Thinking about buying rare vinyl online? Before you click “Buy,” listen to this episode of SURFACE NOISE — the podcast for new and serious record collectors alike.

We start the show diving into some current events in the world of record collector sure to inspire you to perspire, including:

(1) Another MoFi Release Misses the Mark

(2) ERC Announces a Reissue That Asks "What is True Mono"?

(3) Which Record Distributor is Now Slabbing Records For Sale?

(4) The 2026 Rock N Roll HOF Noms: What They Got Right, and What They Didn't.

After some spirited debate 💥🥊, we jump in to the crux of this week's podcast proper: Vinyl Scams

We dive into the world of vinyl record scams and reveal the biggest red flags that could save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars when shopping on collector marketplaces like Discogs and eBay. We discuss how to spot fake listings, suspicious seller behavior, price manipulation, counterfeit pressings, feedback scams, and misleading grading practices before they cost you. We’ll also share practical safety tips, smart buying strategies, and real-world examples from the collecting community so you can shop with confidence and protect your collection.

Whether you're hunting for grail records, building your first collection, or flipping vinyl, this episode gives you the essential scam-prevention checklist every collector needs. 🎧

If it's record collector talk, it's gotta be SURFACE NOISE.

Dig in..... 🍽️

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion

IG: @audio_excursion

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

Rhyming, feeling, and audiophile healing - what else do you expect from the latest BONUS TRAX following the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE?

The panel jumps into some of the biggest myths flooding the zone of our beloved hobby - marketing jargon, catchphrases, and tools used to convert purchases of collectors from all ends of the record collecting formation. Do we mention any that come to mind for you?

Not too long after, our not-so seasoned audiophiles share what they've been listening to this past week, from jazz to experimental to whatever it is John Bong picked up this week. It's a pu pu platter of vinyl tastes!

We also may be breaking some news who is playing the title role of a proposed Marvin Gaye biopic. (*Allegedly)

All this, and so much more nonsense, courtesy of these BONUS TRAX!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

Returning to the madness is friend of the show Adam from The Freight:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial

https://thefreight.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-maybe

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_freight_official

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

It's those guys again...SURFACE NOISE is back in the building!

This latest trip around the turntable begins with a recap of some current events in our world of vinyl record collecting:

(1) The latest 'Vinylphyle' titles are officially announced. What are they?

(2) More drip from the "Pittsburgh George" collection on Discogs beginning tomorrow, February 20th.

(3) A new IVC (Interscope Vinyl Collective) release was announced. Will you "Stay" for it?

(4) A new Duran Duran reissue excites the masses. Hear about it!

From there, the panel discusses our main meat of the show: what would you do if you had to start your vinyl record collection from scratch? We break down the smartest ways to rebuild a vinyl collection from the beginning in today’s record market, including a discussion on how new/returning collectors should choose their first records, whether to buy original pressings or modern reissues, how to avoid overpriced vinyl, and the best strategy for building a meaningful record collection without wasting money. From essential starter albums and collecting priorities to budget-friendly crate digging tips, this episode is packed with practical advice for both beginners and experienced collectors who want to rethink their approach. If you’re new to vinyl collecting, upgrading your setup, or wondering what truly belongs in a core record collection, this conversation will help you build smarter, buy better, and focus on the music that matters.

It's the show that aims to inform, entertain, and sometimes complain.

This.

Is.

SURFACE NOISE.

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

Returning to the madness is friend of the show Adam from The Freight:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreightOfficial

https://thefreight.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-maybe

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_freight_official

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

Rounding out the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE, these BONUS TRAX focus on another matter of vinyl record finance: when is it ok to over pay for a record? What does it mean to over pay? Who drives the ultimate cost between you bringing your next record home or it staying where you found it.

Plus, you won't hear a man happier about the Ween reissue announcement than John Bong. The passion is intoxicating.

Drink it up, only with these BONUS TRAX!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

Joining the First Timer Club is records store owner Joel of Static ATX Records:

https://staticatx.com

https://www.youtube.com/@staticatx

IG: @staticatxrecords

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

The show of record, talking records - SURFACE NOISE - is back to discuss whether vinyl record collecting is becoming too expensive for new collectors. 🤔

First, the dais hits on the latest CURRENT EVENTS in vinyl record collecting before jumping into this sensitive topic of pricing out new collectors. We dive deep into the rising cost of vinyl records, inflated resale prices, limited pressings, and the impact of hype culture on the hobby we love.

From $40 new releases to skyrocketing Discogs and eBay prices, getting into record collecting in 2026 can feel overwhelming. Is the vinyl boom pricing out beginners? Are record labels, flippers, slabbing, and “investor collectors” changing the culture? And most importantly — can you still build a great record collection on a budget? 📉

Help you, help us. Only on SURFACE NOISE!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

Joining the First Timer Club is records store owner Joel of Static ATX Records:

https://staticatx.com

https://www.youtube.com/@staticatx

IG: @staticatxrecords

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

For the latest second helping of SURFACE NOISE, this episode of BONUS TRAX is going to hit a nerve (for some).

When it comes to collecting vinyl records, where is the line drawn between "collecting" versus "accumulating"? Are you actually listening to what you are bringing into your collection, or merely creating your own archive of music on wax? Are you buying with intention, or simply buying everything you see? And when does a "good deal" collide with a "completionist" approach?

Lots of opinions on this one. What is yours? Judge away, after listening to these BONUS TRAX!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion

IG: @audio_excursion

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

Joining the First Timer Club is chat regular "Dr. Johnny Fever":

IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnlillphotography

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

The show of record, talking records - SURFACE NOISE - gets deep into the freshly minted Record Store Day 2026 list sharing our first impressions of this annual record collector holiday.

Our selective vinyl connoisseurs dissect the titles that stuck out - the good, the bad, and the ugly - including some "items" that had us scratching our heads at their inclusion. Hello Kitty fans...get ready.

Which releases are you (or aren't you) lining up for in April??? There may be new faces to compete for space at your local independent stores. Don't say we didn't warn you!

This.

is.

Surface Noise.

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on David Bianco (Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion):

https://www.youtube.com/@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion

IG: @audio_excursion

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

Joining the First Timer Club is chat regular "Dr. Johnny Fever":

IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnlillphotography

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE

It's coming....like another Neil Diamond tribute band. It's BONUS TRAX, from the latest episode of SURFACE NOISE. And a fan favorite is back by request: Cheap Heat!. To those out there saying vinyl record collecting is too expensive, we scour the discount bins on the floors of our local vinyl record stores to share some records that can still be found in the wild that won't break your budget.

Beware: there will be a lot of titles from "The Incredible String Band" on full frontal display (and it's not from who you would think).

BONUS TRAX, front and center - NOWWWW!!!!

⏬⏬⏬⏬

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie

https://concertbuddie.com

IG: @concertbuddie

For more on Arnaldo (fidelios_frequency):

https://www.youtube.com/@fidelios_frequency

IG: @fidelios_frequency

For more on Jason Roxas:

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRoxas

For more on Chris (Groove Seeker):

https://www.youtube.com/@Groove_Seeker

IG: @thegrooveseeker

For more on the immortal Jose Moreno Rahn (aka John Bong):

https://www.youtube.com/@josemorenorahn

https://auroracentralrecords.bandcamp.com

For more information on Vinyl Community Podcasts:

https://vinylcommunitypodcasts.com

.

.

.

.

.

Don't forget to visit FOTS (friends of the show) Vinyl Storage Solutions for the BEST sleeves to protect your best records (and your worst). Save 10% using the code(s) below: CONCERTBUDDIE