Cheap vinyl records 2024: The best vinyl records on sale in rock, metal, prog and more

Cheap vinyl records
(Image credit: Martin Bureau/AFP - Getty)

Collecting vinyl has never been more appealing thanks to the resurrection of the format in recent years, but getting your hands on cheap vinyl records can sometimes be a struggle – that's why we've collected some of the top bargains available right now to make things a little bit easier.

And while vinyl records were largely shunned following the launch of the CD, artists and record companies have embraced the format once again – either by reissuing old favourites with added bells and whistles, or bringing out their latest releases on eye-catching and limited-edition coloured vinyl, with a host of bonus tracks, demos, live cuts and more.

Sure, streaming is convenient but nothing beats buying a slice of vinyl for a brilliant musical experience. Drop the needle, take in the artwork in all its glory and settle back and take it all in. Magical!

But, as any vinyl fan knows, the prices have been increasing along with the format’s resurrection, but we've come up with a list of some of the very best vinyl record deals in rock, metal, prog, alternative and more currently on the market.

And that's not all. Here, you'll also find information about what to look for when purchasing vinyl, whether buying new is better than grabbing a dusty old second hand copy and investing in vinyl. And below, you'll also discover our pick of the best classic albums to own on vinyl.

Classic album vinyl deals

Today's top cheap vinyl record deals

You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.

Latest UK rock vinyl deals

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Unlimited Love: £32.62, £27.43

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Unlimited Love: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FUnlimited-Amazon-Vinyl-Exclusive-VINYL%2Fdp%2FB09RNRC7YB%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£32.62, £27.43
Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with their new studio album Unlimited Love. Amazon UK have an exclusive double blue vinyl edition, and it currently has 16% off.

Bruce Springsteen: Greatest Hits: £25.62, £22.97

Bruce Springsteen: Greatest Hits: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FGreatest-Hits-VINYL-Bruce-Springsteen%2Fdp%2FB07D58DD9G%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£25.62, £22.97
This 18-track compilation was originally released back in 1995 and contains some of The Boss’s best-loved songs including Glory Days, Born To Run, Better Days and Streets Of Philadelphia. Grab it from Amazon.

Bob Dylan: The Times They Are A-Changing: £19.99, £11.99

Bob Dylan: The Times They Are A-Changing: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2549&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zavvi.com%2Fmerch-vinyl%2Fbob-dylan-special-edition-the-times-they-are-a-changin-lp%2F13470298.html" data-link-merchant="zavvi.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£19.99, £11.99
Dylan’s third studio album has been reissued on heavyweight 180g vinyl. If you're quick, you can grab it with £8 off over at Zavvi.

Joe Bonamassa: Royal Tea Live: £19.75, now £18.57

Joe Bonamassa: Royal Tea Live: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FNow-Serving-Royal-Ryman-Transparent%2Fdp%2FB092XDRN6Y%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£19.75, now £18.57
Blues rock favourite Joe Bonamassa released Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman in the summer of 2021 - and Amazon have a slight discount on the collectable double transparent vinyl edition.

Brian May: Back To The Light:Was £19.39, now £17.69

Brian May: Back To The Light: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FBack-Light-VINYL-Brian-May%2Fdp%2FB095L2LGJR%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £19.39, now £17.69
Amazon have knocked some cash off the anniversary reissue of Brian May's Back To The Light album. The 2021 edition has been newly remastered from the master tapes and has been pressed on 180g vinyl.


Giraffe Tongue Orchestra: Broken Lines: £20, now £12

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra: Broken Lines:<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18214&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Ftownsendmusic.store%2Fproduct%2F79227" data-link-merchant="townsendmusic.store"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> £20, now £12
Considering GTO consist of members of Alice In Chains, Mastodon, The Mars Volta and more, they can definitely be described as a proper supergroup. Townsend Music have lopped eight notes from the price of their 2016 record Broken Lines.

Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction: Was £21.99, now £19.99

Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FAppetite-Destruction-VINYL-Guns-Roses%2Fdp%2FB07Z75ZRSL%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £21.99, now £19.99
One of the greatest debut albums of all time has a couple of quid knocked off its RRP over on Amazon. A classic thanks to tracks like Paradise City, Welcome To The Jungle and Sweet Child O’ Mine.

Motorhead: Bastards: Was £14.99, now £10.99

Motorhead: Bastards: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fbastards%2F308718.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £14.99, now £10.99
EMP have knocked a few quid off the the Motorhead Bastards picture disc. The record initially came out back in 1993 and features the brilliant Born To Raise Hell. A great  addition to your Motorhead collection.

Latest UK metal vinyl deals

Spiritbox: Eternal Blue: Was £28.28, now £22.12

Spiritbox: Eternal Blue: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FEternal-Blue-Vinyl-VINYL%2Fdp%2FB096TJMSCV%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £28.28, now £22.12
Spiritbox are currently taking the metal world by storm on the back of their stunning debut album Eternal Blue. Amazon have knocked 22% off the asking price, so get in now if you haven’t already.

Trivium: In The Court Of The Dragon: £50.99, £42.99

Trivium: In The Court Of The Dragon: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fin-the-court-of-the-dragon%2F518758.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£50.99, £42.99
There’s a neat 15% saving on the double grey vinyl pressing of In The Court Of The Dragon by Trivium. An absolute beast of an album, this is not to be missed. Grab it over at EMP.

Venom Prison: Erebos: Was £22.99, now £19.99

Venom Prison: Erebos: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Ferebos%2F521587.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £22.99, now £19.99
Venom Prison released their new album Erebos in February, and if you missed out, then EMP have the red vinyl pressing available with a few quid off.

At The Gates: The Nightmare Of Being: £64.99, £49.99

At The Gates: The Nightmare Of Being: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fthe-nightmare-of-being%2F503265.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£64.99, £49.99
At The Gates’ most recent studio album The Nightmare Of Being is on sale at Townsend Music. This particular edition is spread across 2LP, 3CD making it the ultimate version of the Swedish outfit’s seventh album.

Epica: Omega Alive: Was £69.99, now £54.99

Epica: Omega Alive: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fomega-alive%2F515565.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £69.99, now £54.99
Epica released Omega Alive in December last year - ands if you missed out, you can get your hands one the triple green vinyl pack with added DVD from the team at EMP with £15 off the RRP.

Anthrax: Kings Among Scotland: £38.99, £32.99

Anthrax: Kings Among Scotland: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fkings-among-scotland%2F378086.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£38.99, £32.99
Recorded at Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom in front of a raucous crowd, Kings Among Scotland is a must for all Anthrax fans. This triple vinyl is packed with bangers - and includes the full Among The Living album. Save 15% at EMP right now.

Latest UK prog vinyl deals

Rush: Permanent Waves 40th anniversary: Was £68.97, now £61.74

Rush: Permanent Waves 40th anniversary: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FPermanent-Waves-40th-Anniversary-VINYL%2Fdp%2FB083XX6F5S%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £68.97, now £61.74
Rush’s Permanent Waves celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020, with this reissue launched to mark the milestone. This box set features additional live cuts and a 24-page booklet featuring previously unreleased photos.

Marillion: Fugazi: Was £32.76, now £28.75

Marillion: Fugazi: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FFugazi-Deluxe-VINYL-Marillion%2Fdp%2FB0948N64GW%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £32.76, now £28.75
This is the 2021 deluxe reissue of Marillion’s second studio album Fugazi. This 4LP features a new remix along with live tracks from Montreal in 1984.

Transatlantic: The Whirlwind: Was £25.99, now £21.99

Transatlantic: The Whirlwind: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fthe-whirlwind%2F512821.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £25.99, now £21.99
Supergroup Transatlantic’s third studio album The Whirlwind is on sale right now at EMP. This pack contains 2LP/CD and is crammed with prog galore.

