WholeLottaVinyl is an independent vinyl record shop based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. We sell second hand vinyl records online and locally, including 7-inch singles, 12-inch singles, LPs and harder-to-find pressings from a wide range of genres and decades.
Every record is handled, graded and described by a person before it is listed. We inspect the actual copy, check what it plays like, and tell you what you need to know before you buy.
How it started
We started in 2022 under the name FrozenVisions, initially rescuing our founder’s parents’ records from being skipped. What began as a small operation gradually grew into a proper record business, and we later rebranded as WholeLottaVinyl.
The name comes from a mix of our founder’s dad’s favourite bands and his partner Keera’s: a bit of Led Zeppelin, a bit of AC/DC. The business has since grown into a family effort based in Mansfield, with the music still at the centre of it.
Who we are now
WholeLottaVinyl is run by people who buy, handle and listen to records themselves. Chris, Keera and family are involved in the day-to-day work, from sorting stock and checking condition to photographing, listing and packing orders.
There are two other members of the household team. Koda, a Samusky, and Winnie, a miniature Cockapoo known as The Boss, serve as chief morale officers. Their contribution to grading is limited, but their opinions about break times are taken seriously.
Since 2022, we have shipped more than 21,000 records. We have 99.9% positive feedback, nearly 2,900 followers and more than 3,600 records currently in stock.
What happens before a record is listed
Buying second hand vinyl online can feel uncertain when you cannot hold the record yourself. You may be wondering whether the marks are only cosmetic, whether the sleeve has a split, or whether a record described as “good condition” will actually play well.
Our job is to remove as much of that uncertainty as possible.
1. We source records with the copy in mind
Records come from different places and arrive in different conditions. Some have been carefully stored for decades. Others have spent years in lofts, garages or overfilled shelves. A familiar title is not automatically a good copy, and a less famous record is not automatically unworthy of attention.
We look at what is actually in front of us. That includes the pressing, catalogue details, labels, inserts, inner sleeves and general condition. For collectors, small details such as a particular pressing or catalogue number can matter.
2. We clean every record before posting
Dust and loose surface dirt can make an otherwise decent record sound worse than it should, so we clean records before they are posted to remove everyday grime and give us a better surface to inspect. Cleaning is not a way to hide damage, and it cannot turn a worn record into a new one.
3. We carry out a visual check
We grade records using the Goldmine standard.
Under suitable lighting, we look for scratches, hairlines, scuffs, marks and signs of wear. We pay attention to whether a mark is merely visible or whether it can be felt with a fingertip, as that can make a difference to how seriously it may affect playback.
The sleeve is checked separately. We look for corner wear, creases, splits, tears, writing, ring wear and damage to the spine. Inner sleeves, inserts and other contents are also noted when they are present or missing.
You can read the full definitions in our vinyl grading and cleaning guide.
4. We play check where appropriate
Visual grading is useful, but it does not tell the whole story. A record can look marked and play surprisingly well, while a record that appears tidy may have a pressing fault or a more noticeable issue in a quiet passage.
Where appropriate, we carry out a play check as well as a visual inspection. This helps us identify surface noise, repeating clicks, skips and other audible problems. We do not pretend that every used record will sound like a brand-new pressing. Older records can have some background noise, particularly in quiet sections, and that should be reflected in the description.
5. Vinyl and sleeve are graded separately
A combined grade such as VG+/VG means the vinyl is Very Good Plus and the sleeve is Very Good. The two parts of a record often age differently, so grading them separately lets you decide what matters most to you.
6. We photograph the exact copy
The record shown in the listing is the record you receive. We use photographs of the actual copy rather than generic stock images, so you can see the sleeve, labels and condition for yourself.
Photographs work alongside the written condition notes rather than replacing them.
What we deliberately do not do
We do not use stock photographs that show a different copy. Used records are individual items, and the image should match what is being offered.
We also do not rely on thin packaging. Records are packed in proper stiffened record mailers, with care taken to protect the sleeve and vinyl during delivery. Orders are sent with tracked delivery across the UK and worldwide.
Our main specialism is genuine period pressings, largely from the 1960s to the 1990s. That is not a claim that every modern pressing is unwanted or that every older pressing is automatically better. It simply describes the sort of records we particularly enjoy sourcing and handling.
What this means for you
Good grading does not remove every risk from buying used records, but it makes the decision more informed. You can compare the vinyl grade with the sleeve grade, look at photographs of the exact copy and read notes about any flaws before placing an order.
If a record is not as described, you have 60 days to return it. That gives you time to receive it, inspect it properly and play it at home rather than making a snap judgement at the front door.
We also keep the buying options straightforward. Our £2 7-inch singles qualify for the 10-for-5 offer in the basket, and orders over £25 receive one free £2 7-inch single. Mystery bundles are available with around 30 hand-picked 7-inch singles, around 10 12-inch singles or around 9 LPs. They are worth more than the purchase price, include free UK tracked delivery and come with a 60-day satisfaction promise. First orders can use code WLV10 for 10% off.
A careful way to buy used vinyl
Whether you are building a first collection, replacing an old favourite or searching for an unusual pressing, you should be able to ask sensible questions about condition. That is especially true when you buy used vinyl UK-wide without visiting the shop in person.
We built WholeLottaVinyl around that principle: handle the records properly, describe them clearly and pack them with care. When you are ready to browse the current crates, shop our hand-graded vinyl records.