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Vinyl:still in the game!

Vinyl:still in the game!

We thought he was dead and he is still there. With its irresistibly retro look and incomparable sound quality, vinyl is making a strong comeback on turntables. Want to follow the trend? It's time to get your old records out of the attic!

It's rolling for vinyl

At a time when CDs are struggling to resist online music, vinyl never ceases to seduce. Over the past 5 years, sales of new vinyl have more than tripled in France, rising from 988,000 to 1.69 million. An even more obvious trend among young people:48% of vinyl buyers are under the age of 30.[1] Enough to create links between generations:spending your weekend discovering the artists and favorite sounds of your youth with your grandchildren, here's a joyful program!

Why is vinyl so popular?

Any music lover will tell you that vinyl provides much better sound quality than mp3. The warm sound of vinyl, characterized by its "grain", made more than one shiver. His secret? Music is stored there spatially, not digitally like CDs or MP3s. Thanks to the presence of microgrooves, the sound wave is faithfully reproduced.

If the vinyl pleases, it is also for the value of the product. In an increasingly dematerialized world, the black disc allows a deeper, even tactile connection with music. Without forgetting the nostalgic side:listening to a good old vinyl is also a way to immerse yourself in the memories of an era.

Our advice for bringing your turntable back to life

Have you found your old record player? Be aware that it is possible to tinker a little to obtain a better sound reproduction. There are several possibilities for this:

  • Changing the tonearm cartridge of your turntable. You have the choice between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, depending on your budget, your phono preamplifier and your musical tastes;
  • Change the stylus, i.e. the point that follows the grooves of the record. It is the shape of the diamond that determines the quality of the sound. You have the choice between spherical, elliptical, hyperelliptical diamond, Line Contact diamond… ;
  • Invest in a new acrylic or glass platter, or a heavy platter that absorbs vibrations well;
  • Replace the platter mat to avoid resonances given by the platter. In synthetic rubber, felt, cork, leather or composite materials, the choice is yours;
  • Invest in a speed regulator, ideal for switching from 33 rpm to 45 rpm very easily and restoring a more precise sound.

Small precision:all these manipulations do not require any particular technical skill. So, let's roll up our sleeves and give your turntable a second youth!

A genius idea for recycling your old vinyl records?

The offset vinyl lamp, do you know? To create your own, you will need:— a damaged vinyl; — an electric wire kit equipped with a plug and a switch (about 7 euros); — a bulb and a socket. wire through the hole in the disc, screw on the socket and the bulb and hang this original suspension above your bed.

Apps for vinyl lovers

Just because it's over 70 doesn't mean the vinyl isn't up to date. Here is a list of sites to consult when you are passionate about the black disc:

  • Discogs: an application that allows you to make collections (8 million references) and estimate the value of your old vinyl records before reselling them;
  • The Vinyl District :Allows you to geolocate independent record stores. Top for unearthing nuggets of all kinds;
  • #Vinyloftheday: a social network for vinyl collectors where you can build your music collection and buy your favorite records.

Where to find vinyl at low prices?

To find a rare record without breaking the bank and meet other enthusiasts, there are annual events like Le Disquaire Day. For one day, independent record stores from all over France offer attractive discounts. Another unmissable event for vinyl buffs:Paris Loves Vinyl. You will find no less than 100,000 vinyls, 70 sellers and 8 DJs who will make you discover their most beautiful selections. Another way to get good deals:vinyl fairs, Emmaüs and flea markets.

To better appreciate the sound of your vinyl collection

Remember to have your hearing checked regularly to enjoy your vinyl records for as long as possible!

In the digital age, it's nice to see vinyl come back into fashion, especially among young people. With the fairs and other events around the famous black cake, you have enough to create an incredible record collection.

[1] National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (SNEP)