New to vinyl collecting? We get a lot of the same questions from beginners. Here are some honest answers to the most common questions about turntables, pressings, and building a collection on a budget.
Getting Started
Q: How much does it cost to start collecting vinyl?
A: You can start collecting vinyl for around €200-300 total. Here’s a realistic budget breakdown:
Turntable: €100-150 (used Audio-Technica AT-LP120 or AT-LP60 on Marktplaats)
Speakers: €80-100 (Edifier R1280T or similar)
First 10 albums: €30-50 (charity shops, €3-5 each)
Accessories: €15-20 (inner sleeves, cleaning brush)
Total: €225-320
You don’t need a €500 turntable or €35 albums from Urban Outfitters. Buy used equipment and hunt at charity shops, and you’ll save hundreds of euros.
Q: Which turntable should I buy as a beginner?
A: Look for a used Audio-Technica AT-LP120 (€100-150) or AT-LP60 (€50-80) on Marktplaats. Both have adjustable counterweights, decent cartridges, and won’t destroy your records.
What to look for in ANY turntable:
– Adjustable counterweight (essential)
– Anti-skate control
– Replaceable cartridge
– Belt or direct drive (both fine)
What to AVOID:
– Crosley or Victrola suitcase players (they damage records)
– Anything without a counterweight
– Turntables under €50 new (too cheap = poor quality)
Q: Where can I find cheap vinyl in the Netherlands?
A: The best places to find vinyl under €5:
Charity shops (kringloopwinkels): Go on weekdays, not weekends. Check Emmaus, Het Goed, and local thrift stores. Most albums there will be around €5.
Record fairs: Show up early (within first hour). Prices range from €1-15. Dealers are more willing to negotiate near closing time.
Marktplaats: Search for “vinyl lot” instead of specific albums. People selling bulk collections often price them low just to clear space.
Online: Discogs for specific albums, but expect to pay market price. Use it to check values before buying in person.
Facebook Marketplace: Similar to Marktplaats. Good for local pickups and bulk lots.
Q: Should I buy new or used records?
A: Both. Here’s when to buy each:
Buy USED when:
– You’re on a budget (charity shops have albums for €2-5)
– The album is common (Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, etc.)
– You don’t care about having a “mint” copy
– You’re experimenting with new genres
Buy NEW when:
– It’s a new release you want to support
– The used market price is the same or higher
– You want a guaranteed clean pressing
– It’s a smaller artist who benefits from your purchase
Most of my collection is used. I only buy new for artists I want to directly support or albums I can’t find used.
Browse carefully. Enjoy your music.
Turntables & Equipment
Q: Do I need a preamp?
A: Maybe. It depends on your turntable and speakers.
If your turntable has a built-in preamp: No, you don’t need one. Most modern turntables (like the Audio-Technica AT-LP120) have one built in.
If your turntable does NOT have a preamp: Yes, you need one. You can buy a separate preamp for €20-40, or use a receiver/amplifier with a phono input.
How to tell: Check if your turntable has a switch labeled “Line/Phono” or “Preamp On/Off.” If it does, it has a built-in preamp.
Q: Can I use Bluetooth speakers with my turntable?
A: Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
The whole point of vinyl is high-quality analog sound. Bluetooth compresses audio, which defeats the purpose. You’re adding a digital conversion step to an analog format.
Better option: Use wired powered speakers (like Edifier R1280T for €90). They’re affordable, sound great, and don’t require an amplifier.
If you must use Bluetooth: Make sure your turntable has Bluetooth output built-in, or buy a Bluetooth transmitter. But seriously, just get wired speakers.
Q: Do I need expensive speakers to enjoy vinyl?
A: No. You need DECENT speakers, not expensive ones.
A €100 pair of powered speakers (like Edifier or Presonus) will sound infinitely better than a €60 Crosley suitcase player with built-in speakers.
Diminishing returns kick in fast. The jump from €50 speakers to €100 speakers is huge. The jump from €100 to €500 is noticeable but not life-changing unless you’re an audiophile.
Spend your money on records, not gear. A €100 speaker setup is perfectly fine for 99% of collectors.
Q: My records keep skipping. What’s wrong?
A: 99% of the time, it’s your setup, not the record. Check these four things:
1. Is your turntable level? Use a bubble level. Even a slight tilt causes skipping.
2. Is your tracking force correct? Check your cartridge manual. Most need 1.5-2.5 grams. Too light = skipping. Too heavy = groove damage.
3. Is your stylus clean? Gently brush it with a stylus brush or use a cleaning gel.
4. Is your anti-skate set correctly? It should match your tracking force (e.g., if tracking force is 2g, set anti-skate to 2).
If you’ve checked all four and it still skips, THEN it might be the record (warped, scratched, or damaged).
Records & Pressings
Q: How can I tell if a record is in good condition before buying?
A: Check these things in this order:
1. Visual inspection:
– Hold the record at an angle under light
– Look for deep scratches (bad) vs light surface marks (usually okay)
– Check for warps by looking at the edge while it sits flat
2. Grading scale (Discogs standard):
– Mint (M): Perfect, unplayed
– Near Mint (NM): Looks new, minimal signs of handling
– Very Good Plus (VG+): Light marks, plays well
– Very Good (VG): Visible wear, some surface noise
– Good (G): Heavy wear, significant noise
– Poor/Fair: Damaged, skip city
3. At charity shops/fairs:
– Ask to play it if possible
– If you can’t play it, assume VG condition and price accordingly
– Walk away if it’s deeply scratched or warped
General rule: VG+ and above is safe to buy. VG is acceptable if the price is right (under €3). Anything below VG is a gamble.
Q: Should I clean records before playing them?
A: Yes. Always. Even new records.
Why:
– New records have factory dust
– Used records have years of accumulated grime
– Dirty records sound worse and wear out your stylus faster
How to clean:
DIY method (€2 total):
– Distilled water + 1 drop of dish soap
– Spray on record, wipe in circular motion with microfiber cloth
– Let dry 5 minutes
This works just as well as €30 cleaning kits.
Full Rotation Specific
Q: Do you sell vinyl?
A: No. We’re an affiliate marketing blog. We recommend products (turntables, speakers, cleaning supplies) and earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links.
We’re transparent about this. All recommendations are products we actually use or have tested. We don’t recommend garbage just for commissions.
Q: Can I submit a question not answered here?
A: Yes! Email us at info@fullrotationrecords.com or DM us on Instagram @fullrotationrecords
We reply to every message and often turn common questions into blog posts.
Still have questions? Email us.
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