Playing a vinyl record is straightforward when you know how to play it correctly. It is also easy to get it wrong and cause damage to the record if you need help with how to play it. How to play is a normal question when getting into vinyl records for the first time. Recording is a different experience from using modern-day electronics.
Vinyl records don’t just sound great; they also look great if displayed properly. This is the ritual that many record collectors used to mark artwork on the covers of their collections. If you are looking for inspiration about displaying your vinyl collection, there are several ways to do it, from simple and basic to highly creative.
How to Play Records
You’ll learn how to set up and play a record with essential components. Multiple cautions and specific guidelines are also detailed here. Let’s learn to play records!
Setting up gear
Setting up gear is the first step, such as speakers. You can skip this step if your record has built-in speakers. However, you will need external speakers if you have a turntable without speakers. Investing in external speakers is excellent, even if your device contains them. Having built-in speakers is enough, but external ones give you an extra touch to enjoy the music fully.
Apart from speakers, you’ll also need a separate and regular amplifier.
Setting up Speakers with a Built-In Preamp: Set up speakers in a record with a built-in preamp and speakers with a built-in amplifier. You’ll only need red and white RCA cords to connect the record to the speakers. Some versions may have a feasible line-out port to connect with devices like speakers and headphones. For the external preamp, thoroughly check that you have correctly connected the speakers and record player. Plug the record player into the preamp input and connect the speakers or the amplifier to the output if the speakers are not powered.
Setting up Bluetooth speakers: You can use wireless speakers if your record has a built-in Bluetooth transmitter; you only need to pair them. However, follow the instructions in the user manual for your record player. Setup becomes more tidy with a Bluetooth connection requiring no cords and wires. You can also connect a separate transmitter if the record doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth transmitter.
Setting Up USB Computer Speakers: Some turntables offer the facility to use a USB cable for attaching the record player to a computer speaker. Turntables have USB output if the device has a built-in preamplifier. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to buy a separate preamp.
Place a record on the turntable.
Once speakers are in place, remove the record from its jacket and inner sleeve carefully and set it on the turntable’s platter. You should know that the way to store records is vital for maintaining longevity, and most users overlook handling aspects. Below are some protective techniques:
- You can protect records by removing the inner sleeve from the jacket.
- Insert your hand inside the inner lining or sleeve carefully, and position your index, middle, and ring fingers in the center.
- The thumb should be on the outer border of the record.
- Pull the record out of the sleeve without touching the record’s face or surface.
Avoid touching the rough, grooved surface of the record. Oil and dirt from our fingers can cause damage. So, keep your fingers to the edges or center of the sticker. Place the record on the platter. Make sure the record is placed on the right side to play the record you wish.
Set the record player’s speed.
Understanding speed settings and various disc types is essential. The speed of the turntable tells how quickly the platter spins your album. Faster speeds are for more minor records, and slower speeds are for more significant albums. Records of various sizes play at 78, 45, and 33 1/3 RPM. 33 1/3 RPM requires a standard, full-size LP, which you might be looking for.
Turn on the turntable and clean the record.
Press the start button for the platter, and the record will start rotating. The start button varies by record; some don’t even have it. Suppose it doesn’t lift the arm to start recording or turning. Spinning will start with the trigger. Before placing the stylus on the record, take an anti-static record-cleaning brush and clean the album. Clean up any dust or grime as it rotates. Maintaining cleanliness prevents deterioration, scratching, and skips. Use the EVEO Vinyl Record Player Cleaner kit to keep your soft velvet brush dry, clean, and lint-free.
Trigger the Tonearm
It’s time to trigger the tonearm, as it’s clean now. Use the cueing lever to elevate the record from the cradle to activate the tonearm. Slowly glide it across the turntable’s edge as it’s lifted, hanging above the record’s outer edges. Align the stylus with the smooth-looking grooves to play from the start. Then, slowly lower the tonearm using the cueing lever. Keep lowering the tonearm until the stylus touches the record’s surface. Elevate and release the tonearm manually if the record doesn’t have a cueing lever. Be highly cautious while doing it. Place the pinkie finger on anything stable adjacent to the turntable to gently move the tonearm up and down.
Flip the vinyl record.
Maintenance is critical for durability, and how you flip is vital, too. Use the cueing lever to elevate the tonearm while the record is still rotating. Count the well-defined delineated rings to match the track numbers. Bring the tonearm down gently. Remember to heat buildup in the stylus. Keep practicing.
Stop the Record
Lift the tonearm properly to stop it as it’s playing. Avoid stopping the platter from rotating until the tonearm is raised. Place the tonearm in the cradle. Use the same anti-static brush to clean until it’s rotating on the turntable. After cleaning, press the start/stop button to stop the platter or the turntable. Instantly transfer to its cover or sleeve, or flip for playing on the other side.
How to display records
Make Wall Art of Records
Making a wall record is the best thing if you have many old and unwanted records. Record collections with albums you don’t care about can make unique wall art pieces that can catch anyone’s eye.
Build a Basic Shelf
Making a basic shelf for displaying records is way easier than you think. A simple floating shelf design takes only a piece of wood, some screws and anchors, and a few tools. Building a personal shelf can help you save money in the long run. It is also an exceptional approach to teaching yourself a new valuable skill.
Vinyl Mounts
Vinyl mounts are floating, tiny shelves that can hold one record apiece. They extend from a wall that looks like records are suspended in the air. Vinyl mounts are perfect for minimalist decorators and those on a larger decorative budget; these mounts are usually expensive.
While pre-made vinyl mounts can be costly, making your own is easy, too. It takes almost the same tools and hardware to make a floating shelf and a smaller piece of wood.
Use Bookshelves
Bookshelves are an excellent source to display your favorite albums, especially when you cannot fill them. Things can spice up if there’s much space on the bookshelf and you want it filled with vinyl records.
Wrapping up
Vinyl records are easy to play if you already know the process. If you have never played records before, it will take a little bit of practice to master it. But once you get it, it’ll become second nature for you.
Now, you know different ways to display your records safely. Use any of these methods, combinations, or whatever way it is; use them properly and add more taste to your overall room color scheme.