Pink Floyd: Delicate Sound Of Thunder: £69.99, now £59.99

Pink Floyd: Delicate Sound Of Thunder: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2549&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zavvi.com%2Fmerch-vinyl%2Fpink-floyd-delicate-sound-of-thunder-3lp-box-set%2F13154237.html" data-link-merchant="zavvi.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£69.99, now £59.99
Zavi have knocked a tenner off the price of the 3LP box set reissue of Pink Floyd’s brilliant live album Delicate Sound Of Thunder. Get in quick!

Amorphis: Halo: Was £79.99, now £59.99

Amorphis: Halo: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11298&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emp.co.uk%2Fp%2Fhalo%2F522978.html" data-link-merchant="emp.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £79.99, now £59.99
EMP have an exclusive box set of new Amorphis album Halo  - and they’ve knocked £20 off the asking price. It contains two silver vinyl records and a CD.

Latest UK alternative vinyl deals

The Mission: Collected: Was £42.99, now £39.04

The Mission: Collected: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FMission-Collected-Black-Vinyl-bonus%2Fdp%2FB09FS73FMN%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was £42.99, now £39.04
This three-disc set from The Mish brings together some of their best-loved tracks. This limited edition is pressed on 180g vinyl and comes with a host of bonuses including a foreword by Wayne Hussey. Grab it from Amazon.

Latest US rock vinyl deals

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin I: Was $27.99, now $23.97

Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin I: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLed-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin-I-Vinyl%2F37869366" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $27.99, now $23.97
Led Zep’s classic debut album is on sale over at Walmart. It contains rock favourites including Dazed And Confused and Communication Breakdown.

Led Zeppelin: Houses Of The Holy: $24.98, now $22.99

Led Zeppelin: Houses Of The Holy: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FLed-Zeppelin-Houses-Of-The-Holy-Vinyl%2F41173479" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$24.98, now $22.99
And speaking of Led Zeppelin, Walmart have also cut the price of the vinyl edition of the band’s 1973 record Houses Of The Holy. If you don’t have this in your collection, now’s a great chance to grab it.

The Beatles: The Singles Collection: $229.98, $190.84

The Beatles: The Singles Collection: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FThe-Beatles-The-Singles-Collection-Vinyl-7-Inch-Remaster-Limited-Edition%2F801401607" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$229.98, $190.84
There’s a brilliant saving on this brilliant Beatles box set over at Walmart. The Singles Collection gathers 46 tracks which have been pressed across 23,180g seven-inch vinyl, with the package also including a 40-page booklet.

Guns N' Roses: Locked N' Loaded: $999.99, now $737.99

Guns N' Roses: Locked N' Loaded:<a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=34455487&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fappetite-for-destruction-locked-n-loaded-box-set-20-lp-discs-lp-vinyl%2F34455487.p%3FskuId%3D34455487&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank"> <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=34455487&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fappetite-for-destruction-locked-n-loaded-box-set-20-lp-discs-lp-vinyl%2F34455487.p%3FskuId%3D34455487&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$999.99, now $737.99<a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=34455487&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fappetite-for-destruction-locked-n-loaded-box-set-20-lp-discs-lp-vinyl%2F34455487.p%3FskuId%3D34455487&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" target="_blank">
Guns N’ Roses massive Appetite For Destruction box set is on sale right now over at Best Buy. You can save $262 on this 20 LP collection which comes with an incredible amount of bonus content, including b-sides, EPs, live cuts and more.

Black Sabbath: Ultimate Collection: $99.99, now $76.81

Black Sabbath: Ultimate Collection: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FUltimate-Collection-Gold-Colored-Vinyl%2Fdp%2FB08BRLHVJP%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$99.99, now $76.81
This 4LP set brings 31 of Black Sabbath’s best-loved tracks together. The Ultimate Collection has also been pressed on beautiful gold vinyl making this a must for rock and metal fans especially with this saving over at Amazon.

Latest US metal vinyl deals

Babymetal: 10 Babymetal Years: $50.99, now $42.44

Babymetal: 10 Babymetal Years: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBabymetal-Years-Limited-Crystal-Clear%2Fdp%2FB08TYY4ZWG%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$50.99, now $42.44
What’s better than a 17% saving on this Babymetal collection? A 17% saving on the limited edition clear vinyl pressing, that’s what! Grab it from Amazon.

