artists or bands is sure to be a hit.

While this might run a little higher in budget and effort, an autographed vinyl has the potential to be an unforgettable gift, and a prized possession.

The vinyl lover in your life is sure to appreciate you going the extra mile, and getting them such a meaningful gift. You’ll sometimes get lucky, too, and find an already signed one on Ebay or Amazon, eliminating the need for you to have to put in all the legwork of getting an album signed yourself.

23. Vinyl Record Phone Case

24. Personalized Gold Music Plaque

For the true artist in your life, consider getting a personalized gold music plaque, like this one from Etsy.

Gold records are given to musical artists in the United States who sell (or stream) more than 500,000 copies of a song or record.

The possibilities are endless with this personalized gold music plaque. If the vinyl lover in your life is also a musician, you could get a gold record of their newest album to hang in their practice space or recording studio.

If there’s an album or song that is particularly meaningful to your loved one, you could get a gold record for them to hang near their record player. 

25. Vinyl Record Jigsaw Puzzle

Another great novelty gift, a vinyl record jigsaw puzzle is the perfect gift for the person in your life who has a love for both records and puzzles.

Puzzles like this Springbok 1000-piece puzzle of the Melody shop would be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a real challenge.

But listening to vinyl isn’t just about the music itself, but the overall ambiance that allows them to relax and lean into the music.

Depicting a busy record store, this puzzle offers the nostalgic scene of a retro vinyl store, and is sure to take up a few evenings with how many pieces it has.

You could also consider getting a jigsaw puzzle of your gift recipient’s favorite band or album, such as this AQUARIUS Dark Side of the Moon puzzle.

This round, 450-piece puzzle is an exact replica of the album cover, and would be a huge hit for any Pink Floyd fan.

There are endless jigsaw puzzle options, and if you know what you’re looking for, the likelihood is high that you’ll be able to find it.

26. Ambiance Enhancers 

Every true vinyl record lover knows the simple joy of sitting next to their turntable, enjoying their favorite record through headphones. 

Consider getting your vinyl lover a few items to enhance their listening experience.

A comfortable pouf, such as this MAHAO Seat Cushion is a great gift choice. It’s large enough to lounge on, and attractive enough to keep out, even when it’s not in use.

You could also consider adding a weighted blanket to your gift list, for when they want to listen to records in the colder winter months. 

Blankets such as this ThrowStyle chunky knitted blanket are sure to be a hit thanks to their soft and attractive designs. This one comes in multiple colors, meaning you can tailor this gift to your recipient’s personal style.

If the vinyl lover in your life already has a cushion and blanket, consider any item that you feel would enhance their listening experience.

Sometimes simple items like salt lamps, candles, or essential oil diffusers really help set a relaxing mood.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride, popularly known as vinyl) is the most versatile plastic on Earth and was used extensively by the record industry. While most people have switched to digital music, many of us continue to store our vinyl records at home, unsure what to do with them.

Vinyl records are non-recyclable. This is because the materials they are made of are toxic and harmful to handlers, and most recyclers are either unequipped or unwilling to handle this material. 

So to many who were wondering, ‘Are vinyl records recyclable?’ they aren’t. In this article, I’ll explore why recycling vinyl records isn’t a viable option and look at what you can do with your old records instead.

Why You Can’t Recycle Vinyl

As mentioned, to properly recycle vinyl records, you’ll need to find a recycling facility that is specifically designed to handle it – and doing so can be challenging.

Most companies accept PVC in the form of banners, gift cards, and old construction material. These forms of PVC are easier to break down and repurpose, and finding a company to handle them isn’t much of an issue. 

However, vinyl records are made from thicker layers of PVC and emit a lot more toxic fumes when melted. The poisonous gases and heavy metals they give off will need to be contained because recycling can release these toxins into the air or underground. Finding a facility that is adequately prepared to handle this complex recycling process can be almost impossible.

This is why vinyl records need to be kept out of the waste stream – doing so helps avoid further pollution.

Alternatives to Recycling Vinyl Records

As we’ve established, vinyl records can’t be easily recycled, and they can be harmful if left unattended. Luckily, there are a few alternatives to recycling records.

Reselling

Selling your old records is an effective way to ensure they’re put to good use. While it may seem like vinyl records have gone out of vogue, many of today’s artists are producing music on LPs thanks to the superior sound quality.

You’ll likely be able to find plenty of record stores looking to buy older vinyl records to add to their collection. 

