WHY ARE TURNTABLES MAKING A COMEBACK?
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL | THE RESURGENCE OF VINYL RECORDS
If you’re unsure whether vinyl has been making a comeback…well, we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but you’ve been living under a rock. Turntables and vinyl records are in a period of resurgence that’s undeniable with no ifs, ands, or buts. The real question is: why?
In a world of go-go-go, of streaming and immediate accessibility, of background music listening, why would such an old-fashioned medium push its way back onto the stage? Vinyl record sales have been spinning out of control (pun intended, of course) and have even recently risen above CD sales. According to Forbes, records have seen a 260% increase since 2009. People bought almost 5 million vinyl records in 2020 alone!
So what's the story behind this outdated format’s huge comeback?
A TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE
Perhaps the largest reason behind the resurgence of vinyl is the tangible experience that turntables offer. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music provide music how and when you want it: you get to flit from song to song, artist to artist, and skip songs with the touch of a button or a simple voice command.
But with a record player, you get a much deeper personal experience. They’re detached from the technology we typically surround ourselves with like tablets, phones, and computers. Rather than just tap a button, you have to slow down the process. You must pick out a record, take it from its sleeve, put it on the platter, get the platter spinning, drop the needle, then sit down to listen.
So, in a word: mindfulness. It becomes an experience, an act in of itself, instead of an end goal. In our chaotic world of rushing everywhere, it’s important to occasionally slow down and take time to eat a home-cooked meal, to enjoy a warm bath…and to sit down and simply listen to music. Vinyl offers both the journey and the destination.
IT’S A UNIQUE SOUND
Vinyl produces a truly one-of-a-kind sound. You just can’t get the same audio from a CD or a digital download. Many audio enthusiasts believe that vinyl records produce a richer sound full of depth and warmth that’s more engaging and satisfying than a CD. Even if you prefer the quality of digital music, you can’t deny that the occasional pop and crackle of a record is something you just can't get anywhere else.
Plus, it’s a far more immersive sound. Rather than shoving in headphones or listening to your music in the background, vinyl lets you see the music in a very real way: you watch the record turn and see the slow, inexorable movement of the needle as it journeys across the music. It’s far more entertaining than downloading a digital file.
NOSTALGIA IS TRENDING
While there are plenty of audiophiles who are keeping the love of vinyl alive and well, it’s actually millennial consumers who are the driving force behind the revival of turntables. Along with the Gen Z generation, the resurgence can be traced back to millennials declaring that the old is new.
So with vintage and nostalgia becoming the new trend, vinyl became a fad. Yet instead of this bubble bursting like most trends do, turntables dug in its claws (or, should we say, needles) and stayed. They’re a genuine blast from the past and really did take people back to the good old days. Instead of an insincere quick fix, vinyl provided a heartfelt way to connect to times gone by and eventually encouraged people of all ages to give record players a try.
ACCESSIBILITY
As popularity grows, supply must meet demand, and vinyl production has not disappointed. More albums have been getting released on vinyl where before most rock, pop, and R&B artists wouldn’t have bothered.
Vinyl has always been available for old-school enthusiasts in niche corner record stores, garage sales, and used bookstores. They provided a decently reliable supply of older records that are no longer in production. Yet where before purchasing vinyl for a modern album was difficult, if not impossible, vinyl pressing plants have been cropping up around America, and now it’s easier than ever to get a new record on vinyl. There are also novelty records being released more frequently so you can get a vinyl copy of your favorite game soundtrack or Anime OST with relative ease.
SUMMARY
If you’ve ever dropped the needle of a turntable onto a vinyl record, you probably know the allure that turntables offer. It’s a tactile experience that digital music can’t compete with. Turntables are making a comeback because they offer this experience along with a one-of-a-kind sound and a retreat into nostalgia.
Is it all fun and games? No, unfortunately. Turntables and record players take a lot of upkeep and can get expensive to maintain. And while vinyl records are more readily accessible now, newly released albums can get pricy. Their sales are still no match for streaming. But - as this resurgence goes to show - you can’t put a price on nostalgia. Ask any music lover with a turntable if it’s worth it, and more often than not, you’ll get a resounding, furtive yes.
This trend seems here to stay and will probably only grow more popular in the next few years. So if you’re new to turntables and are interested in learning more about them, we encourage you to read our Turntable Jargon article! It reviews important terms and features you should know before investing in a turntable.
And if you’ve decided you want to buy a turntable, or you simply want to check out the types of vintage turntables that are out there, don’t hesitate to check out our large selection here.
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