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Music 101 - Tools of the trade for hunting vinyl records
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Stack of Vinyl Records - No vinyl was harmed in creation of this photo
It is Saturday, the list of yard sales, garage sales, estate sales say they have some records. You are ready to go off and hunt some good vinyl. So you grab your car keys, a bottle of water, a little cash, and off you go. Stop right there!! You have left the tools you need behind. 'Tools'?? Yes. Like any other collectible hunter, there are tools of the trade. My tool kit has ten.
Tools Of The Trade
1. A Soft Cloth - These records are liable to be dusty. Dust will conceal many flaws at times. A small piece of chamois or t-shirt will work. Lightly brush it off. A small soft brush will work well too.
2. Penlight - You know those mini flashlights? If the sale is indoors, good chance lighting will be poor. If you can get the record to some good sunlight to view, all the better. ( small note here - Beware of those records that have been sitting out in sunlight or in heat for a while. This can warp a record)
3. Magnifying Glass- Some wording on labels, stamps on center blank/Dead wax and mars can be hard to read. Do yourself a favor and use one to see the little stuff and avoid eye strain an possible headaches. There are some really handy wallet ones that even have lights, so you will have two tools in one here. (side note- if you use reading glasses, please bring them!)
4. Canvas Tote - If you are going hunting at a flea market setup, this is vital. A lot of times they don't have bags big enough and if they do, it will be flimsy plastic shopping bags that the corners and weight of LPs can easily tear through. Be Sure your tote is roomy enough and sturdy enough to hold several LPs.
5. A list - Are you looking for some certain ones? Trust me when I say don't trust your memory! Write them down, include the Catalog number and the value. Looking through many titles, it is easy to forget what you are looking for. And you also don't want to pay $10 for an LP if it is worth $1.
6. Crate or Box to put them in - You don't want them sliding all over the place in the car. And I do NOT recommend the trunk of the car. At least in the back seat they will have some A/C or heat while in route. A towel or window screen to cover window to block sunlight is also handy. And be sure LPs will fit in box or crate you chose.
7. A Good book - The Goldmine Records and Prices is a great all around guide book. If you are only into a certain genre like Blues, R&B, Country Heavy Metal, or a set time period, they even have books just for them. This is good to have in car to be able to quickly double check that rare find you just happen to see.
8. Small Change - Bring a supply of small bills, ones, fives, tens. Many yard salers fail to plan for the day a change is scarce.
9. Common Sense - Look at the vinyl, cover, everything carefully. Don't buy a maybe as in maybe it won't skip unless it is so low you can afford the risk.
If you see a box of records that are in good shape, go ahead and make an offer for the whole lot. Or select a few and make and offer on them. Yard Salers etc welcome this as a rule.
Ask if they have records or have any more. Sometimes they just don't bring them out thinking no one is interested in them.
Look for the people who only have a few records, or records are obviously not 'their thing'. Much better bargains.
10. A smile and a warm hello. - Be friendly! Talk to the vendors and you will find the small talk will pay off in good deals IF you are sincere about it.
These are things you will need if looking through Goodwill shops, antique Malls, or thrift shops as well. Now go pack your toolbox and set out on the hunt. Most of all, enjoy yourself. The hunt for good vinyl is just the beginning of a lifetime of memories that your collection will bring.
What is the greatest vinyl treasure you have found at a Flea Market or Yard Sale?
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