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What type of record collector are you?

Record collectors come in all shapes and sizes, from the single-artist superfan to the eclectic curator to the encyclopedic archivist, with countless shades in between. And along every collector’s journey, Discogs has something to offer, from the first record purchase to the life-long crate digger to the long-sought holy grails. We’ve identified 9 distinct types…

What people collect. Nine distinct types of record collectors

1

Superfan

Artist devotee

You follow your favorite artists everywhere and you show your support by collecting everything they put out. Your record collection reflects your fandom.

2

Nostalgist

Trip back in time

You collect the records that take you back to specific times in your life and the memories evoked by the music. Your record collection tells your story.

3

Eclectic

Little bit of everything

You enjoy a wide range of music and collect a little bit of everything from across a spectrum of artists and genres. Your record collection showcases your unique tastes.

4

Aficionado

Subject matter expert

You’re a specialist who digs deep into particular sounds or styles, times and places, an expert on different labels, genre niches, and histories. Your record collection displays your knowledge.

5

Audiophile

Quest for pristine sound

You seek out recordings for their quality and fidelity, and you want to listen to the cleanest version of the music on as hi-fidelity a system as possible. Your record collection captures the truest sound.

6

Archivist

Preserving a culture

You collect records to preserve musical cultures and keep them alive for posterity, you’re a steward and a resource of these artifacts and their stories. Your record collection is a reference library for future generations.

7

Originals

First pressing focus

You look for records to get as close to the source as possible, seeking out original pressings to hear the music as it was first captured. Your collection showcases the authentic artifact.

8

Completist

Has to have them all

You collect records to complete a set within a genre, a label, or of a specific artist, and you aspire to own every version of every release. Your record collection displays your achievement.

9

Visualist

Album as visual artform

You look at records and see physical and visual art objects, and you collect and display records for their aesthetic qualities as well as for the music. Your record collection is a work of art.

How people collect. Seven distinct types of record collectors.

1

Novice

New to collecting

You’re a new collector taking your first step, you may have just bought (or been gifted) your first record or turntable, and you’re curious what comes next.

2

Casual

An occasional pass-time

You buy records occasionally, whether old favorites or new finds, adding to a collection that may be small but growing.

3

Hunter

Digger, seeker

You’re a dedicated crate digger, always on the lookout for the records you know are out there–the rare gems, obscure favorites, and elusive holy grails.

4

Speculator

Collector and seller

You buy and sell records, and your collecting is both a passion and a business pursuit, whether full-time or side hustle.

5

Professional

Industry Specialist

You collect records as an extension of a professional role in the music industry, academia, or with a record store, and your collection reflects your work and expertise.

6

Devoted

Life-Long collector

You are a dedicated, life-long record collector, and your collection reflects a lifetime of careful and curious accumulation.

7

Curator

Audio Storyteller

Your collection is a material you create with, often making music experiences for others (ex. DJs or sample hunters). You collect with music’s themes in mind.

KEEP DIGGING

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