Tips for starting a record collection on the cheap and more | ASK ME ANYTHING (AMA)

[@TorontoJon]

For the past 20 years or more, I built my record collection by hunting in Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Value Village stores. With lots of patience and perseverance, I acquired lots of amazing records in excellent scratch-free shape (including records by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, other popular artists of the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's) and usually, I only paid $2 at most. For every record I purchased, I had to dig through at least 200 records to find the gems and luckily, I have very eclectic tastes across various genres, so I found plenty of treasures (not necessarily valuable, but more importantly, loads of fun). HOWEVER, I recently visited a Value Village in London, Ontario and was shocked to see some employee had priced records with prices that were all over the place. There were still some records for $2 as usual, but then there was a 'Saturday Night Fever' 2-LP soundtrack for $7.99, The Association's Greatest Hits for $5.99, a generic K-Tel 'Discomania' 2-LP record set for $9.99, etc. and they were all SCRATCHED! That drove me CRAZY! I didn't need them since I already had them, but I felt sorry for anyone new to record collecting. A year prior to that when I was visiting another Value Village in the Toronto area, an employee was pricing 'The Best of John Denver' and albums by Neil Diamond at $9.99 each. I made a point of talking to the workers in the back room and advising them that those records, as much as I like them, are not worth ten bucks to anyone because they're not sought after like those by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, heavy metal artists, etc. Those employees have no clue about pricing, have no understanding about the importance of condition (no ringwear, no scratches, no mold, thanks), and foolishly see what crazy eBay sellers are asking for records, but are not successfully selling records at such absurd prices.

[@trevorbullock281]

My local record store is incredibly cheap. He really just buys used records on line or at flea markets and stuff. And I swear his average price is about $9-$16 super great. However cons are is that there not always in great conduction. But I’ve not never bought a record in bad shape. Sometimes you get a pop a crackle but never a skip so it’s great! I go up there almost every weekend that I can

[@metrodraft]

I agree. I have two records stores in the area. One is mostly new stuff with their used records starting around $8. The other store is almost all used records and you can find NM records starting $4 - $5.

[@austinhunt4260]

I started my collection entirely via Amazon.de, so almost all of those pressings were EU. After I got the core, I started refining and buying better or rarer vinyl elsewhere. But once I started, I realized how quickly collecting can get ridiculously out of control. My original goal was to get a top 20 collection, which quickly proved to be an impossibly low limit. I've limited myself to a collection of 75 records for a couple reasons. 1) It keeps my collection lean and mean -- only my true favorites; 2) forces me think about which album I'm going to get rid of in order to buy new vinyl, thereby reduces my impulse buys; 3) I can barely listen to all 75 in a year. I have a friend in France who has a collection of 600-700 records. I don't need to ask him what percentage of it he actually enjoys and listens to. So if we're not regularly enjoying our collection, what's the point of having it?

[@lawnboyfreak]

I can honestly say, I’ve never been influenced by you Frank. Watching your videos is just the next best thing to talking vinyl and music plain and simple. Thank you for what you do.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks man!

[@paulparker905]

What's wrong with Herb Albert?

[@gregsnarke610]

I’m glad that vinyl record albums are back the reason I’m collecting vinyl records albums is for the fun of it and getting the old albums that I remember growing up back in the 70’s & 80’s ❤I love it.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Frank, you are correct that it takes a lot of patience to start a record collection.

[@77Cardinal]

Great topic. If you're starting a collection you could start with a list. Or you can tell everyone you know (older than you) that you've put together a sound system and you're playing LP's at home. A lot of older folks still have their records, but don't have a record player. Invite them over for a listening session and ask them to pick out their favorites. I've had friends give me their old records (and their kids records after they left home) knowing that I really appreciate them especially if they know they can stop in some evening for a few beers and a listening party. This is a chance to go through records BEFORE they're donated to a thrift store and before you get lost in bins of unfamiliar records you aren't sure you want to buy at any price. A neighbor recently dropped off a couple hundred albums on "indefinite loan". Take your time. Playing through someone's collection for free is a pretty good way to learn which records YOU want to collect. And swapping stories about music or where they first heard a song is pretty cool too. Hope that helps. Thanks Frank.

[@keithaw4204]

I am blessed to have an amazing local record shop that has records for everyone! If you’re looking for a popular 80’s record they have a lot between $3 - $10! If you’re looking for something a little more rare, they have it. It’s a store where they price things correctly. Did I mention that they have so many records?! It’s insane! New/used arrivals daily. The owner/manager is doing it right. Find a local record store and support it if you can.

[@suprememusicmaster]

Yep...I have a place like that and they are like a warehouse, storing multiple copies of the same records...Sure, it's more likely with the common titles, but I've found a lot of place-fillers there...Maybe you might not find an artist's hit debut album, because it sells out as fast as it comes in, but if you're looking for their 5th or 6th release, they might just have it and at a good price!

[@axelfeiss1130]

Another tipp from my point of view for a record collector is specializing. As vinyl in general is more expensive than CDs select a topic you want to collect most. As an audiophile with good quality gear I try to buy high quality recordings I have not yet in my CD collection (MSFL, Speakers Corner, Tone Poet by Blue Note, etc), special deluxe versions or simply records which are only available as vinyl like direct recordings. There are a lot of smaller recoding studios who specialize in high quality direct recordings with superb music of many genres. You may only can buy a couple of records per month depending on your budget but I decided I prefer to have fewer records with more gems rather than a bigger and unsatisfying collection.

