Vinyl born again as sales soar 50pc in year

Clay Hepburn became hooked on his parents' old record collection. Picture / Martin Sykes

Sales of secondhand vinyl records have shot up nearly 50 per cent over the past year, reflecting a global trend, says Real Groovy music store co-owner Marty O'Donnell.

The vinyl revival has resulted in increased sales across all genres, including both secondhand and new records.

"Secondhand vinyl sales from 2005 to 2006 are up by nearly 50 per cent. I don't have immediate access to new vinyl sales, but they are up too," he says.

"Recently we bought some seriously large shipments of vinyl from the US ... we are talking about 300,000 units, which we are sorting out and distributing to our other outlets around the country."

So what's the appeal of vinyl? "When you download a track on to your ipod or computer, what have you got? Nothing physical. Kids want to express themselves and own something, and the quality of sound is far superior to the digital format."

He says the increase in sales is across all genres. "But dance vinyl has been a huge phenomenon for a long time."

Vinyl collector Clay Hepburn has his parents to thank for his recently developed love affair with vinyl records.

The 28-year-old Aucklander has been collecting records for the past year, reflecting the global resurgence of interest in vinyl.

"Discovering my parents' record collection is what did it for me, and I've been collecting vinyl ever since," says Mr Hepburn, who describes himself as a novice collector.

"I discovered my mum owned a lot of old, collectable Johnny Cash vinyl and I thought, this is worth heaps of money and is so cool."

He collects old and new vinyl. "A lot of contemporary groups put stuff out on vinyl too, which is cool.

"A lot of people think vinyl sounds better, and others just like the idea of keeping the old school alive. It's also cheap. You can pick up records for $2."

With about 60 records in his collection, Mr Hepburn, who works in the music industry, says the cover art on vinyl records is also appealing.

Avid collector Matt Roberts, 19, of Pt Chevalier, usually spends about a quarter of his pay on vinyl.

"I've been seriously collecting for about two years. When you buy a record it feels like you are getting so much more for your money. The artwork is better and the tones are deeper and warmer."

He has about 200 records in his collection, including his favourite band, Sonic Youth.

"My records span from the 1960s to today. My collection is probably worth $3000 to $4000.

"If I didn't have a car to pay off I'd be buying a lot more."