Sabaton: The Great War: Was $48.99, now $30.72

Sabaton: The Great War: Was <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FGreat-War-180-Gram-Vinyl-Sabaton%2Fdp%2FB07QSPJCGH%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$48.99, now $30.72
Sabaton’s brilliant 2019 album The Great War is on sale right now at Amazon with an explosive 36% off the RRP. It features tracks including The Red Barron and Devil Dogs

Latest US prog vinyl deals

Pink Floyd: The Endless River: Was $57.99, now $43.10

Pink Floyd: The Endless River: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=38569&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FEndless-River-PINK-FLOYD%2Fdp%2FB00NPZJTNG%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $57.99, now $43.10
Amazon US have cut the price of Pink Floyd’s final album The Endless River by 26% making this a great time to buy if you’ve still to pick it up. It features recordings made by late keyboardist Richard Wright.

Latest US alternative vinyl deals

The Cure: Greatest Hits: Was $46.99, now $30.53

The Cure: Greatest Hits: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FThe-Cure-Greatest-Hits%2F191868230" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $46.99, now $30.53
If you’re looking to get into The Cure or just want a top-quality compilation, then this Greatest Hits vinyl should do the trick. Tracks include A Forest, Close To Me, Just Like Heaven, Friday I’m In Love and In Between Days. Buy it from Walmart.

The Cure: Seventeen Seconds: Was $21.98, now $13.06

The Cure: Seventeen Seconds: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FThe-Cure-Seventeen-Seconds-Vinyl%2F55906011" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $21.98, now $13.06
And speaking of The Cure, Walmart have also knocked down the price on the band’s Seventeen Seconds album on 108g heavyweight vinyl. Standout tracks include Play For Today, A Forest and Secrets.

Cheap vinyl records: More deals

The latest vinyl deals and more (UK)

The latest vinyl deals and more (US)

Cheap vinyl records: Buying advice

What to look for when buying cheap vinyl records online

The advantages of buying records online are many. It’s convenient. You can be laser-focused. No worries about the weather. Online exclusives. No one need ever know you collect both Slayer and Westlife records...

Disadvantages include additional postage costs, risk of damage from poor packaging or rogue couriers apparently training for national frisbee tournaments. 

There are also intangible things you may miss from not visiting your local record shop – new music tips, the chance to dig through bargain bins or crates marked “New Arrivals” before anyone else. It’s tougher to smuggle records in the house without your partner noticing when buying online, especially when the postman asks you to sign for huge record-shaped parcels every day. 

However, despite such challenges the convenience of buying online is indisputable, so here are some tips to make your online experience more successful.

Where should I buy vinyl records online?

Deciding the best places to buy records depends on whether you are buying new or second-hand vinyl. When buying new, the main players in the market are as follows:

Artist’s Own Store: What better way of supporting your favourite artists than buying (often exclusive) releases directly from their website, especially if they are an up and coming band? 

Online Vinyl Specialists: Generally outlets run by large record companies. These vendors often have access to exclusive signed or limited editions. 

Generalist Internet Retailers: Well-known names such as Amazon who are efficient and offer back up should things go wrong. 

Independent Record Stores: You may prefer to support independent record shops who also sell vinyl online. There are many excellent independent stores, including Rough Trade, Brighton’s Resident Records, Manchester’s Piccadilly Records, Glasgow's Monorail Music, Southend’s South Records and Totnes’ Drift Records. While not “independent” in the same way, let’s not forget the HMV chain either. Buying records from these outlets supports the high street.

If you prefer to buy second-hand, the biggest online marketplace for vinyl is Discogs, a specialist online marketplace for record dealers and individuals which lists every version of every record you can imagine.

(Image credit: Jim Davis/The Boston Globe - Getty)

Cheap vinyl records: Investing in vinyl

Is vinyl a good investment? It really depends. If you had bought a first pressing of Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 1969 with turquoise sleeve lettering and Superhype Music/Jewel Music Publishing credits labels, congratulations: that record is now worth over £1000.

