Credit: Courtesy of Vintage Electronics Expo

Like Jack White’s Third Man Records motto says, “Your turntable’s not dead,” and a new generation has been dusting off stereos, turntables, and record changers rescued from parents’ and grandparents’ basements so they can listen to what they now call “vinyls.” But to a cohort that grew up simply pressing play on an iPod, this can all be pretty confusing. What’s the difference between 78 and 33 1/3 rpm records? How do you fix these things if they break down? Can old stereos be made compatible with new Bluetooth gadgets? Or more simply: What the heck is this old thing? Fortunately, Detroit is a hotbed for this stuff, and the Vintage Electronics Expo links local vendors, repair shops, and collectors for this annual meetup. (Last year, organizers say it drew a record-breaking 1,100 attendees.) This year’s event features experts who can diagnose old machines, seminars, silent auctions, used records and memorabilia, and more.

Event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Costick Center; 28600 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills; 734-207-2346; thevee.org. General admission is $5.

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Leyland “Lee” DeVito is the editor in chief of Detroit Metro Times since 2016. His writing has also been published in CREEM, VICE, In These Times, and New City.

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