The challenge with selling your records is finding a fair price, as the cost will differ based on the value of the vinyl and the buyer’s need for the said record. However, reselling is a viable option, and you won’t have to worry about dumping your records in a landfill.

If you’re thinking of reselling, here are a few options you should consider:

Record Stores

The most obvious buyer would be your local record store, and you’re sure to find buyers willing to pay a fair amount for your collection. Snoop around a little, find out what kind of music the store is looking to stock up on, and see if you can provide them with suitable records.

Online Stores

The internet comprises a vast landscape of potential record-buyers – you just need to find them. For example, Hard to Find Records is a website that offers cash in exchange for your records. They even have a wanted list to let sellers know which specific LPs they’re willing to pay top dollar for.

Discogs is another website where you’ll be able to sell certain records, depending on what they’re looking for.

eBay

While it may not seem like the right marketplace, you never know who’s looking for a specific record on eBay. Consider posting your records on eBay, especially if you’ve got some older LPs that aren’t too popular with record stores. 

You may get lucky and find a buyer looking to buy the record you’re selling. 

While it may seem like selling isn’t so profitable, you will, at the very least, ensure that your records end up in a store and not the dumpster. 

If your records have no resale value, consider donating them to local thrift stores that deal with old LPs. Either way, your music will end up on a shelf where it may be of use to someone else.

Upcycling

Upcycling is the creative alternative to selling your old LPs, and there’s a lot you can do with used vinyl records. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Book Holder

You can use two vinyl records to make a nifty and easy-to-dismantle book holder. You’ll need the following:

• Boiling water
• 2 vinyl records
• Block of wood 

Here are the steps to make a book holder:

1. Immerse one-third of the vinyl record in boiling water for a few minutes. The portion immersed in water will be malleable when you take it out. 
2. Fold the record at this portion and use the wooden block to press down hard to even the surface.
3. Do this with both records and place them parallel, with the folded portion facing inward. 
4. Stack a few books between them. 
5. The straightened parts of the records will keep your books in place.

Clock

Clocks made from old vinyl records look classy and neat and are pretty straightforward to assemble. You’ll need a bit of drilling knowledge for this one, but this idea shouldn’t take much time if you’ve got the proper equipment. 

Watch this YouTube tutorial on how to go about building a vinyl record clock:

Vinyl Bowls

Vinyl record bowls are another straightforward DIY idea that takes little effort but turns an old record into a slick everyday household item. 

Heat is the crucial element in morphing vinyl into different shapes and sizes. Here, you’ll use an oven to heat the vinyl before changing its shape.

Watch this YouTube video to know more:

Here are the steps on how to make bowls using vinyl:

1. Select a bowl with the shape and size that you want your vinyl record to replicate. 
2. Place the bowl upside down on cookie paper and the vinyl on top of the bowl. 
3. Put this arrangement in the oven for about ten minutes.
4. Ensure to put on gloves before you handle the hot record. 
5. Take the bowl out, turn it over, and place the vinyl inside, using the pressure of your hands to mold the record into a desirable shape. 
6. This bowl works best as a fruit or candy holder, thanks to the hole at the bottom.

Coasters

Vinyl records make for neat little coasters, and the best part is you’ll have an assortment of different ones you can use while serving drinks.

Here, again, the critical element is heat. The process is similar to making a bowl, and you will start by placing the record on the bowl before putting it in the oven. That said, making coasters is a bit more nuanced than making a bowl, as you’ll have to be careful to avoid melting the center of the record.

Here is how you can make coasters using vinyl records:

1. Once the outer edges of the record have melted, you can cut it out using scissors or a knife. Carve the exteriors carefully, so you’re left with the circular middle. 
2. You can use sandpaper to smooth out the edges and give your coasters a neat finish.
3. If the middle starts to warp, you can straighten it out by placing it between two books or weighted blocks of wood till it reverts to its original smoothness.

Photo Frames

Using a vinyl record as a photo frame is perhaps the least-involved yet satisfying DIY idea. All you have to do is cut out the edges of your photos and try making them circular. Now, stick this photo in the middle of your record, and you’ve got a neat new photo frame. 

You can hang this up on your wall or melt one side and bend it away from the photo side to create a stand.

Final Thoughts

While vinyl records aren’t recyclable, there are various ways to repurpose them and ensure they don’t pollute the Earth by ending up in a landfill.

All it takes is a bit of creativity, and with a bit of effort, you can find ways to prolong the use of these records.