Record Collectors Thread

[Dodfather]

Originally Posted by Blueletter18

I was lucky and came across a record store having a closeout sale, and they had multiple copies of all of Ronstadt's records, so I snatched up everything prior to the Nelson Riddle period, which I despise., haha. What's your favorite Ronstadt record?

Ooohh that's a toughie. I'm most keen on her classic period - from Don't Cry Now to Simple Dreams. They're all pretty solid but right now I keepo coming back to Prisoner In Disguise, if only for Hey Mister, That's Me Up On The Jokebox and especially You Tell Me That I'm Falling Down (LOVE that one_. Then again, Hasten Down The Wind has Lose Again.... see too many to pick!]

For more recent Linda albums you should check out We Ran (1998) and her beautiful collaborative album with Emmylou Harris - Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions.

Originally Posted by Blueletter18

WOW, I would die to see McKee live...that voice is just otherworldly and seemingly effortless. If you want to get into McKee, I'd recommend starting with Lone Justice and then Maria Mckee-- it may take a few listens, but it will grow on you.

I love the first Lone Justic album (the second is only ok) and yes, Maria McKee is a great, great album - especially This Property Is Condemned and Drinkin' In My Sunday Dress.

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by Blueletter18

What's your favorite Ronstadt record?

Apologies for eavesdropping & butting in...

Her first one on Asylum (with her re-recording of "Silver Threads & Golden Needles" and "Desperado")....but I think I'm more swayed by the album cover photo.

[Blueletter18]

Originally Posted by Dodfather

Ooohh that's a toughie. I'm most keen on her classic period - from Don't Cry Now to Simple Dreams. They're all pretty solid but right now I keepo coming back to Prisoner In Disguise, if only for Hey Mister, That's Me Up On The Jokebox and especially You Tell Me That I'm Falling Down (LOVE that one_. Then again, Hasten Down The Wind has Lose Again.... see too many to pick!]

For more recent Linda albums you should check out We Ran (1998) and her beautiful collaborative album with Emmylou Harris - Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions.



I love the first Lone Justic album (the second is only ok) and yes, Maria McKee is a great, great album - especially This Property Is Condemned and Drinkin' In My Sunday Dress.

I like Linda's classic period best as well, and Prisoner in Disguise is my absolute favorite too. I had picked it up at an antique shop in a little town near my family's cottage, and the first time I listened to it was on a record player and a portable stereo set up on on a hill overlooking the lake at night, so that memory is a big reason why I don't hesitate to say Prisoner is my favorite. Heart Like a Wheel, Hasten Down the Wind, and Simple Dreams are all really close, though. I haven't really made an honest attempt at her later stuff, but I will try We Ran! I've never really been a fan of Emmylou, but I'll give Western Wall a listen as well (or is it hard to find?).

I agree, I could take or leave Shelter, but the first Lone Justice album is outstanding. It's funny you prefer "This Property" and "Drinkin,'" because those are two I often skip. But it is a wonderful album, for sure! My favorites are "Am I the Only One" and "Nobody's Child." I'd also highly recommend Maria McKee: Live at the BBC.

[Blueletter18]

Originally Posted by chiliD

Apologies for eavesdropping & butting in...

Her first one on Asylum (with her re-recording of "Silver Threads & Golden Needles" and "Desperado")....but I think I'm more swayed by the album cover photo.

Haha, Don't Cry Now, right? I actually really like that album too!

[TimeCastASpell]

I'm really getting into vinyl lately. Not technically for the first time but beyond buying a used copy of Rumours at least a decade ago I've never bought vinyl until now. I did have the coolest giant stereo growing up that was a turntable/ 5 disc CD changer/ dual cassette player deal but I just borrowed my parents vinyl. Now I'm borrowing not only their vinyl but their record player too. They weren't using it but my mom especially was so amazingly protective of her vinyl (and repeatedly has begged me to take care of it!) so many of the albums I have from her are in excellent condition.

I'm listening to Christine's self titled solo album right now. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit I got it out of a 94 cent "satisfaction not guaranteed" pile and having my first listen right now. Case is a mess but the LP itself looks and so far sounds to be in good shape. There's a questionable spot on the b side that I haven't gotten to yet but I'm poor so it was a great deal for me.

I've recently bought- Stevie's Wild Heart, FM self titled, Mirage, Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark, The Carpenter's Now and Then, the Yentl soundtrack, Caberet soundtrack (my favorite movie of all times), and hmm might be forgetting a few. Oh and scored a 70s female Israeli singer named Ilanit's album (all in Hebrew. I have a big Israeli cd collection too...).

Not at all impressive I know though the LPs from my parents likely have some great gems (heavy on country- Loretta Lynn, Dolly, Johnny Cash, Elvis, etc). But I am really really enjoying listening to vinyl and collecting it. I'm mostly into vinyl for the listening pleasure and the experience of it (I really live the sound and I think Fleetwood Mac in particular truly does sound so much better on vinyl and the copy of Rumours I picked up so long ago is in really great condition so its my favorite of all) but I'm absolutely collecting Fleetwood Mac. I want all the LPs produced from all eras and all the solo albums that are on vinyl.

