Klarinet Archive - Posting 000714.txt from 2000/02

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] outlets for used/rare recordings
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:12:09 -0500

Anne C Benassi wrote,
>Can anyone point me to some good outlets for used/rare classical music
recordings? An online store with inventory listed or a well-run e-mail
inquiry system would be best.>

I'd like to find a good online resource, too, for times when I'm looking for
something specific. The market in used recordings seems to be booming.
People give records that duplicate what friends and family already own.
People who don't know anything about music give Kenny G records to jazz fans.
Classical music fans give early Baroque music performed on original
instruments to people who think classical music means John Tesh (as opposed
to Nine Inch Nails). I'm glad we can recycle this stuff!

However, there's something satisfying about rummaging through the offerings
in person. Rummaging is such an atavistic activity. Scrolling through
listings on a computer screen just doesn't satisfy that old hunter-gatherer
instinct in me. I'm more likely to purchase when I can browse in person and
read the jacket copy.

In addition to Mark Charette's suggestion about thrift shops, check out the
local used book stores. In the Washington, D.C. area, most used book pushers
also peddle LPs and CDs. I've found that the selections run to extremes:
loads of the most commonplace recordings (Kenny G) but also a good supply of
the more obscure, including out-of-print treasures from small, independent
labels. The most amazing things turn up, typically for half the list price.
Even flea market dealers sell music, although the selection there runs
heavily to rock, pop and rap.

Also check the Yellow Pages. Most cities now have at least one used record
store. Sometimes, at yard sales, I buy rock, rap and pop records I know are
popular, then take them to a used CD store and flip them for credit I can use
on classical and jazz records.

The used CD store in my neighborhood gives out a card that the cashier rubber
stamps every time the customer makes a purchase. When I fill up the card, I
turn it in for a free record. Since the store is so convenient, I only buy
one record per visit, so I can pile up the stamps faster. Therefore, if I
see two things I want, I usually give first priority to the record I think
someone else is most likely to buy before I come back. However, I factor in
a calculation of how hard I'll kick myself if the record I leave behind to
buy another day goes home with someone else in the meantime!

Another advantage of buying locally is that I can check the condition. Some
stores vet the incoming stuff for scuffs and scratches, and reject anything
unplayable. Others don't -- and most dealers in used recordings won't take
returns.

Lelia

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