More recently, Royal Blood released 800 copies of their 2014 debut album on white vinyl. These copies are now fetching £75 online, while the regular version averages just £16.

However, first pressings of Van Halen’s debut album generally fetch just £5. One of the greatest debut records of all time, and it’s a fiver! So it's less about the music than relative scarcity. There weren’t many turquoise copies of Led Zeppelin’s debut LP printed, but Van Halen albums aren’t rare. Use this knowledge when considering whether to buy new or used. Sometimes an original copy is cheaper than a reissue.

Cheap vinyl records: New or second-hand?

One of the best things about used vinyl is that it can be cheaper. You can buy used records by many big 70s and 80s rock bands relatively cheaply because their records sold in large quantities. Part of the fun is knowing that old gatefold-sleeved Hawkwind album has probably been to more parties than you have.

Used vinyl can also have special qualities. For example, the original UK version of AC/DC’s Powerage had a different tracklist to the European release. To compare the different versions, Discogs and eBay are your best bet. 

Also, those 70s albums will be pure slabs of analogue. No digital re-mastering, no 16-bit-processing – it didn’t exist back then, so this is straight from the master tape on to vinyl. 

However, buying used vinyl can be a minefield. Not being able to see the condition of what you are buying is the biggest disadvantage to buying used vinyl online. Take time to familiarise yourself with how vendors grade albums, using abbreviations such as NM for Near Mint, VG+ (or Ex), VG and G. VG is generally worth half the value of something Mint. 

Buying used vinyl shouldn’t mean your collection is full of snap, crackles and pops. Unless you like your LPs sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies, avoid sub-standard vinyl. “Good” in record collecting parlance is defined as having been “played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated”. So that’s “bad”, then. 

Where new vinyl can have the edge is when older records become scarce and expensive. Why spend hundreds on an early copy of Led Zeppelin II when Jimmy Page went to so much trouble in 2014 to remaster it so beautifully?

(Image credit: Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu Agency - Getty)

Cheap vinyl records: Shipping

Is vinyl safe to ship in the post?

This is a key question. Expect vendors to use specialist record mailers that protect fragile items from damage. Search social media or look at consumer review sites such as Trustpilot if you haven’t used a vendor previously. On Discogs or eBay look at sellers’ previous feedback. Do your diligence! 

Cheap vinyl records: Vinyl quality

Vinyl record thickness explained

The sound of a record is affected far more by the mastering process (and dust) than the thickness of the vinyl it is pressed on. A badly mastered record won’t sound any better if pressed on “luxury” 180g vinyl than if it were on a regular, thinner pressing, so our advice is not to get too focused about record thickness. 

Cheap vinyl records: The cost of vinyl

In 1987, Def Leppard’s Hysteria cost £6.99, which adjusted for inflation is £21 today. This compares well to the average price of vinyl now – around £20 at the time of writing.

Expect to pay more for double LPs, and sometimes £1 - £2 more for limited editions. Sometimes the extra might be worthwhile, just to have something collectible and fun (not to mention potentially more valuable).

Coloured vinyl nowadays sounds little different to regular black vinyl. From a sound quality perspective, you may wish to avoid picture discs, which are made differently and tend to have inferior sound, even if they do look very pretty. 

For super-fans, the box set is a luxury product showcasing a particular artist or sometimes a particular album. Such items can sell for £75 plus – up to £250 and beyond! They certainly provide an immersive experience for the fans, but how much different music could you listen to for the same outlay?

If you're interested in vinyl, then we have more content for you right here on Louder.  We have guides to the new vinyl releases, the best vinyl record storage, the best record players around, the best budget turntables, the best portable record players and the best headphones for vinyl.

Want more? Then we also take a look at direct-drive vs belt-drive turntables to find out the difference and have a list of the best vinyl record cleaners so you can keep your collection in tip-top shape.

Steve Carr is the author of Every Record Tells A Story: A Vinyl Handbook

With contributions from