Old-school vinyl on sale

Brian Smith says there will be up to 5000 records at the Spin Record Fair on Sunday. Photo/Carmen Hall

Thousands of records will be up for grabs on Sunday at a fair designed for collectors and those who appreciate the sound of vinyl.

Organised by The Art Lounge owners Brian Smith and Mira Corbova-Smith they estimate there will be four to 5000 records on sale. The photographer and artist are passionate about records and think there is a big demand in the Bay .

"When I was in London there were record fairs on a regular basis so when we shifted to Taupo we ran about eight fairs. They were really successful so we decided to have them here."

The couple moved to Tauranga in February and opened the Art Lounge in October. Sellers would travel from around the North Island as the popularity of records increased, he says.

"I think people like the tangibility of having an actual record. There is some nostalgia but we have teenage girls coming in and buying records so it's not a middle aged man thing like it used to be."

"You can get some real gems and it's like a book really."

The value of records depended on several factors, he says. "Some artists are more valuable than others like the Beatles or David Bowie however the more obscure artists can also be valuable. Value can depend on condition and whether they are sealed or are one of the first pressings."

But he preferred records were played not kept in their packaging. "The way I look at it is a record should be played and not just something to look at. A record has got a lot fuller and richer sound and you may get a bit of crackle with an older record but you kind of expect that."

Mira thinks records are a piece of art. "It's like holding a piece of art. They are beautiful and you can listen to them."

SPIN RECORD FAIR
The Art Lounge 32 Davenport Road
Sunday November 13, 11.30am - 3pm
Gold coin entry fee - free after 2pm
Early pickers $10 at 11am