Audio Nirvana
Are you besotted by the unique charm of vinyl records- the crackle, the warmth, the nostalgia. Unlike traditional “collectables” lists defined by monetary value, these are records picked for their importance as artefacts, whether rare, revolutionary or representative of an era
By Namrata Kohli
“I’m quite fond of vintage records, especially LPs (Long Play) and EPs (Extended Play). My collection includes a stack of Hindi film and classical music gems such as Guide, Teesri Manzil, duets from old films, are some of my all-time favorites collection but I have a special place for a collection ‘Talat Mahmood in Blue Mood’. The warmth and depth of his voice, captured on vinyl, is unparalleled. It's this love for the golden era songs that inspired me to organize the Talat Mahmood memorial show, a tribute to the timeless melodies of Talat Mahmood on his centenary year,” says culture curator Sudesh Chawla who recently hosted a tribute to this legend at Kamani on his centenary celebrations at Kamani auditorium in New Delhi.
“I love acoustic tones and nostalgia... We bongs live for it, says Rahul Saha, Noida based video editor who says he has mostly inherited this from elder uncles. Says Saha- “I had one of SD Burman. The LP's name was 'Dur kon probashe. Another rare one is 'Dark side of the moon' by Pink Floyd.”
The vinyl records market in India is experiencing a notable resurgence, driven by a growing appreciation for analog sound quality and nostalgia. Globally, the Vinyl records market size was valued at US$ 2.17 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 4.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.57% from 2024 to 2031, as per Verified Market Research® a global leader in Research and Consulting. This global trend suggests a parallel growth pattern in the Indian market, reflecting increased consumer interest in physical music formats. The resurgence in vinyl records is attributed to factors such as the tactile experience they offer, superior sound quality, and the cultural value attached to physical music formats. Collectors and audiophiles in India are increasingly seeking out vinyl records, contributing to the market's growth. But there are music aficionados who have turned to music beyond passion to profession. Take the case of part time musician and full time mediaperson Kausar Firdausi- "As a teenager, I would see LPs and EPs of his songs at my relatives' and neighbours' homes, and I was captivated. I still recall the album covers of films like Sargam, Laila Majnu, Amar Akbar Anthony, Asha, Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi, and Karz, proudly displayed on the glass shelves of my maternal grandfather.Growing up in Kolkata, where I lived until 1995 before moving permanently to Delhi, I was inspired by the timeless melodies and classic numbers of Mohammed Rafi. Even as my journey took me to Delhi and into journalism -- first with India Today for 12 years, and now with Outlook magazine -- I have continued to carry Rafi sahab's legacy close to my heart. I have tried to emulate his voice in my own performances, singing his songs at various musical shows over the years.”
How to Buy LPs
In India, vinyl enthusiasts and collectors highly value certain LPs due to their rarity, historical significance, and cultural impact. Notable examples include The Beatles' Indian 78 RPM Releases. Original Bollywood Soundtracks from the 1950s-1970s featuring music from classic Hindi films like "Mughal-e-Azam," "Sholay," and "Pakeezah" are highly prized. Indian classical music recordings or LPs by maestros such as Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, and M.S. Subbulakshmi are in demand. Original pressings of their performances are considered valuable due to their cultural significance and the artists' contributions to Indian music.
When choosing vinyl records, especially vintage ones, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you’re getting a good quality record that fits your tastes and collection goals. Know your purpose and preferences. If you’re buying records to enjoy the music, focus on genres and artists you love. Collecting favourites across genres can add variety to your listening experience. If you’re collecting for rarity, look for first pressings, limited editions, or records with historical significance. Original pressings and high-quality reissues often offer the best audio experience, especially for genres like jazz, classical, and rock.
Understand the record's condition or grading. Vinyl records are graded on a scale from Mint (M) (pristine) to Poor (P) (damaged). Look for scratches, scuffs, or warping and do a visual check. Do a sound check if possible and test for pops, skips, or distortion on a player. Record stores may allow you to test before purchase.
Check the record label and pressing plant. Understand storage and care needs. Vinyl records need proper storage (vertical and cool, dry places) to maintain quality. Investing in cleaning supplies and storing records in anti-static sleeves helps protect them long-term.
Pricing
India offers a variety of avenues to acquire vintage vinyl records, both through physical stores and online platforms. Some of the examples include Pagal Records, Vinyl World at New Gramophone House in Chandni Chowk, Shah Music Centre, Kala Ghoda Records, while BollywoodVinyl.in and MusicCircle.co.in are one of the largest online platforms for new and used records.
The price of vintage vinyl records in India varies widely, depending on factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and genre. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Common Vintage Records from popular Hindi film music such as Bollywood soundtracks from the 1970s-1980s, classical music, and commonly found Western music albums. These are often available in a price band of Rs 300 – Rs 1,500. Some of the rare Bollywood and regional Indian records even cost Rs 1,500 – Rs 5,000. This range covers Bollywood albums from the golden era (1950s-1970s) and rare regional records (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.). These are harder to find but still relatively available in second-hand shops.
Some of the highly collectible and rare International records may cost anywhere from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000+. These include rare international releases, limited-edition prints, and specific pressings (like Japanese imports or original U.S./U.K. pressings).
Very rare Indian records, like first pressings, limited editions, or autographed copies, or artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin in original pressings often command higher prices. And extremely rare or mint-condition records may even cost anywhere between Rs 15,000 – Rs 50,000+.
Finally, special collector’s editions or Museum-Quality Records cost upwards of Rs 50,000+. These records are often one-of-a-kind items or part of an exclusive collector’s series. They’re usually hard to come by in general resale markets and may be auctioned or sold through private collectors.
The condition and authenticity (first pressing vs. reissue) also heavily influence prices. Shopping at physical stores in India may offer more room for negotiation, while online prices tend to be fixed but sometimes include guarantees about record quality. People also find these vintage records at quaint record stores and flea markets. Often their price totally depends on how much you want them, they are totally priceless!
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