So I hope you guys don't mind but I have a few newbie questions.

How is pricing determined? As in how do I know if I'm getting ripped off? I have at least a dozen record shops I've been exploring within about a half hour or so from me so I'm seeing a wide range of prices for things. I think I may have overpaid on some of my Mac but then the album covers look better than the Mirage album I got for half the price of the there but Mirage plays just as well and possibly better so... I'm just wondering. I mean I've also frequented these shops for used CDs and know certain stores have ridiculous new and used CD prices in particular if an artist is popular. So if I'm say looking for more Mac and Stevie and Lindsey what kind of price range sounds right?

Also, was Stevie's Trouble in Shangri-La released on vinyl at any point?

What do you use to clean your records? What would you recommend and how often do you clean them?

Have you had good experience buying off eBay? I'm dying to get my hands on Buckingham Nicks and while I might call a few especially good shops that I have seen harder to find Mac stuff at to see if they have a copy I've seen endless options on eBay so I'm guessing that's my best bet? Unless there's some even better record selling website around? Prices were wildly variable on eBay too. What would you pay for a good copy of BN? I'm definitely willing to pay more for all FM stuff but almost would want two copies then because I'm afraid to actually play say the $45 reissues I've seen of Rumours!

I'm so so new to actually buying vinyl so I hope you don't mind the questions. I'm falling in love with music in general all over again and its just so much fun to go spend hours in a record shop!

[becca]

Ebay is buyer beware land for vinyl. I always check to see if they sell records often and the feedback they get, but even then might buy if i want something badly enough. I have gotten burned on Ebay a few times but also had some very nice surprises. I have also bought vinyl through Gemm and Musicstack sites. Of course the best deal is a dollar bin in a shop... I got John Stewart's Bombs Away LP for a dollar in very clean shape (with lots of contributions from Mr. Buckingham and a little Stevie as well on it), and most of the singles I didn't have from when they originally came out have been discount bin type finds (so few shops still want to be bothered and price all singles at some standard price). Fireflies with photo sleeve for $1.50 at a Half Price Books!

The main thing with buying vinyl by mail is to always tell them to put the vinyl outside the sleeve, unless it's a new or sealed copy anyway. It's amazing what some sliding around inside paper sleeves can do damage-wise. And that they should wrap the whole thing in plastic, saran wrap if need be, or you can get water-damage, or again the sliding around. Don't feel bad telling them, if they already know that they will not be rude about it but understand.

I have no idea about what prices should be, it's what you can find something for and get it at for anybody. Other than the original Buckingham-Nicks LP I don't think any are in very short supply, and even that one isn't all that scarce being on a big label like Polydor. Always see if the inserts are there that are supposed to be there. I know there is a lyric sheet insert with the original 1975 LP and a foldout photo montage and lyrics with Rumours. Mirage and Belladonna's inner sleeves have lyrics/photos on as do Walter Egan's first two LPs with Buckingham and Nicks appearing.

[Dodfather]

Originally Posted by Blueletter18

I've never really been a fan of Emmylou, but I'll give Western Wall a listen as well (or is it hard to find?).

See, I love Emmy! Western Wall is superb, a proper duets album. It was released in 1999, no vinyl release, but widely avaiable on cd. Not hard to find at all.

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by TimeCastASpell

So I hope you guys don't mind but I have a few newbie questions.

How is pricing determined? As in how do I know if I'm getting ripped off? So if I'm say looking for more Mac and Stevie and Lindsey what kind of price range sounds right?

Honestly - this is a personal judgment call. If the price feel good, go for it. Research ebay prices as well - they tend to be high, but will give you a good idea of what stuff should cost, on average. Remember that many factors affect price - scratches, gloss, sleeve condition, surface marks, pops, skips, edge-wear, absence of original inserts, etc...

Originally Posted by TimeCastASpell

Also, was Stevie's Trouble in Shangri-La released on vinyl at any point?

No. ):

Originally Posted by TimeCastASpell

What do you use to clean your records? What would you recommend and how often do you clean them?

For wet cleaning, which I only do when the record is dirty or smudged, I use a brush that looks like Corduroy fabric, sold at most record stores. The solution I use is custom-made at the store I shop at, but there are commercial cleaning solvents out there. I also use a carbon-fiber brush for dry cleaning, before every single play. I also use a carbon-fiber needle brush to clean the stylus before every play.

Originally Posted by TimeCastASpell

Have you had good experience buying off eBay?

I've been buying records on eBay since 1999. I've had hundreds of great experiences, where I got exactly what I wanted for the right price. All I can say is buying from eBay requires research. Look at many copies, read the seller notes, get a feel for the grading system ( Mint-, VG+, etc.) and know what they mean.

Be wary of the mob-mentality when it comes to pricing. I see this too often - one person overprices an item, and then all the other sellers overprice it as well. If you wanted a particular record - let's say, Mirage, and all the copies were $35 or higher, move on and cross Mirage off your list for now. Give it 6 months and the prices will change. Some items are worth a lot of course, but most aren't worth the prices being asked.

