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RACHEL JACOB
@rachjacob_
Rachel has been surrounded by records during the majority of her adult life due to being an avid collector but also working in record shops across the UK. She say’s it’s an extremely fun experience and I have to admit, I'm insanely jealous as it’s my ultimate dream to run my own record shop!
She is a valuable member of the Vinyl Community both on Instagram and the record community in general and including her in this project is a great privilege.
Why vinyl and not another format?
My father always collected records and music was something we bonded on. I’d sit in front of his records and he would teach me all the basics and we could spend hours talking about records and artists and the album covers. It was also very fun to spin them with him.
Can you remember what the first record you bought was?
Back before I really understood about checking for condition of records, I used to search bargain bins in record stores and on market stalls. I didn’t have a lot of money back then so I’d just pick whatever I liked that was cheap. I think the first record I got was “Best of the Mama’s & Papa’s” for £1 but it was a bit warped but still played through ok. My first single was “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane. I had to get an adapter for my turntable (it was all a learning curve back then!). It was in great condition and I got that for 50p from a market stall which was a great find!
Is there a favourite genre of music you enjoy more than others?
I’d say I listen to lots of genres and I’m sure that’s quite a common answer from not just record collectors but also music fans in general. It really just depends on my mood, I go through phases of listening to Alternative, Indie, Punk, Electronic, Funk, Soul, Northern Soul, Hip Hop, Singer Songwriter, Folk, Rock and Pop. It changes day to day really. There’s not a whole lot I don’t listen to and I try and stay open minded and give anything a listen.
When did you start collecting vinyl records?
I’ve been collecting records a good ten years I’d say. I received my first as a present on my seventeenth birthday after expressing an interest to my grandad. He gave me his copy of “Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles. He has since passed away and to this day it’s the record which is the most sentimental to me.
Whats your audio setup then?
I get a lot of comments and messages about my setup on Instagram. My turntable is a Rega Planar P2. My amp is a Pioneer A-10 and my speakers are Mission LX2 which I need to stress are not upside down as some people like to point out! I also have an Obey slipmat that I love!
What does your partner think of your obsession with vinyl records?
Before my current partner I had never really dated anyone who collected records as seriously as I do, so it’s nice to share this particular passion. It’s how we first got to know each other actually. The best part is that it’s always easy to buy each other presents!
Do you have a certain space/room you listen to your collection in?
I don’t have enough space to have a room dedicated to vinyl but that is the dream though. For now they’re just stored in my bedroom so I can have a dance while I’m getting ready for work.
I understand you have worked in record shops before? Whats that like? Can you describe the experience?
Honestly lots of fun! Of course one of the best parts is the discount, but that only fuels the addiction and I have to be pretty careful about spending all my wages on records. Record Store Day is a very intense day to work and I’ve worked three so far (it would have been my fourth this year but due to the coronavirus it’s been postponed) but it’s so enjoyable, running on caffeine and adrenaline and very much ignoring my sleep deprivation. When it comes to new releases I like being the first to hear brand new records and I love when regulars ask me what I think because they value my opinion. It’s satisfying too when you get to know what people buy, the sort of sounds they go for, so it becomes easy to recommend a record even if it’s not something I’m particularly keen on. I love the social aspect of it and I’ve met lots of friends through working in record stores, but there are occasional drawbacks. Most people are nice but sometimes I’ll speak to someone who can be condescending because of my age or gender. I suppose there’s pros and cons to every job though, right?
What about the best bargain find you have had whilst digging?
Hmm that’s a tough one. I’m pretty good at finding bargains usually. I found a limited edition C Duncan “Midnight Sun” record for a very tasty price, same with my George Harrison “All Things Must Pass” boxset. The corners were a bit ripped but the records were in decent shape so that was a bargain for me. I think knowing how to both grade and price professionally comes in handy when looking for things. The best items in my opinion are items in great condition for a good price.
When you are gone what will happen to your collection?
Either give it my partner (to enjoy) or for my family (to sell). I’m not too precious about my collection cause once I’m gone I won’t have use for it any more.
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