[@eddiecarter9831]

On looking for vinyl are thrift stores, a few years back, we went looking through some vinyl at a Goodwill while on vacation and hit the jackpot! Came out with 3 Jeff Beck ... Wired, Blow by Blow, and a Yardbirds collection! Paul Simon, Simon and Garfunkel, Dan Fogelberg, David Bowie, and several others for dirt cheap!

[@IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony]

Another tip regarding thrift stores. Take a bit of time and go visit thrift stores in smaller towns. Smaller towns have fewer people who collect records and yet the selection can be as good as ones in larger towns. You can be more likely to score a sweet album.

[@kalebyoung4098]

You're not an influencer, you're a guru, and we love you! :)

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you

[@clevegulahardro7469]

Antique stores good place also . personal favorite - Buying someone's complete collection . Pull those records you want , then sell the rest . Usually break even , get all those true gems for free :)

[@stepheng8779]

Problem with charity shops/thrift stores these days is they buy a copy of Record Collector or look on Discogs see the top price and slap THAT price tag on their crap. Same with eBay, a cheap piece of black plastic that used to poorly spin records atop a midi hi-fi system is NOT a vintage turntable 🤣🎅☃️🎄 My best sounding albums, Sade - Diamond Life & Dire Straits - Brother's In Arms. The Dire Straits LP is probably the thinnest, wobbly lump of vinyl I own, puts paid to the 180g snake oil claims with a single listen 😄

[@gringogreen4719]

Man I forgot a good one! Buy the records and CDs you want when that style if music is out of fashion. That's when you get lots of supply and low prices.😎👍✨

[@CanadianCharlie64]

I bought my first vinyl in 1977 (KISS - Love Gun} and I remember getting those 11 albums for 1 cent from Columbia House. During to years I collected 600 vinyl til the CD format came out in 85. Then I started collecting CD's which i have 700. I live in Europe and good vinyl/ CD's are hard to come by that are in good condition and at a good price. I love your video's Frank, Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@bobbymoore7874]

When I started collecting years ago,I received some records from my mom and uncle, and I had some friends that gave me some as well. Aside from families started at thrift stores,flea markets,and places like that. But I love your channel and learn alot with your content.

[@ritchiebabcock3358]

Frank I agree with what you have said about the scalping it's frustrating enough to have missed getting that certain RSD vinyl only to be screwed over by a vinyl flipper to get what you want

[@tball5677]

So glad I started collecting records 40 years ago and never got rid of anything. During the 90s people would give me collections. Those days are gone.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah... long gone. But nowadays, people are doing that with CDs (giving them away).

[@suprememusicmaster]

I remember when the record stores were rushing to get rid of their vinyl at the tail end of the 80's-early 90's to make room for CD's...I bought a bunch of records that way! Also, I'm glad I bought most of the 90's vinyl I wanted in the early 2000's, after a ten-year absence from buying vinyl (mostly cassettes and CD's, until a friend encouraged me to get back into vinyl again)...A lot of those 90's records have been steadily going up in value now, so I'm glad I held onto them all these years...

[@vannshuttleworth4738]

Hear! Hear! I kept mine when it was encouraged to dump vinyl in the '80s!

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

I find the best deals are at Antique Stores (not Malls) where they are more knowledgeable about antiques, but might have a box of old records sitting around. It’s not their expertise so you can usually get a decent deal. It definitely is getting harder and harder to find deals on vinyl. Everyone thinks they have gold when they really have brass. Thanks for sharing and take care

[@JimmyV1530]

Just dig this channel...... I also became a RSD flipper this year that wasn't planned at all. I needed up being 1st in line at my store & even though it wasn't on my list, I did buy the stores 1 copy of the Rolling Stones Let It Bleed for $100 , that I flipped for $300 1 hour later, people were asking $600 & up early on that day, I split everyone & sold it in 5 minutes. I felt ok about it because after all I got to the store at 5 am for a 8 am opening, so I took advantage of my opportunity.

[@bobby666666]

My mum bought some singles boxes each containing 100 singles and the tracks/artists were unknown. She paid £10.00 each for them. There was some great stuff from the 70s and 80s. My friend buys albums on Discogs that don't have sleeves or the sleeves are damaged quite cheap. He then keeps looking for sellers selling the same album that may have a poor quality disc, but the sleeve is fine.

