Common beginner mistakes with vinyl
One of the most common mistakes new vinyl fans make is buying an all‑in‑one player. It’s tempting — they look nostalgic, they promise convenience, and they often include built‑in speakers, Bluetooth, radio, or even a CD player. But these units are usually made from cheaper materials, have non‑replaceable parts, and rarely deliver the sound or longevity a proper setup provides. If you want to fall in love with vinyl, invest in a decent turntable and a proper preamp or speakers rather than a decorative all‑in‑one.
Never touch the grooves
Holding records by the grooves leaves fingerprints and grime that degrade sound. Always handle vinyl by the outer edge and the labelled centre. Use both hands to lift and place records on the platter, and slide them into inner sleeves for storage. Clean grooves equal clearer playback and longer record life.
Playback speed and size settings
If your record sounds like a chipmunk, check the speed. Most records play at 33 or 45 rpm; setting the wrong speed will change pitch and tempo. Also select the correct size (7‑inch vs 12‑inch) before you play. Playing a small record with a 12‑inch setting risks the stylus hitting the platter or slipmat, which can damage the needle and the record. Match speed and size to avoid costly mistakes.
Why your vinyl sounds quiet
Weak output usually means you’re missing a preamp. Turntables often output a phono signal that needs amplification and RIAA equalisation before it reaches speakers. Look for a turntable with a built‑in preamp (LINE output) or add an external phono preamp if your player only has PHONO output. A receiver with a PHONO input will also work. Correct signal routing makes a dramatic difference to volume and clarity.
Proper storage prevents warping
Never stack records flat like pancakes. The weight of jackets and records will warp discs over time. Store records vertically, each in an inner sleeve and then the outer jacket. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Vertical storage preserves shape and playback quality.
Vinyl is the plural
The plural of vinyl is vinyl, not vinyls. Using “vinyls” marks you as new to the hobby — and that’s fine, everyone starts somewhere. Learning the lingo is part of the fun.
Final thoughts and invitation
You’ve just read a quick guide to the most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them. There are plenty more tips we could share — from cartridge alignment to cleaning routines — so we’ll save those for another post.
Want personalised help? Pop into Mostly Music Store in Swansea or drop us a message online and we’ll help you pick the right turntable, set it up, and get the best sound from your collection. Share the mistakes you made when you started in the comments below — we love hearing stories and helping new collectors.
— Chris, Mostly Music Store