Are you dusting off an old collection of LPs and 7” singles? Following “trendy new artists” who boycott streaming services and want all their music pressed to wax? Or are you frequently in record shops scrambling for those hidden gems at the bottom of the bargain crate?

Whether you’re looking to enjoy your legacy collection of records from the attic or your favourite album bought at a concert merch stand, this guide will reignite the wonders of vinyl and turntables. As well as discussing some great beginner turntables, we’ll show you how to take care of your record collection, so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.

Hooked on wax

Over the last ten years, the return of vinyl records has snowballed, with sales jumping to 41.7 million records sold in 2021. People of all ages are buying old and new records as an industry throwback becomes mainstream again.

I myself spend hours of my free time digging in crates of second-hand wax, looking for gems, and in just over two years I have accrued hundreds of records. To say you can get drawn into vinyl collecting is an understatement, it’s an addiction!

Vinyl records, the history

The Phonograph record, as it’s known, has been around since the late 1800s/early 20th Century. Some of the most notable inventors in history paved the way for the vinyl record we know today. Thomas Eddison invented the wax-coated Phonograph Cylinder, an early version of a record; this is why “wax” is used as slang for records today.

Played at 78RPM, the Shellac record was the first ever mass-producible physical music media. Up until the digital age, records were essential for radio broadcasting and music promotion. Seven-inch 45RPM singles filled jukeboxes in diners, bars, and social establishments, and 12-inch LPs and EPs became collectables as well as tools for DJs to liven up parties.

Records supported and shaped every single musical genre; small-time musicians could easily get their big break by selling hits on wax. The DJ scene was shaped around records, with turntablists developing techniques to utilise records such as beatmatching and scratching.

Despite more portable alternatives and digital media taking over the mainstream, records have survived. In recent years, vinyl has made an impressive comeback. Rock, pop, and dance music have been the driving genres behind the resurgence and it’s not uncommon to find your favourite bands and artists having their music imprinted on vinyl.

Turntables for you

As you know, a record player is essential to enjoy your records (I mean, unless you want to just look at them? In that case, you do you). For a new collector, you want to be able to play your collection hassle-free and set your equipment up easily. Here are some of the best record players for beginners to get you started.

The Lenco L-30

The Lenco L-30 Turntable is an ideal record player for any starter.

Available in black and wood finishes, this belt drive turntable is fitted with a 12-inch platter and a tonearm with a pre-installed moving magnet cartridge.

It has a USB connection and a balanced left and right RCA output, with a built-in preamp, so you can plug it directly into your sound system.

You can play records at 33 or 45 RPM and there is an arm lift lever for taking the stylus off your record when you’re finished listening to it.

This turntable is also paired with some nice speakers to fulfil your vinyl needs. It’s a great value bit of kit.

Shop now | Lenco L-30 Turntable 

The Victrola VPRO-2000

The Victrola VPRO-2000 Turntable is fitted with all the bells and whistles that you would expect on a high-end turntable.

It even has an Audio Technica cartridge – a Moving Magnet cartridge that transmits groove oscillations with high detail.

And there’s a USB port, so you can digitise your vinyl, and an RCA output for connecting speakers.

The features include a pitch fader, 33/45RPM switches, and an adjustable tonearm with an SME adaptor.

This beginner turntable does the job, and it does it well.

Shop now | Victrola VPRO-2000 Turntable with USB

The Lenco LS-300

The big brother of the L-30, the LS-300 is a turntable with speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. It has all the functions of the L-30 and more.

Fitted with a higher-end Audio Technica moving magnet cartridge and Bluetooth connection, the LS-300 lets you enjoy your records and stream any music you have from your phone.

And it’s a record player with speakers! Included with the LS-300 are fantastic passive speakers that are powered by the turntable and are easy to set up.

This is a great all-in-one system that can be used by anyone. It would look good in your living room, bedroom, or office.

Shop now | Lenco LS-300 Turntable with Speakers Bundle

ION Premier LP, Black Vinyl Player

If you’re looking for a really compact and affordable record player, the ION Premier LP turntable will do the job.

An all in one record player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth functionality, It features an automatic return that resets the tonearm at the end of a record.

Plus, thanks to a handy USB port, you can hook it up to your computer and digitise your vinyl collection.

Shop now | ION Premier LP, Black Vinyl Player

How do you look after your records?

Whether you’ve got two or 2000, your records are precious to you. Looking after them is important. If dirt gets onto your vinyl, it can embed in the grooves or worse, scratch them!

There are a variety of ways to clean a record, with many vinyl mavericks using unconventional techniques. I’m going to leave it to you to find these contemporary ways of cleaning your collection and tell you about the good, old, tried-and-tested methods of wiping them down.

Start off with brushing the record with a carbon fibre cleaning brush to remove any dry dirt or dust that may scratch the surface. Then apply some cleaning fluid and gently wipe the record with a static-free cloth until it’s clean.

Only use recommended products for cleaning your collection as stronger solutions and abrasive cloths may damage them. The AM Clean Sound Record Cleaner Box Set is a great all-in-one cleaning kit for your records – it’s simple and easy to use.

Another essential item for ensuring your records stay in top condition is a slipmat. Slipmats provide a soft platform for your record to rest on whilst playing. Plus, there are some with artwork on them, and you can even buy custom-made slipmats.

A fan of the Beatles? Our top pick is the Sgt Pepper slipmat.

Shop now | Record cleaning

Shop now | Slipmats

Essential accessories and furniture

To display your records, keep them organised, and enjoy the best quality audio, you’ll want some nice furniture and speakers. Show how sophisticated you are with these:

Kanto YU Powered Bookshelf Speakers

A good quality pair of speakers are required to enjoy vinyl properly. These Kanto Bookshelf Speakers will fit with your collection and provide you with high-quality sound.

Shop now | Kanto YU Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Show And Listen LP Frame

The Show And Listen LP Frame allows you to display your most prized records for all to see. A quick-access feature gives you the ability to remove your record, play it, or swap it for another without taking the frame off the wall.

Shop now | Show And Listen LP Frame

Sefour Carry Box for 115 Records

As records are heavy in large quantities, it’s important to have a sturdy container that you can cart them about in. The Sefour Carry Box is ideal for storing up to 115 records and is small enough to fit in with your furniture.

Shop now | Sefour Carry Box for 115 Records

LP Cabinet

Made to fit 12-inch records, the LP Cabinet by Gear4music will protect your records from damage and wear by keeping them upright – the way they should be stored.

Shop now | LP Cabinet by Gear4music

Sefour CS160 Record Collector Table

An all-in-one platform for your Hi-Fi gear, the Sefour CS160 Record Collector Table is a retro-looking storage unit for your turntable and records. It’s perfect for that empty space in the living room.

Shop now | Sefour CS160 Record Collector Table

Shop now | Vinyl accessories 

Find out more

All clued up on the world of vinyl and want to venture beyond entry-level turntables? Why not check out our full range?