[@TorontoJon]

Aside from keeping the records I had as a teenager which I never dumped even when CD's became popular, twenty or more years ago, I was ahead of the curve by collecting records and buying great electronics for very cheap or reasonable prices at thrift stores (like many collectors did and continue to do). I'd often wanted to do a video demonstrating how for $100 or so, one could buy a receiver, cassette deck, CD player, turntable, and speakers at thrift stores to create a fun system at a fraction of what those items would have cost in their day at brand new retail prices. I also bought all sorts of electronics relatively cheaply on eBay when there was little interest at the time (reel-to-reel decks, turntables, receivers, cassette decks, CD players, recordable DVD players, Blu-ray players, speakers, etc. by Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Harman/Kardon, Pioneer, Sony, Denon, Tascam, Akai, Aiwa, Nakamichi, etc.). Even if, for example, I bought a high-end Denon DP-45F fully automatic direct-drive turntable on eBay for $100 plus $50 shipping to Canada, I knew the original retail price for that turntable had been at least $600 U.S. ($800 Canadian at that time) and these days, that same turntable in working used condition sells for $600 on eBay. So, it pays to be patient, persistent, and to check out videos and reviews of electronics to avoid disappointing units or disappointing badly pressed records too for that matter. :)

[@familybettencourt7650]

I found a SEALED DAVID BOWIE LET'S DANCE at a thrift shop last year paid $3.00 Canadian 80's pressing amazing sound Keep digging at thrift shops Thanks for the video

[@Channel33RPM]

Great price.... great album!

[@bobqualls257]

Your tips on starting a record collection were right on the mark. That's pretty much how I built my collection -- thrift stores, garage sales, dollar bins. I was also helped by writing about music and getting the attention of record companies who wanted to publicize their new releases. I don't know if they even do that anymore.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Bob. They do that nowadays, but it different ways. I do get albums from record labels on occasion, and I am usually happy to check them out and show them here, on KZbin. Frank

[@alancser1167]

My local record convention usually has plenty of dealers selling albums on the cheap.

[@stevenholley7363]

Hi Frank With regards to RSD “flipping” I believe the record companies / labels also fuel this issue. When they press an album to a limited release of say 1000 or even less , they know the demand in the VC is there and these will sell out instantly, therefore it is inevitable that people will pick these up too, put them on eBay and then charge the earth for them as they know they can sell them for almost any price.

[@Homebrew58]

Except that the record company or label doesn't make any money at all on the re-selling of any album so there is no benefit to them intentionally creating an after market demand. And if RSD releases were sent out in mass quantities there would be nothing special about them. Yes, the limited quantities create demand but consider who these releases are intended to benefit... the independent record store operator. RSD is a huge shot in the arm for your local record store. So by only issuing 1000 copies of a hot title the record company/label is guaranteeing heavy traffic at the local store.

[@dalepafford5732]

@@Homebrew58 the last 2 RSD’s I went to, I left empty handed. They started with what I was there for, but by the time it was my turn in line I was too late. I’m starting to get turned off by RSD.

[@QoraxAudio]

It just shows us how many dumb people there are who fall for price gauging - it's disappointing.

[@martinfarnworth6659]

The record company is not really at fault in this case. A lot of pressings are limited because to press too many can mean making a loss. It's better if there sold as quick as possible.

[@suprememusicmaster]

@@dalepafford5732 And get there early, if you can! If the stores DON'T have what you want, keep checking the online sites...You can get the records you want, but you have to be patient and persevere! You can also call the stores to see what titles they got in...Some stores only get certain titles, too, and not everything...Other stores got some of their titles AFTER RSD...Also, one of my local stores didn't spend a lot on new releases this year because they were afraid those records wouldn't sell and they would lose money on them (aka be stuck with excess stock due to the pandemic and people not shopping the mom-and-pops)...I still bought some albums from that store, as keeping those places alive is more important to me than if I didn't get ONE particular record...Besides, these stores often sell out of the limited-quantity stuff quickly...Fortunately, I was able to find what I wanted online later at a fair price...Remember, too, that the RSD titles limited to 500 copies or that are regional releases will be harder to find than the record that has 5,000 copies...Check the RSD web site for more info on that...

[@chrisblackburn1872]

Love the show. Keep up the great work. Hope you have a great holiday.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks! You too!

[@MrDraven37]

Completely fair point about the RSD releases.. I sometimes contribute to the problem by buying them at inflated prices, but I pick and choose. I paid way way over for Skid Row's Slave To The Grind but no local record stores here in Melbourne Australia got copies of it and I really wanted it. But then missed out on the Jazz Sabbath mono blue vinyl black friday RSD release and I settled with just getting a regular copy of the album instead. And yes, hard to get into the hobby cheap.. prices are just going up and up, but I also use Amazon at times as well as eBay to get them cheaper, plus have become loyal to one local record store as they consistently have albums at prices far lower than another store that I was buying off.

[@delightfuldigs]

Great tips. Here’s some. Tell coworkers and friends can get some good leads. Look for pop up record stores a lot of craft breweries host dealers and typically they sell good stuff much cheaper. (No store front overhead) antique stores used to have outrageous prices but I’m finding that some are decent prices now. I have also had some luck at pawn shops. if you see some unmarked don’t be afraid to ask for a bulk rate. Mostly go out often. If you go to a new town look up thrift stores.

[@delightfuldigs]

One more I forgot to say go to the used stores on a Monday or Tuesday people usually go through their stuff on the weekend and donate. Even ask some of the workers when they put out records the most. Happy Digging

[@yanks1fan09]

Funny my mother was young so she listened to Elvis and The Beatles all the time which became engrained in me. Today I listen more to the Beatles and Paul McCartney is by far one of my favorite musicians and artists. I like a lot of Elvis's early stuff and I have some LP's but most of what I collected over the years was on CD. A school friend of mine has a shrine of memorabilia at his house just dedicated to Elvis. By the way, I find a lot of 50's and 60's stuff at the Thrift Store but we haven't had any this past year record shows where you can buy a lot of records on the cheap. Happy Holiday's to you and your family!

