Three Need-to-Knows: Starting a Record Collection the Byrdland Way

We asked expert vinyl collectors and caretakers, Byrdland Records owners Joe Lapan and Alisha Edmondson for their advice for beginning a record collection.

1. Invest in a decent turntable

“For $130-$150, we can get you something not terrible,” Lapan says. “Records can be expensive and valuable, so invest in a turntable with a decent needle and a counterweight. That’s very worth it.” 

2. Think about where you’re going to store your records

“You have to keep them protected and clean,” Lapan says. “This doesn’t have to be some fancy thing — it can just be a designated shelf. Be prepared to take care of them. Set yourself so you can put them back in their sleeves and plan on where to keep them.” 

3. Don’t be scared to start with used records

“We have a whole used area and we’re constantly building that,” Lapan says. “If you’re building a collection and are fearful of the cost side of it, you can start building a really nice collection based on used records. It takes a little time sifting through used records, but that’s supposed to be the enjoyable part.” 

Read our full coverage of Byrdland Records here. 

Byrdland Records: 1264 5th St. NE, DC; byrdlandrecords.com // @byrdlandrecords

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Trent Johnson