All articles
Everything on Needle & Margin, organised by topic.
Record Care & Buying
- Build a Record Collection on a Budget — Build a record collection on a budget by setting one affordable monthly limit, making a ranked want list, and defining acceptable editions and condition…
- How to Buy Used Records Online — Buy used records online by deciding whether edition, condition, completeness, or simply the music matters most.
- Vinyl Inner and Outer Sleeves Explained — Use an inner sleeve to protect the record's playing surface and an outer sleeve to protect the jacket.
- How to Clean a Vinyl Record Safely — Clean a vinyl record by first confirming its material and condition, handling only the edge and label areas, and removing loose dust with a clean…
- How to Grade a Used Vinyl Record — Grade a used vinyl record by identifying the format, cleaning it with a suitable method, inspecting both sides under strong angled light, and play-grading…
- How to Identify a Vinyl Record Pressing — Identify a vinyl pressing by matching a combination of evidence: catalogue number, country, label layout, jacket details, inserts, and the complete runout…
- How to Inspect a Warped Vinyl Record — Inspect a warped record edge-on under angled light, then rotate it slowly on a clean, correctly seated platter with the stylus raised.
- How to Read Vinyl Matrix Numbers — Read vinyl matrix numbers by shining angled light across the runout area and transcribing every stamped or etched group from both sides exactly.
- How to Set Turntable Tracking Force — Set tracking force from the exact specification for the installed cartridge and stylus, following the turntable's manual.
- How to Store Vinyl Records Upright — Store vinyl records upright on sturdy, level shelving in a clean, cool, relatively dry, and stable interior space.
Listening & Context
- How to Compare Vinyl Pressings Fairly — Compare vinyl pressings by first verifying the exact editions, mixes, runouts, mastering credits, and condition.
- Crate Digging at a Record Store — Go crate digging with a short want list, a spending limit, and a few musical clues such as labels, producers, scenes, or session players.
- How to Listen to Album Sequencing — Listen to album sequencing by playing the standard order without shuffle and noting how each ending changes the next beginning.
- How to Make a Themed Listening Session — Create a themed listening session around one focused question, then arrange a manageable set of tracks or album sides as an opener, contrast,…
- Mono vs. Stereo Records: What Changes? — A mono mix contains one program channel, while a stereo mix uses two channels that may carry different information and create left-right placement.
- How to Read Album Liner Notes — Read album liner notes by identifying the exact edition, then sorting information into performers, writing, arrangement, production, recording, mixing,…
- Remaster, Remix, and Reissue Explained — A reissue is a later release of previously issued music. A remaster creates a new release master from an available source and can change overall tone,…
- How to Research Music Genre History — Research a music genre by defining the term, place, period, and question; building parallel timelines from recordings, events, media usage, venues,…
- A Beginner's Guide to 7-Inch Singles — A seven-inch single is a small grooved disc whose speed, center hole, material, groove format, and program vary by release.
- How to Start a Music Listening Journal — Start a music listening journal with a repeatable entry containing the date, release and edition, playback setup, first impression, three audible details,…