[@Channel33RPM]

Happy holidays to you as well! Frank

[@KRich408]

None of the Thrift stores in the rural part of Pennsylvania has had Vinyl in a decade or so 😭 I have to drive 100+ miles to the Canadian border through NY state to find records I did find a nice Luxman turntable up near Rochester NY 😁 that got me started again 👍👍 I wish I never sold all my LPs I had from the 80s and 90s they sounded so much better than most of the new releases today.

[@jeremybonfiglio3914]

Agree with all the tips you mentioned. One big omission though is record shows! Most record shows have $1-$5 bins for common stuff. I have found the BEST deals at record shows. Even high--end or rare records you can usually get for a better price. Goldmine, Vinyl Times and others offer a list of record shows. Once COVID-19 is tamed, seek out record shows in your region.

[@Channel33RPM]

Great tip!

[@blonday90]

When I started collecting at 11, I found sooooo many records at swapmeets, flea markets and local second hand store. I also get to go to a few record stores in the area and a record convention show in omaha 2 to 3 times a year, bought alot!!!! of amazing records there

[@baq8680]

Great to hear you have an appreciation for Elvis' music. I'm a life long Elvis fan and have a collection of about 200 LP's. I also collect other artists but Elvis is my focus. Another great video! Thanks Frank and Merry Christmas to you, Sheri and the girls!!

[@Channel33RPM]

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

[@davidturner2974]

It's definitely tougher nowadays but I use all the tips you mentioned for finding vinyl on the cheap and you nailed it. Few months back a friend of mine alerted me to a few crates that hit a local thrift store and I came away with about 30 lps for 40 bucks that included 2 Priest albums, Ratt and some other hard-to-get-nowadays hard rock. And just last night on FB marketplace someone in my town posted a junk suitcase tt but with 13 brand new lps for $100 total. A great deal indeed!

[@Channel33RPM]

Great finds David.

[@peter_aka_hamamass]

In the EU i found that in the last 8 years at least, that even in thriftstores the prices are at a skyhigh level, and the quality is often terrible! The prices do not reflect the quality, but are kept high, because they think they have gold with every piece! That is, if you can find anything worthy, besides the crap that is found everywhere (you know the ones i mean)! My tip is to go to record fairs, and check out the euro/dollar bins! Often will you find vinyl that is not the most valuable, like a mint 1st pressing DSOTM or similar to that, but more the ones that are loved by many, but not considered collectors vinyl. And the quality is much much better than the thriftstore crap, and prices are the same, and sometimes cheaper. So, if things ever get back to "normal", or near that, i would recommend trying that out 👍🏻

[@QoraxAudio]

Same applies to "vintage HiFi"... It's almost like everyone thinks they've struck gold when they come across some shitty 80s integrated amp from Marantz or Philips. Or some shitty Dual 1210 from the 70s that's almost falling apart and has a completely gummed up mechanism.

[@ryanr.719]

The best way I’ve found to not only start a collection, but grow one, is to hit up estate sales and garage sales. I’ve had MUCH better luck doing that than wasting my time in thrift stores thumbing through Herb Alpert records.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good tips.

[@dannysvinylrainbow4852]

Awesome tips Frank! Thanks and Merry Christmas!🎄

[@strikedn]

Since I collect mostly 80s hair metal (or whatever is called in America)or hard rock, cheap section at local record fairs is where I get the best deals or Discogs "general" sellers who aren't really specialized in a genre and just stock random stuff.

[@joet_swbo101]

I agree with your comment regarding buying of flippers for RSD releases. I may if it's just a few dollars more, but once it's two to three times or more, I tap out. This always has been a sore point for me since by me people actually camp out there night before. I got lucky this year and got all my wants on all of the RSD releases for the first time in years.

[@alexakaa.charlesross8919]

It's funny you were pretty much right on the money, after my 4th or 5th visits to Thrifts was when I started finding stuff.

[@paulkane2391]

Hey Frank - Great video (as always). You hit on pretty much all the tips for finding cheap records. Even thrift stores and garage sales are starting to bump up the prices of albums THEY view as "valuable" (they're not play graded, so caveat emptor). Your best bet at this point is to find a record store you like, search the dollar bins, and pay with cash, if you can (most stores I deal with cut me a break when I pay with folding money). As far as flippers go, I don't buy from them, so that's about all anyone can really do. There is always an alternative to finding that RSD re-issue. But think about this: if a label presses 1000 copies, I'll bet no more than half wind up from the record store with the final owner. At least half will be flipped for a ridiculous mark-up. All these wheeler-dealers need to do is find ONE PERSON to pay that (which is NOT difficult), so it will continue. It sucks, but unless companies want to flood the market with these RSD releases (driving up supply) to counter the flippers, nothing is going to change. I like Elvis, but I was always a Beatles guy. I rarely crank my speakers, so I don't worry about putting things on them. That being said, I don't like the way it looks, so I tend not to do it. KZbin influencers - if you think you are one, you're probably not (at least in my orbit - your mileage may vary). The younger folks think WAY different on this, but they'll mature. Merry Christmas, Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Great responses, Paul - as always. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Frank

[@vapor9699]

I was just talking with someone the other day about digging at Goodwill and thrift stores, he said there is nothing ever there except junk. Yes, junk is the norm, however like you stated, patience and persistence is key. Walked in my local Goodwill one day and there sitting on the bottom of the CD shelf was a huge stack of King Crimson collector discs in new condition. Another day i am walking by a cart loaded with clothes, spot an album from the side, lift the clothes and there are 15 albums of various classic rock bands in new condition. Patience!

