Welcome to the world of vinyl! Whether you're a music lover, audio geek or just like to hold a record and feel the sleeve, vinyl collecting is a fun and rewarding way to take part in music history. At Djungel & Jazz in Stockholm, we help both beginners and experienced collectors find gems for their collections. Here is a simple guide for those of you who are ready to dive into the wonderful world of vinyl collecting.

Why vinyl? - The magic of analog sound

There is something very special about vinyl records. The sound is warmer and more alive than digital music and many believe that the analog quality of vinyl captures the music exactly as it was meant to sound. Besides the sound, the feeling of holding a record in your hand, inspecting the sleeve, slowly placing the needle on the track and letting the record play in the order the artist intended is an unbeatable ritual.

Choose your record player - What do you need?

To get started, of course, you need a record player! There are different price ranges, but if you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a model that offers good sound without being too advanced. Here are some tips:

• Budget-friendly: The Audio-Technica LP60 is a reliable option for new collectors
• Step up: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon gives a boost in sound quality and has a stylish, minimalist design
• Used is good: Many people love vintage turntables, often a 30 year old turntable holds the same or higher quality than a new modern one

In addition to a record player, you also need an amplifier with a stand-alone or built-in Phono amplifier. The purpose of the Phono amplifier is to adapt and amplify the needle's incredibly weak signal extra before the amplifier can send the sound out to the speakers

Start building your record collection - Which records should you buy first?

It can be tempting to buy everything at once, but start with a few albums that you really like. Here are some ideas on where to start:

• Timeless Albums: Some records are simply indispensable in every vinyl collection. Think Miles Davis - Kind of Blue, The Beatles - Abbey Road, and Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon. There are many examples of albums recorded over 50-60 years ago whose music still holds up today. Often these are recorded during an era when the only medium for music was vinyl, which heightens the experience even further
• Write down a wish list: Much of the charm of collecting vinyl is the search, you can't count on a store to have exactly the records you want. Having a list handy when you're around town browsing the slopes at least makes the search more structured
• Mixed: A good vinyl collection contains a little bit of everything. Maybe something funky, like James Brown, or a little rock, like The Rolling Stones - feel what attracts you
• Think album: Spotify changed the way we listen to music. Playlists with mixed artists, songs and genres are a bit the opposite of music on vinyl where it is a bit more cumbersome to switch between songs, artists and genres. Therefore, feel free to go for whole albums that you like and that you enjoy listening to from start to finish

Take care of your vinyl records - Care is A and O

Vinyl records need a little love to stay in good condition. Here are some simple tips:

• Cleaning: Use a soft brush or fiber cloth to dust the disc before and after playing. For a deeper cleaning, you can submit your records, for a small fee, for ultrasonic cleaning at many record dealers. At Djungel & Jazz we charge SEK 50 per disc and it takes about 15 minutes, which gives you time to maybe find some new gems for your collection while you wait
• Storage: Store the records upright and preferably not too tightly packed - otherwise they risk becoming warped or getting so-called ring wear. Also keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture. Also common year to have a protective plastic sleeve on the records, we sell all our records with new fresh plastic pockets and if you need to supplement we have several different sizes and types for sale
• Handle with care: Always hold the disc by its edges and avoid touching the shiny surface to avoid fingerprints.

Explore used LPs - a treasure hunt for vinyl collectors

Used records are often where you find the real treasures. At Djungel & Jazz we have a large selection of second hand vinyl, from jazz and rock to hip hop and modern music. When buying used, inspect the disc for scratches and feel free to ask the staff for advice. Djungel & Jazz are careful with the grading of our records and always print the condition of each record so you can feel secure in your purchase

Buying vinyl records online - What to consider?

Buying vinyl records online can be a perfect solution for those of you who live outside of Stockholm or are too lazy to run around in stores. In our webshop you can browse through a large selection of both new and used vinyl records. Be sure to check descriptions carefully, especially for second-hand records, to see condition and any markings. At Djungel & Jazz, we always strive for the best customer experience and accurate descriptions.

Build a personal collection - And let it grow over time

The best thing about collecting vinyl is that you build something unique. Your collection tells a story about your taste in music, your memories and which artists mean something to you. Start with a few records you love, and let the collection grow over time. Maybe you'll find the next bargain at our record shop on Södermalm, or maybe you'll fall for something completely unexpected in our online catalog

In conclusion – Welcome to Djungel & Jazz!

If you are in Stockholm, please stop by Djungel & Jazz and say hello! We love talking vinyl and helping new collectors get started. And if you can't make it to the store, we're online with the same personal service. Whether you love jazz, rock or Hip Hop, we have something for every taste. Let us help you find the next gem for your collection!

So, are you ready to start collecting? Vinyl is more than music – it's a passion, a culture and a great way to experience music for real.