Vinyl is back for good and that’s exciting

I buy LP's because I like the sound of well-mastered, well-pressed ones, but even more important to me is the 12x12 physical size of the object; some people DO care about things like being able to see the artwork and be able to read lyrics and credits without needing a magnifying glass.

Nothing to do with 'nostalgia' for me - I'm 72 and went without playing any vinyl for over 25 years - all about the sound and the 12x12 artwork. I also buy a lot of box sets, both vinyl and CD; there is some great packaging both ways.... 

But 'back for good'? I don't think such a concept exists; there's a lot of future left, I hope. 

@pindac 

I can clean and dry 20 records in an hour, have a record that is immune to static and is quieter than when new. I can also make dinner at the same time. I suspect my solution is a bit more expensive than yours, maybe 25 cents per cleaned record. What does this have to do with vinyl being, "back for good"?  In spite of the best intension vinyl is not likely to survive in the long run. Us old guys that grew up with records and now have money and room for them will perish leaving a bunch of streaming monkeys who are more than likely too lazy to brush their teeth never mind clean a record. For serious music lovers digital sources and mastering have improved dramatically, are noise and hassle free and can be easily purchased online. Some venues are still subject to the loudness wars, but I think that will change. 

There is no assurance that if you buy a new physical copy of music that the artist will get any of the money unless you buy it directly from the artist on a website or at a show. The record companies have the royalties scam down pat too. If you buy used the artist gets nothing.

I don’t feel that there’s anything I can do about this situation. In my view, it’s up to the artists to band together, especially the superstars, and demand fairer treatment as far as payment goes for all recorded music. I am prepared to pay more for streaming if that happens, probably a LOT more. I’d like to see that happen but don’t expect it anytime soon. The system is working just fine for artists like Taylor or The Stones and you can never have too much money, just ask Bono or Roger Waters.

I have no need to feel guilty; I would guess that 95% of the musicians represented on my ~3000 LPs are deceased, some long ago. The few that remain active are themselves dropping like flies and largely earn income from concerts, not from their old LPs. In principle, I agree with Mijostyn. The vinyl renaissance will wane as we who support it shuffle off this mortal coil. But I don’t think it will go away completely, because there is a certain mystique about vinyl and its album covers that still appeals even to the young.

Markets are created within Markets.

Vinyl has had its day as the go to method to experience recorded music, but that said, it is still able to function as means to supply entertainment very satisfactorily.

Those who buy Vinyl for this purpose are in general Single Album Purchasers, as well as particular about recording quality, returns to Vendor are quit common.

Then there is the different approach, Vinyl LP's are known to appreciate in value.

Those with collections used solely to be replayed and with a usage history know this, they have raised an eyebrow on occasion when a value of a LP has become known. Take my original 'Pulse' Album as an example, still in its cellophane wrap. 

Those with Vinyl collections, with no intention to be replayed, where the LP is still wrapped in cellophane and maybe even provenance such as a purchase receipt, are the backbone of the New Production markets. These types of buyer are happy to buy in multiples, they know the investments and the likelihood of appreciation, as well as knowing all about the appreciation that is already realised. It is these types  of enthusiast that are the New Release Markets, Coal on the Fire, they are the Stokers.

Making Money is a stimulus, everybody wants a piece of the action. Getting in early is the buzz, the thrill of the chase. As long as this activity keeps making profit, when will the activity cease, if there is seemingly nothing speculative for the use of ones monies. There is not a secret anymore about appreciation, the stories are commonly heard, there is a growing trend, participants are increasing, it is better than some of the Trends and certainly nothing Ponzi. 

A couple of years past during Covid, I met teen in the workplace and after having a talk about the strange world we were in, learnt that they collected/Invested In  Trainer Shoes and Vinyl, with a combined collection in multi thousands of £'s. I used to get him to show a few other work friends Photo's of his display of Trainers that have never been worn outside of the home.

I know one case where a first edition Album pressed in 2017ish was out of Presses. I held of the purchase of the Album as a Xmas gift, with the intention of having it as Easter gift. When picking up with the idea at Easter the same £30 Album could only be found for close to £700. Very recently a second addition pressing has been marketed and things have normalised.

I think it is safe to say that a user of the Vinyl LP for entertainment through a replay, did not come up with the value of £700. For the purchaser such a price will have been very speculative.