[@Channel33RPM]

Congrats! Those are great scores.

[@928Porscheman]

I like to shop the bargain bins at second hand record stores. I have found some awesome deals for under $10, and one of my local stores has turntables set up to play a record to see if there are any audible noise.

[@JohnCran]

With regards to scalpers I very rarely go looking for a particular album. I have much more fun flipping through the cheap bins and the "Vintage" bins and new releases just to see what is there and if something catches my fancy. Given the prices here on Oz it's getting harder to give something a go but I still will do it. Our thrift stores don't have records or any electrical equipment so I am forced into my local antique store or indie record stores. I went to my local record store yesterday and picked up a copy of "A Boys Own McBeth", a new Robert Forster and a new Hard On's. All are Australian and Robert lives here in Brisvegas. I didn't go looking for any but when I saw them I knew I had to pick them up. The fun part was the query from the lady behind the counter asking if they were all for me and she grinned wide when I said yes. Look up the artists and you'll see why she queried it.

[@976blackpope]

RAINBOW! LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL! Great album! Now I got to go pull mine out and spin it! 🤘

[@poisonflour6723]

Agree 100% if people stop paying stupid money no one will charge it - another great video

[@richiehimes7990]

Great tips on thrift stores and discount bins! I’m still looking for that sweet copy of YES “Fragile” to replace my placeholder copy! 👍 Can’t seem to find Sade “Love Deluxe” for a realistic price but I’ll keep treasure hunting for it. 😎

[@Devo_gx]

Great tips! I just picked up my first turntable and first record of my own. Definitely going to grab more as time goes on (we have some old records from the family, though some are in better shape than others).

[@Channel33RPM]

Welcome to the world of vinyl! Frank

[@deadwalken]

LOVE you more Frank! I also had a 1990 Electric blue Geo Metro. Cheap car but loved driving it!

[@Channel33RPM]

Mine was a '94 - white, with some sort of stripes down the side... It served me well. It was super cheap to operate.

[@PoisonheartGothic]

I started my record collection mostly through the bargain bin in local record stores. My favorite store typically had great titles in the dollar bin that were only in there due to the sleeve being kind of worn, but the record itself was usually great. And their prices besides that were very reasonable, they normally priced around what the Discogs median would be as per condition. Besides that I've found good stuff at flea markets and thrift stores. Actually I bought my first turntable at a thrift store for super cheap or else I may have never even gotten into record collecting in the first place.

[@gringogreen4719]

Great episode Frank. I agree with your recommendations on the collecting. The bulk of my collection is $5.00 or less. In the last 8 years I have seen many dollar bin albums go for $5-$10 per album. I'm talking stuff like Hall & Oates thats always been there. Many albums I have bought for a dollar or two are now five, ten, or more dollars. I have some tips for starting a collection on the cheap. All the steps Frank said are valid. I would also recommend buying records that you are unfamiliar with but for one reason or another catch your eye. I've probably bought close to a hundred of these, all sizes but mainly 7 inch and 12 inch records. Another thing would be to check out 7 inch records and 10 inch records, many times these are relatively cheaper than a 12 inch. I remember a RSD where I finally found a used copy on 10 inch of Les Baxter's "Ritual of the Savage" (I like to get my Mai Tai on) for around $3-5 for that copy. I loved it, the record was maybe VG the jacket was worn but in a good way. A few months later I found a 12 inch copy in another store that was $70+ and in NM condition. Made me even happier with my purchase especially after looking all over for it for around 4 years. I have quite a large collection of punk and oi bands I've never heard of, mainly from the mid Nineties on. I pretty much bought all of them because they were a buck or two and the jackets look cool AF. I mean, who wouldn't want to get Two Cow Garage covering Bruce Springsteen? Especially on PBR splatter vinyl? I think the cool thing about this is that not all of these records are on Spotify or KZbin so I end up with something cheap and rare. In collecting records if you go right for the jugular and just buy EXACTLY what you want then you miss out on a lot. Sometimes like my "Ritual of the Savage" it is the thrill of the chase. Other times its having a great story to tell at a bar about a particular album you ended up buying. Sometimes you might not find something you like but you will know a friend who will love it. Sometimes you can trade a few things to get something you really want. Many times getting that one thing you really want, well, you are going to have to shell out money for it. I would say though that probably 40-45% of my collection I just stumbled upon and liked enough not to get rid of. Collecting is as much about the journey as it is the albums and the destination. Enjoy it.😊👍✨

[@Channel33RPM]

Good tips man!

[@vikingbrace]

Nice, fun video to watch. It was cool to hear about your Memphis experience. I am not a huge Elvis fan but I like some of his early work. I think everyone has that same reaction seeing Graceland, “It’s cool but honestly I thought it would be bigger” Take care!

