Building a collection of vinyl records as a DJ is not only a practical and necessary activity, it’s a highly rewarding and enjoyable one too.

There is a certain thrill in collecting vinyl as a combination of one’s love of music, the creative potential in future DJing, and the fun involved in slowly but surely curating a customised DJ crate.

In this guide, we will help you understand how to build your vinyl collection, provide some tips for curating a diverse collection to help you expand your DJing capabilities and suggestions for those operating on a tight budget.

The Art of DJ Crate Creation

A DJ crate i.e. a curated selection of vinyl records, is an important component of any DJ artist’s performance set-up. They allow for easy organisation of one’s music – by mood, genre, energy level etc – providing quick access to the right music at the right time.

The more well-organised and intuitive your DJ crates, the more seamless your performance will be and the better the experience of your audience.

But remember: While there is certainly a ‘science’ to crate organisation, it is also an art. In other words, your DJ crates need to reflect how you think, how you work and how you play music. Taking the time to tailor your DJ set-up to your needs and preferences is an important preparatory task to make your next gig your best gig yet.

Building Your Vinyl Collection

Where can you find vinyl records?

For a while, as music-storage technology in the form of cassettes, CDs and then MP3 files took off, it was quite challenging to find vinyl records in 21st century Australia.

However, finding the right vinyl is becoming increasingly easy and accessible thanks to the resurgence of interest in these analog and classic music formats. So, where should you look to start building your vinyl collection?

1. Record Stores

First and foremost, visit your independent record shops in the city or area in which you live. These stores often sell classics, second-hand records and new releases. Plus, many of these stores are staffed by fellow music lovers and artists so they might even be able to provide recommendations based on your particular preferences and tastes. Nowadays, many electronics, music and even chain record stores stock vinyl.

2. Fairs and Community Events

Local record fairs and other community events are often a treasure trove of antiques, including vinyl records. You can find pre-loved records as well as unique records that you probably won’t come across elsewhere. Connect with your DJ community and online forums to find out which fairs and community events are taking place in your area.

3. Op Shops

Op shops are fantastic sources of vinyl records. While the increase in popularity of vinyl has made good things in op shops somewhat fewer and far between than in the past, there are still plenty of op shops out there with a good selection of second-hand records.

4. Garage Sales

Garage sales often have hidden gems at fantastically low prices. Previous vinyl enthusiasts who may be clearing their house, moving, or otherwise just passing on their collection are a great source of everything from classic albums to lesser-known artists.

5. Online Marketplaces

There is a plethora of online marketplaces. The internet has allowed DJs and artists around the world to source otherwise inaccessible vinyl records, and allows peer-to-peer trade so you can find specific albums, rare editions or the missing piece to your DJ crate puzzle.

Tips for Starting Your Collection

It can be overwhelming for new DJs to know where or how to begin a collection. We recommend following these simple steps to help you get started.

Tip #1 – Define your focus

It is always easier to find what you are looking for when you know what you are looking for. Sit down and narrow your (initial) focus on the genre or artists that you intend on using the most. This allows you to hone in on your search and helps your initial collection be more cohesive and usable. 

Tip #2 – Start small

You don’t have to go from zero to hero. Start with just a few key albums and vinyls that resonate with you and your work. As you become more comfortable, more familiar with the different sources of vinyl records, and more set in your DJ activity, you can slowly but surely expand your collection from there.

Tip #3 – Keep your collection organised

The more organised and sorted your collection of vinyl records is, the easier it will be to expand your crate over time. There are many ways in which you can catalog your collection: Ultimately, it needs to work for you. There are even online platforms that allow you to track what you own, find new records and connect with other vinyl collectors.

Tip #4 – Network with other DJs

Connecting with fellow artists and DJs is a good way of finding recommendations, learning from their collection experiences and techniques, and even trading directly. The more concerts and local gigs you can attend, the more new music you may come across, musicians you may meet and even vinyl records you may be able to scoop up from the merchandise tables.

Collecting Records on a Budget

It is okay if you are limited when it comes to financial resources but still want to start a vinyl collection of your own.

Prioritising quality over quantity is an important focus here. Concentrate on acquiring records you love and will utilise in your music-mixing, rather than buying in bulk. A smaller collection of more valuable records is better than a large collection of mediocre ones.

Be on the lookout and shop smart: There are often discounts, sales and specials available in brick-and-mortar stores and online marketplaces.

Lastly, leverage modern technology and utilise the many online communities and forums where other collectors share the deals they find.

DJ City – find the right vinyl record player today!

One last note: Without the right vinyl record player, your vinyl collection is destined to just collect dust!

Fortunately, DJ City is one of Australia’s largest online retailers of DJ equipment and music gear. So, if you’re looking for high-quality but affordably priced vinyl record players, make sure to check out our online offerings today. And if you need a hand with anything and everything vinyl, make sure to reach out to our friendly team.