Photo: digitalmusicnews.com
Photo: digitalmusicnews.com

Lots of you love vinyl. Your vinyl record collections could probably rival that of a typical record store. But, here’s a question for you: do you actually play your vinyl?

There was a study conducted recently that found that 48% of people who own vinyl never crack it open, never spin it on a turntable, never add them to their playlists. What’s going on?

I’d guess that a lot of people see the investment value sitting in their crates. Records, especially classic albums – however you define that, can gain value over time. You might pay a few dollars now for some obscure work or a special edition. But 20 years from now, those few dollars might turn into hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Like all collectors of anything know, the key to earning money from your purchases is to make sure the album remains in mint condition. If it’s wrapped in plastic, don’t unwrap it. If the recording is pristine, don’t play it and risk scratching it.

I think value really comes down to how you define it. If money is what you value, then go ahead and make that investment. But, albums have a deeper value for me, too. The act of playing them is at once nostalgic and emotional.

Where do you stand?