[@Channel33RPM]

Seriously...! It was big, but it wasn't THAT big. It was a neat place to visit. Frank

[@anthonybarnes2355]

In the thrift store in my home town ( fort collins ) there was the first 4 albums by the moody blues . They were pretty beat looking but at 2 clams each I should have all , but didn't.

[@LairoftheAlchemist]

I've only ever found junk at thrift stores in regards to vinyl and if I do find something it's usually in bad condition. CDs are a different story, I've had some cool finds at thrift stores.

[@daryltaylor9149]

Record fairs normally have a cheap section which can have great records in. Albums that sell by the millions can be picked up for pennies such as Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits, great record but sold millions so plenty available. 2nd hand shops (thrift stores) can also be great if your lucky!

[@stephenmkeer]

I’ve been collecting for about 18 months now and I’ve found recently that the charity shops here in my area are drying up. So I’ll have to dig outside of my town. I also use Facebook marketplace,boot sales and second hand record shops.

[@alm5693]

The best time I can remember for shopping for used LPs in music stores was when CDs were introduced. People would dump their entire record collections at the store and use the money to buy CD replacements. The best garage sale find I came across was a guy selling his son's entire record collection for $2 a pop. It was a GREAT collection. I bought as many as I could afford at the time and then came back for more. In the meantime, the father had talked to the son who freaked out and told him to stop selling his records. I felt sorry for the son but I wished I would have bought more when I was there the first time. Never leave your records at your parents house.

[@Channel33RPM]

I have actually run across a couple of garage sales as well, where the parents were selling their kid's record collection. A bunch of rock and metal for $1 each... some records still sealed. Don't come across that too often!

[@dalepafford5732]

I hope to run across that.

[@suprememusicmaster]

Al, those kids should have known better! If they don't want their parents to sell their stuff, make sure they take it all with them if/when they leave...That way, no regrets later! A win-win for both parties!

[@squeekycheese]

Go often to thrift stores. Have a smart phone on you to look records up on discogs or ebay etc.. If it looks strange it may be valuable. Don't limit yourself to one genre. You may be passing up that classical record that sells for hundreds of dollars. Condition is crucial. Unless they are extremely rare, avoid records that look like they were used in a Frisbee tournament. The good news is that if you're into Herb Albert , Barbara Streisand, or mood music for dining. A thrift store could be a gold mine.

[@keithwood4031]

Going back a few years there was a marvellous used record (& CD) store close to where I worked at that time. It was a brilliant source of music but sadly that one and others around Munich have all closed down. I now rely on ebay and my local high end HiFi store which has a corner selling records. As for putting things on top of speakers - a big "No" from me, I even remove the front grills from my speakers when listening to music. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family Frank, looking forward to more in 2021.

[@rocky-o]

great answers...for that 'inexpensive' collector, i would also suggest going to used record stores and not just having pink floyd the wall, led zeppelin 4, and the 1st velvet underground album on your list for cheap...you will be disappointed...like you said frank...check out the cheap bins but also open your mind as well....just because you look at the song list and don't recognize anything, it still might become your favorite album...and for you frank, as well as sheri and the girls, i wish you the most joyous christmas and total holiday season....may the new year be better for all of us....thank you for everything...peace always...rocky

[@Channel33RPM]

Good point, rocky. An open mind goes a long way in record collecting, and in life. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours. Frank

[@suprememusicmaster]

Flea markets are good places to find cheap records...Those dollar bins can be fun to crate-dig through, as well...If you don't know the artist, it could be something special...Don't be afraid to take a chance on an album cover or on a record where you recognize the players, especially if it's cheap...Appreciate a variety of musical genres, too...One thing I've found...Buy rock records at the shop that specializes in classical...Buy soul/R&B records at the shops that specialize in country/folk...Buy classical records in the places that promote rock artists...Oftentimes, the genres that those shops don't specialize in or know well enough will get discounted...Maybe the sellers don't know what they have or they're not interested in those records, but if you're a fan of those "overlooked" genres, you can score some deals! The thrift stores can often be BULGING with the "known suspects" (i.e. Percy Faith, Ray Conniff, Lawrence Welk, Liberace, Andre Kostelanetz, Herb Alpert, James Last, Billy Vaughn, Roger Whittaker, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Mantovani, 101 Strings, Reader's Digest Boxed Sets, etc.), but if you're patient enough and keep searching, you can find some very cool titles...Check the urban thrift stores for country/easy listening records and the rural ones for jazz, rock, etc. You never know what you might find, if you're patient...Check out the "junk shops", antique shops, bookstores, antique malls, collectible shops and whatnot, too...And oh yeah, don't forget the local record shows! Records can often be hiding right under your nose, but you're only going to find them if you keep checking out the various places in your area and check them often! Go during the weekdays, too, say on a Wednesday afternoon, rather than on a night on a weekend when everyone is shopping...Also, if your local thrift shops are running certain special days (like 50% off all electronics or collectibles or special holiday sales), be sure to check those out...Alternately, sign up for any newsletters to your favorite online record store sites...If those stores are offering any storewide clearance sales at any point, you can be notified right away in your e-mail!

