Music: it brings people together, uniting us under a wave of melody, rhythm, and harmony. It relays stories, conveys emotion, and has the ability to deeply connect with individuals, altering their lives for the better. Henceforth, there is no better gift for Christmas than the gift of music.
The vinyl record renaissance is in full swing. More and more people are investing in a record collection, which has sent sales through the roof, inviting more musicians to dip into the medium. Whilst the resurgence in popularity has come as a surprise to many, sales across the United States have been steadily rising for the past 16 years.
However, for audiophiles and music fans everywhere, 2021 was a shock to the system as long play record (LP) sales jumped by over 50%. Indeed, MRC Data – a data and analytics provider to the music business and consumers – states that 41.7 million LPs were sold in the United States in 2021, a dramatic increase from 2020’s 27.5 million. According to The Vinyl Factory, this trend was echoed in the UK, as more than 5 million records were sold in 2021, the highest total since 1990.
Vinyl Records as Gifts
When thinking of a Christmas gift, a vinyl record or a turntable probably isn’t where your mind immediately goes to; however, both products are highly versatile and can be very affordable. The best gifts are those that have had thought put into them, and music is, quite simply, an area in which you can’t go wrong. From Metallica to Billie Eilish, and BTS to Slipknot, many musical artists are releasing vinyl records, meaning that there is something suitable for everyone’s music taste.
2018 data from the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) shows that the average record price in the UK sits at around £20.31, and for second-hand vinyl records this cost can be even lower. Sites such as eBay, Music Magpie, eil.com, and more, are awash with vintage and contemporary vinyl records alike, and the lucky few may even discover a rare gem or an original pressing, which makes the piece all the more valuable!
Turntables and Accessories
The world of turntables can at first be convoluted and confusing. Prices range from double figures to thousands, and with so many on the market, it is difficult to find the right turntable to fit your needs. However, there is one common mistake that first-time buyers make: they buy a suitcase turntable. Affordable and aesthetically pleasing, it can be easy to fall into their trap, after all they offer the conveniences of being portable, compact, and lightweight. Yet there are several downsides that outweigh the positives: the needles used are notorious for scratching records, they offer poorer sound quality, and by having inbuilt speakers, they run the risk of producing feedback and audio distortion.
Henceforth, there are dozens of affordable turntables available that do not compromise the listening experience, and such decks can be improved upon over time through the addition of high-quality speakers and preamplifiers. Whilst this does drive up the price, it is worth it, as they cultivate better audio quality and make the experience even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re buying for a friend, a family member, old, or young, vinyl records make for an excellent gift. Suitable for music veterans and fledgling fans, the medium is an accessible way to delve into music, and as time progresses and more people begin collections, it also makes for an excellent investment. Indeed, music never goes out of style – it is eternal, a force that replenishes the soul, and brings light into people’s lives. Music is the perfect gift.
