Record Stores vs Record Fairs: Best Choice & Deals?

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.

[@scottymallett8036]

My local Record store is absolutely fabulous. In my neck of the woods, VERY rural we don't have record fairs. I love Soundmatters. The His Masters voice adds class.

[@andysheldon3842]

Action Records in Preston is an amazing independent record shop with a legend of an owner. Established 1979. The best record shop in the north of England and probably one of the best in the country. Their own label (The Fall, Boo Radleys, Dandelion Adventure, Fi lo Radio, Big Red Bus), in store gigs and a huge selection of new and used vinyl. If your in Lancashire Action records is a must visit.

[@soundmatters]

I’ll put it on my list to visit! 🎶

[@dannyhowell3184]

I used to live In Letchworth, and David's has had a lot of my money over the years. It's a good shop. The new records are separate from the secondhand, which is really useful for me. I love record fairs. There are often some bargains to be had. My tip? Find the guy who isn't a dealer, just someone selling their private collection. He will be open to offers. His wife has probably told him to shift the records or they will go down the dump! Also, don't buy brand new records at fairs; they are probably fake. I've been caught out a few times. Nice video! I could chat about fairs for ages!

[@soundmatters]

Ah, cool: small world. David's is great, always nice to pop in when we're over that way. Thanks for the additions to this topic; great tips - particularly on private sellers! Thanks for watching

[@brunohebert1351]

I've noticed a trend lately in the records stores: streaming. They always play music in the ones I go to and I was surprised to find out that they were not playing a record but streaming music. I mean I get it the convenience etc, playing the latest album without having to open a sealed copy etc.. but come on, this is a record store, play some records, don't you think? I've noticed it here in Reno in the US but also in the south of France where I was in March.. Sometimes you hear something you like and you can ask for the record, what's going to happen then: oh you can find it on Spotify?

[@soundmatters]

Yeah, that does seem counterintuitive. Playing an actual record can start conversations, too, and probably encourage sales! (On a side note: the south of France is a beautiful place)

[@paulc5358]

Another great video Thanks for sharing!!! I like both record fairs & stores, thrift shops Etc.. For 1 some records stores( here in N.Y. USA) as you mention do have listing stations (which I usually only use to make sure the record is not warped!! I like the element of surprise when I get home. Mostly getting stuff I never heard of..) Record stores once you shop there used bins you have to wait a few weeks or a month for a turn over rate on there records . Meaning you have wait for them to put out new stuff. This also depends on how how busy is the store? The same goes for Thrift stores, Flee markets & junk shops etc... On the other hand Record fairs come up 1 a month in different spots & different venders come out with different stuff each time.. This also depends (for me) on whether or not it's Indoors or Outdoors, If it's out doors I have to get there early & I make sure there is no heat coming off the top of the crate. This means the record might be warped? Some venders don't have tents covering there records which to me is bad. As for record stores here in New York / Long Island & the city USA, Human Head records in Brooklyn has a great $2 bin (= 1.56 pounds). Infinity records in Massapequa N.Y has a great $1.00 bin ( =0.78 pound) & Mr Cheapo's in Commack N.Y Just to Name a few.. As for Record fairs The Long Island Music Lovers fair is good they do it 1 a month, Some radio stations have a fair 1 a year like the WPKN in Bridgeport Connecticut or the WFMU radio station in N.J they do there Big 2 day show (This is the show I like the best it's in N.Y.C 250+ hundred venders who come out). Not to mention there WFMU table has a great $1.00 bin =0.78 pounds , Last year I came home with almost 60 records from there $1.00 bin.. not to mention what else I bought & that was just on the first day... Let me know what you think! Enjoy your Day & Happy Spinning!!!

[@soundmatters]

Thank you watching and your contribution! Not covering the records from sun or rain does sound a bit silly. The bargain bins are certainly worth a flick through, agreed. I’ve not come across and radio station fairs over here, but interesting to hear about that. Happy listening 🎶🎧

[@richardhawkins4621]

In the uk we have been swamped with dealers out to make a lot of money in the old days the records were not priced separately just all priced the same

[@dasherf17]

Most of our stores in So. Minneapolis have multiple listening stations...it IS nice of your store to preview the record for you... We've got so many great stores in the Twin Cities: Electric Fetus, Hymie's, Roadrunner, Know Name, Cheapo's, Barely Brothers, Agharta, Down in the Valley, Mill City Sound, Groovy's,the list goes on... I appreciate your videos!

[@soundmatters]

Nice to have multiple listening stations 👌🎶 thanks for your contribution to the topic and for watching

[@ralphalder14]

For fold over covers that are not ripped but just come unstuck, I just use pritt-stick. It does a great job.

[@soundmatters]

Nice very affordable fix :) - do you find the glue holds well?

[@ralphalder14]

Yes it’s great!

[@paulc5358]

@@soundmatters For me Yes & I use Paper clips to hold them until they dry

[@dimebagdave77]

Very cool RHCP 12 inch✌️ thanks!

[@soundmatters]

Yea! I was pleased with that find. Love stumbling across gems like that 🎶🎧 - thanks for watching

[@bellmister6943]

quick question do you know how to find out about record fairs so I don't miss some in my area I've already missed like two since I started collecting

[@soundmatters]

Where are you based? In the UK there is a website that lists them all. If you search "record fairs list" on google. You may find a similar website local to you. Hope this helps

[@bellmister6943]

@@soundmatters thanks for the advice

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

My local record store sucks, prices are questionable, never gets anything new or actual new records. Record fairs are great, a lot more choice and normally better prices.