[@grahambiggs9822]

Hi Frank and a great AMA as usual. Your right, just perservere with the crate digging, you will find some great bargins and at good value, but not on every visit. I find the charity shops are good for a look as well. Are you an influencer? well in terms of top tips and recommnedations- yes you are!! I have followed some of your tips for cleaning records and purchased some plastic sleeves from Vinyl Storage Solutions, which are really good. Do I mind flippers? - well I bought a RSD release in 2019 and its on Ebay now for £1000 ?? (can you believe it... although its not selling)I dont buy to sell, I buy to listen and add to my collection !! I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year - Keep on spinning in 2021 !!!!

[@smittie0174]

I somehow mised this video and just watched it. Elvis! You need a copy of the boot, Elvis Greatest Shit. Classic!

[@ogsan1296]

Great video. I enjoyed this so much. You are very positive in your message. I respect your opinion and vibe about vinyl. Thanks.

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have a good week. Frank

[@williammay8413]

I have noticed some people use their utube channel to get free vinyl when they say oh looking for this album or that album but I can’t find it and next month they are saying oh I got this album from this guy and he is so nice and gave me it ...... I guess what ever floats their boat.

[@henrys3629]

Good news, I got a ton of ridiculous cheap vinyl before and after (closing sale) of my fav record store. Bad news, they closed earlier this year for good. They had lots of 45s and UK import "singles" in the $1 bin many times already sleeved. So funny to see a Geo with KORN stickers on back or AC/DC.

[@Channel33RPM]

Funny comment about the Geos, haha... I hardly see those vehicles anymore, though I did see a Geo Metro convertible this past summer. Guy was going to an evening cruise.

[@gordons-alive4940]

Now you got me going down a Nana Mouskouri rabbit hole.

[@jodykendall7519]

So what I’ve been doing the last 4 or 5 years is going to CDs like you’ve mentioned in one of your videos. But I’ve still been collecting vinyl but being picky on what I get. So let’s say I’m into Dianna Ross, for cd I’ll try to find as much as I can but for vinyl I get picky on what LP I want from her like for instance I just picked up Dianna self titled album produced by Nile Rogers this is the only Dianna Ross LP in my collection but I’ve got a lot her stuff on cd because right now they’ve very cheap. Also I don’t care about how bad the covers look when buying as long as the record itself plays well, usually with a little deep cleaning they come back to life and invest in good new sleeves.

[@chrisnorton2837]

I've learned from you Frank, so yeah you are an influencer. 😎👍

[@perfectstack-music]

Always enjoy your Q&A's and couldn't agree more on your record flipper opinion, although a lot of people seem to get offended about that particular angle.............we have a tendency as "collectors" of pretty much anything of creating the monster, then complaining about it :)

[@williammay8413]

I’m still holding out on my last Rush album clock work angles cause I refuse to pay 200-300 for it

[@Channel33RPM]

Hope you find it. Patience may pay off.

[@SuperNathan29]

I love limited runs especially when you're a true fan and you score that one of a thousand or one of 500 if people want the prices to drop they need to stop shopping on eBay if its too expensive dont buy it. wait for a repress or make sure your on the ball when the album drops I think the collectability part of it is exciting

[@BigTriGuyRFM]

A big thing that helped me when I started my collection. Your neighborhood will have a "buy nothing group" on Facebook. I would jump on those sites and just ask, anyone looking to get rid of some records. I must have gotten 100-150 quality records doing that, and a bunch more I just gave away to someone else cuz I was not as interested.

[@Sametribeeverytime]

Alongside camel camel camel, do a search engine search as I've found small independent record shops not on any other online markets. They also sometimes have discount codes if you search and plus if local can pick up to save on p&p.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good tip!

[@johncale814]

I literally found a 68 copy of velvet underground and nico today in an antique store in VG+ for $3! I wont get used to it though

[@yehmiyah]

I LOVE ELVIS PRESLEY the BEST

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Ty frank. Love your channel. Great video

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@robert8192]

The answer to the flipper question is simple. Produce 40,000 of the records, sell them at the regular price and then mark them down until they are gone.. Its rediculous what goes on with records in limitted runs.

[@rayo631]

Thanks for including my question Frank..nearly flipped out when I heard my name mentioned

[@Channel33RPM]

No worries! Thanks for the question.

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Great video! I’ve found a lot of great records at garage sales. Happy Holidays, Frank.

[@Channel33RPM]

Happy holidays to you as well. Frank

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

How to find cheap records , its quite simple. Put the effort in , most people think vinyl records are worthless old junk . When parents or grandparents die most of the time they get tossed out to be honest , or get donated to thrift store or end up in a yard or estate sale. Best way is yard / estate sale and hope your the first to see and buy them. Otherwise get lucky at a thrift store. Also some small town dumps have a "still good building" if your town has one visit it regularly and you will score free vinyl eventually. Been lucky at "Savers " thrift store the past 2 wendsdays . They stock the vinyl on wendsdays . I've gotten 40 classic rock vinyls over the past 2 weeks . Someone donated a collection from someone who passed. I'm hoping there trickling in a few more this wendsday. Literally 3 zeppelin , 4 doors , 2 Hendrix, 3 stones , police. Blondie , nugent etc....

