Vinyl 101: A beginner's guide to owning and playing vinyl in Singapore
The owners of three of our favorite best record stores dish out their pro tips.
9 years ago
Thanks to all the new vinyl party nights happening these days (on our calendar: Tiko Disko and Outer Limits with Sid Presley) we're feeling inspired to start our own record collections. Three pros tell us how to get started.
The Experts
- Ridhwan Abdul Ghany of Straits Records
- Richard Wan of Roxy Music Warehouse
- Ong Chai Koon of Red Point Record Warehouse
What’s the appeal over MP3s?
Ridhwan: The analog sound for sure. The artwork just looks better on a 12'' size record cover. And of course many old releases are never released on CD, so there's always more choice of music on vinyl. And who wants to listen to compressed MP3s?
Chai Koon: There’s a lot of "feel" when you put on a vinyl and it also brings back a lot of memories. Listening to a record is a multi-stepped process and I think that’s the beauty. You take it out from its sleeve and then you put it on your player. It’s not as easy as playing a CD but it’s a process that I enjoy.
Richard: I grew up listening to analog, so listening to vinyl is not just about the audio. it consists of a whole package. You get to enjoy the artwork, the process of putting the vinyl on the turntable, cleaning the stylus.
Ridhwan: The analog sound for sure. The artwork just looks better on a 12'' size record cover. And of course many old releases are never released on CD, so there's always more choice of music on vinyl. And who wants to listen to compressed MP3s?
Chai Koon: There’s a lot of "feel" when you put on a vinyl and it also brings back a lot of memories. Listening to a record is a multi-stepped process and I think that’s the beauty. You take it out from its sleeve and then you put it on your player. It’s not as easy as playing a CD but it’s a process that I enjoy.
Richard: I grew up listening to analog, so listening to vinyl is not just about the audio. it consists of a whole package. You get to enjoy the artwork, the process of putting the vinyl on the turntable, cleaning the stylus.
What should people look for when buying vinyl?
Richard: My feeling is there are two types of buyers: those who look for specific artists and those who shop by record labels. But I would just advise people to shop for what they like.
Ridhwan: For used records, they should always check for scratches. For reissues, always find out about the source the reissues are taken from. Other than that, just look for something interesting to listen in the whole wide world of vinyl.
Richard: My feeling is there are two types of buyers: those who look for specific artists and those who shop by record labels. But I would just advise people to shop for what they like.
Ridhwan: For used records, they should always check for scratches. For reissues, always find out about the source the reissues are taken from. Other than that, just look for something interesting to listen in the whole wide world of vinyl.
How should you keep them?
Ridhwan: Always keep them upright, not stacked up. And always put records back into the sleeve after listening so they don’t collect dust.
Chai Koon: Keep them out of direct light. Air con is best. Because Singapore is so humid, I suggest replacing the plastic sleeve inside with a paper sleeve. That helps keep the moisture out. I’m also quite selfish with my vinyl. Sometimes people don’t know how to handle them and end up scratching them.
Richard: Play them often and air them to make sure you don’t get any fungal growth due to the humidity in Singapore.
Ridhwan: Always keep them upright, not stacked up. And always put records back into the sleeve after listening so they don’t collect dust.
Chai Koon: Keep them out of direct light. Air con is best. Because Singapore is so humid, I suggest replacing the plastic sleeve inside with a paper sleeve. That helps keep the moisture out. I’m also quite selfish with my vinyl. Sometimes people don’t know how to handle them and end up scratching them.
Richard: Play them often and air them to make sure you don’t get any fungal growth due to the humidity in Singapore.
Where do you get your records?
Ridhwan: Street markets, collectors' homes, record fairs, Amoeba in California and also online.
Chai Koon: I don’t have a single favorite place. All of my vinyl was bought throughout the years and it started from when I was little and my family had vinyl albums at home. But sometimes, you hear of someone selling an entire collection of vinyl and that’s when you know it’s your lucky day. Those are my happiest buys.
Ridhwan: Street markets, collectors' homes, record fairs, Amoeba in California and also online.
Chai Koon: I don’t have a single favorite place. All of my vinyl was bought throughout the years and it started from when I was little and my family had vinyl albums at home. But sometimes, you hear of someone selling an entire collection of vinyl and that’s when you know it’s your lucky day. Those are my happiest buys.
What equipment should a beginner get?
Richard: Just get a proper set up: turntables and amplifier with a pair of good speakers. It’s much better than those new, good-looking turntables with built-in amp and speaker.
Richard: Just get a proper set up: turntables and amplifier with a pair of good speakers. It’s much better than those new, good-looking turntables with built-in amp and speaker.
Where should people buy their audio equipment?
Ridhwan: I haven't been shopping around for equipment, but I always like to check out used players at Sim Lim Tower or Sungei Road market. It’s good to read reviews online before getting your system.
Chai Koon: For beginners, a second-hand sound system is a good place to start and it shouldn’t cost you more than $500. A good place to start is the different audio shops at Adelphi. If you’re getting them online, do check that the voltage works for Singapore.
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