Will a turntable wear out my records
A common worry, answered honestly: what really causes wear, and how to avoid it.
Digging for records in Kolkata
A city that kept its records: where to look, what to expect, and how to bargain politely.
Kolkata may be the best city in India to look for old records. For decades, families here bought music seriously: Rabindrasangeet, Bengali modern songs, classical recitals, jazz from the Park Street clubs. Many of those collections are still sitting in almirahs.
The pavement sellers and small shops in central Kolkata, around Lenin Sarani and the lanes near New Market, are the place to start. Go on a weekday morning, when sellers have time to talk. Bring a torch to look at the grooves, and expect most records to be dusty and some to be warped. Pull a record halfway out of its sleeve and check the vinyl, not just the cover.
House clearances are where the real finds are. When an old family home in north Kolkata is sold, the records often go by the kilo. Tell the sellers you know what you like; they will remember and keep things aside.
Bargain, but kindly. Prices for common Bengali records are low and the margins are thin. Pay more for something special and you will be offered the next special thing first. And if you find a box you love but are not sure about, bring a few records to us. We will clean one free and play it, so you know what you are taking home.