[@mrhoffame]

Camel Camel Camel....great idea, horrible name LOL. With regards to the scalpers....you simple need to not buy from them!!! I totally agree with you. I hate when people talk as if they have no choice but to buy at inflated prices and then are pissed about it. If you want to destroy the practice, you need to practice passing on the buying that album no matter how much you want it. For me I have not gone out and purchased an album on RSD in probably 4-5+ years now. I not only avoid the scalpers, but really at the point of avoiding the entire day all together....and yes, I have missed on on plenty of things I would have loved to have picked up.

[@Channel33RPM]

Amen, Brandon... just don't give the scalpers your money! Simple. As for camelx3, I also agree... what the hell does that name even mean????

[@scottbossert7494]

Being a fan of late 80s and early 90s music, I've found it hard to find the vinyl album of my youth. Sure it wasn't too hard to find Bon Jovi or Def Leppard, but finding other hair metal or even stuff that never came out in North America to be very difficult. I assume I'm not alone the way Skid Row Slave to the Grind sold on RSD. I've had my best luck with discogs and European sellers. Granted, its a bit tougher right now and shipping is silly (UK seems a bit better to Canada), but I've been fortunate enough to scoop up less minty, less expensive vinyl on previous trips to the UK/Europe. I paid a fraction of the price there, with local shipping, for albums in Canada. Hence, my collection grows each trip. As for scalpers, I agree with Frank. If you don't like them, don't support them. Unfortunately, others will continue to. They have the money and it's worth it for them to pay a scalper as it saves them time running around, waiting in line, burning gas, etc. It happens with all collectables. :(

[@lauher21]

Happy holidays Frank

[@kc552]

HI Frank I can never understand the whole influencer thing, maybe because i'm from a different generation. I just find your channel interesting & entertaining.

[@Channel33RPM]

I appreciate that!

[@rickybobby6760]

For the moat part I find junk at thrift stores, but I do have pretty eclectic tastes (for eg I like some 70s and 60s country so sometimes I find something...70s trucking songs albums are fun as hell). But I found a whole collection of Japan and Simple Minds records one day, including a clear vinyl SM record, all mint and it made all the fruitless searches worthwhile! I have seen some great records and passed...I won't take a chance on anything that looks less than pristine, and I absolutely won't buy anything that is in the cardboard without at least a paper sleeve...and there are a lot of them, what is with that?

[@joemartin6439]

Hay it is 2022 now , I am an old dude trying to recover my 200 album I lose in a flood 40 years ago. Take a little flashlight and magnifying glass to inspect your purchases. Get yourselves a very good record clearer.

[@geraldmartin7703]

I've bought records (mostly classical/easy listening) at thrift stores for three decades. I rarely see rock records. They are skimmed off by staff before ever reaching the sales floor.

[@steview2655]

Cheers Frank great vid again have yourself as good a Xmas as you can and to all stay safe and keep spinning

[@Channel33RPM]

Same to you. Cheers Steve.

[@sixzerothreeonesevensixnine]

Thanks Frank. I have a model guitar on mine but I read on some forums it was a big no no

[@Channel33RPM]

Hmmmm... I wonder why?

[@jjquinn2004]

I'm constantly surprised at the number of friends or acquaintances who are sitting on record collections and not listening to them. One acquaintance lives outside of Philadelphia, Pa and is sitting on a couple of hundred records; she admitted that she doesn't even own a record player! Another lives in Bedfordshire, England and has about 400 records in her heated storage. I don't collect records (switched to CDs years ago) and I live thousands of miles from them, otherwise . . . I think there must be quite a few baby boomers (and people a few years younger) that have collections they don't use. They're the ones you have to find.

[@toms4442]

Like you I have the ability to walk away and wash my hands of it! I don't consider you an influencer, I sure if I like that term I look at you and a few other select KZbinrs that's just friends! Happy holidays to you and your wife!

[@justing42]

ALMOST first! Thanks for the content Frank!

[@stevemcgee4767]

I Always enjoy your videos , keep it up 👍

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks 👍

[@thescruffygimp3854]

Hey Frank can you give us a behind the scenes look of your KZbin setup?

[@Channel33RPM]

Sure. I will add that one to the list for a future vid!

[@williamchandlee7790]

What a great video I can completely Agree with you on when you're start Out check those dollar bins thrift stores are awesome because you'll be surprised what your fine like I always do Never leave the store without Checking the dollar bin It's a must Another thing about putting things on your speaker I do it again I can't help it I been lucky so far Nothing has brokeN with Flippin records on RSD day it really makes me mad but I am guilty of buying a couple records that I really wanted and paying a lot more but I don't like doing it it's not my thing I have tried to avoid it as much as possible So I Completely agree when Frank says if you don't buy them it will stop or at least get better with the price I would just hate to see RSD be Ruined By people doing this Because you have people waiting in line for hours to get a record that they really want and you get in there and it's not there because a person was ahead a you to flip it on line not fair so don't get Discouraged On collecting vinyl it's fun because it's the Challenge a finding things That never stops So keep on spinning😝🤘

[@alanmunoz8961]

Great tips, thanks!

[@marantzdantz9685]

Easiest way to accumulate a record collection on the cheap is to just post around that you want to buy record collections. People WITH records will find you. It's almost too easy. Pay more than the shops but less than you would on a live auction. They stack up fast.