I often spend weeks looking at what I want before buying it, trying to find the exact copy I want for the best price possible. I'm ok paying more when it's deserved, but the most expensive price doesn't mean it's any better than the cheap ones, which is why you need to be familiar with sellers and grades and be sure to read their descriptions.

Prepare to be disappointed - it happens sometimes.

I wouldn't pay more than $15-25 dollar for a minty copy of BN.

No matter what a record costs, PLAY IT! That $45 dollar copy of Rumours is supposed to sound great, so make sure it does!

Lastly, even sealed records almost never sound good without a proper cleaning first. Older sealed albums are the worst - I've recenly opened a sealed Mirage that I've had for about 10 years and it was a totally filthy record. You may wonder how they get dirty when they are sealed - it's residue from the pressing machines.

[Blueletter18]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

Honestly - this is a personal judgment call. If the price feel good, go for it. Research ebay prices as well - they tend to be high, but will give you a good idea of what stuff should cost, on average. Remember that many factors affect price - scratches, gloss, sleeve condition, surface marks, pops, skips, edge-wear, absence of original inserts, etc...



No. ):



For wet cleaning, which I only do when the record is dirty or smudged, I use a brush that looks like Corduroy fabric, sold at most record stores. The solution I use is custom-made at the store I shop at, but there are commercial cleaning solvents out there. I also use a carbon-fiber brush for dry cleaning, before every single play. I also use a carbon-fiber needle brush to clean the stylus before every play.



I've been buying records on eBay since 1999. I've had hundreds of great experiences, where I got exactly what I wanted for the right price. All I can say is buying from eBay requires research. Look at many copies, read the seller notes, get a feel for the grading system ( Mint-, VG+, etc.) and know what they mean.

Be wary of the mob-mentality when it comes to pricing. I see this too often - one person overprices an item, and then all the other sellers overprice it as well. If you wanted a particular record - let's say, Mirage, and all the copies were $35 or higher, move on and cross Mirage off your list for now. Give it 6 months and the prices will change. Some items are worth a lot of course, but most aren't worth the prices being asked.

I often spend weeks looking at what I want before buying it, trying to find the exact copy I want for the best price possible. I'm ok paying more when it's deserved, but the most expensive price doesn't mean it's any better than the cheap ones, which is why you need to be familiar with sellers and grades and be sure to read their descriptions.

Prepare to be disappointed - it happens sometimes.

I wouldn't pay more than $15-25 dollar for a minty copy of BN.

No matter what a record costs, PLAY IT! That $45 dollar copy of Rumours is supposed to sound great, so make sure it does!

Lastly, even sealed records almost never sound good without a proper cleaning first. Older sealed albums are the worst - I've recenly opened a sealed Mirage that I've had for about 10 years and it was a totally filthy record. You may wonder how they get dirty when they are sealed - it's residue from the pressing machines.

How do you recommend cleaning them? I'm looking for a cheap/easy way, because I've got a LOT of records that need cleaning.

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by Blueletter18

How do you recommend cleaning them? I'm looking for a cheap/easy way, because I've got a LOT of records that need cleaning.

What I've been doing is wet-cleaning each one before I play it, using a kit similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crosley-167805.../dp/B001ASADNU

I put the record on the turntable, and spin it with my finger, pressing lightly on the grooves with the brush, rocking it back and forth gently. My turntable doesn't spin unless it's playing, so that's why I spin the table with my finger, on the lable of the record.

That will remove grime, fingerprints, oil and dried-on-yuck. After that, I use this item before every play to keep the record free of dust:



They go back into the sleeve cleaned, so the next time I want to play them I only use the carbon fiber brush.

Some record stores have these devices, and will clean a large quantity of albums for a fee; it's a machine I certainly can't afford, but if I wanted to clean hundreds of albums I might consider it.

http://www.soundstagedirect.com/vpi-...FdFDMgode2oA7g

Of course, then there's this technique, which looks crazy but is incredibly effective for filthy albums.

[Blueletter18]

Thanks, Karma! I've seen that wood glue technique before, but I always thought it was a joke or something, lol.

[KarmaContestant]

Gosh, shipping from Germany always takes so long. But - it finally arrived. Only four more titles before my Siouxsie And The Banshees 12" singles collection is complete!

[KarmaContestant]

Tori fans take note, Under The Pink is being reissued on 180g vinyl:

http://www.musiconvinyl.com/releases...Under_The_Pink

[Macfanforever]

I just run water over the records and let them air dry.

[Macfanforever]

On the day of the Jones Beach FM show I had to pickup another batch of vinyl from my friend,That batch has some country artists like Conway Twitty,Hank Snow and those country collections then some Jim Croce ,Bobby Vinton To some 12 inch dance singles to holiday music collections.

I have him keeping an eye open for Stevie and FM records that come his way for me.

I'm glad to see some artists release their tunes on vinyl.

Maybe FM should release their EP on vinyl.