All this record malarky

gary -

You could always trying buying 'Record Collector' in the local newsagent. It has lists of what is worth what and what people are looking for.

However, it's more embarassing to buy than 'Men Only'. Come to think of it, it's more embarassing than just about any magazine you could possibly buy.

Tim

...Except of course, as with all hobbies, there is pleasure to be derived in specialising in a subject.

Such knowledge can also be very profitable and can help finance the pure love of music itself. - Are you honestly saying that if you stumbled across a record at a car boot that you knew was worth £1,000 but was in a box with a load of old crap for £1.00, you wouldn't buy it?

Yes, the music IS the most important thing, but 'collecting' is important to some people too - be that records, or books or antiques or art.......

I collect original vinyl pressings. I'm not going to apologise for that. At least I play them! (And, generally, they sound better than almost any later pressing)

And, yes, I have found hugely rare / expensive records at car boots (only VERY occasionally mind!). This has helped buy my 'HiFi'. - Sometimes it's worth that trip down to the newsagent to pick up a copy of 'Record Collector'. And balls to what the 12 year old on the till might think...

...Garyi.

You're right, there are some very desirable records out there (from an audio quality point of view). In order to identify them you need to at least 'embrace' the record collecting crowd, 'cos that's where the knowledge is. We're not all as tragic as you might think (although the jury's still out on that last point!)

If you want any advice on UK pressings, I'm your man! (But be warned, you could end up becoming a 'collector' before you know it!)

Tom.

I understand your point of view.

I find a lot of musical pleasure in frank zappas music, but from a hobby point of view I have approaching 45 records of his as well.

I am just curious to know what I am bidding on on ebay. Sometimes they are advirtised like the record number means anything.

The record number sometimes can mean everything (except for actual condition of course).

For instance; Hot Rats. Should you be after a copy of this outstanding LP, the best pressings (IMHO) are the original UK issues from 1970. This LP was originally released on Reprise RSLP 6356 ('Steamboat' label - but I won't bore you with label differences right now...!). Later (inferior) pressings were re-released on Reprise K 44078. Even later pressings on Warner K 44078. And then you get into bar codes. And we really don't want to be in bar-code land with a record first pressed 33 years ago...

So... catalogue numbers can be important; not only from a 'collectors' point of view (which is almost wholly concerned with value and authenticity), but also from an audio quality standpoint.

Nurse! Where's my anorak?

I agree it is good to know the approx value of a recording mainly to stop your self being "ripped" off. If you want a copy of a certain record then that don't matter so much. I have got some "bargains" but like a book I bought for £2 which is worth nearly £200, but not to me because I want the book,the next copy I get will be though.
Its also interesting the see how many different versions there are of certain records.

Howard

Tim.

Thanks for that info, and it brings me right back to the point of this post.

I bought hot rats today, its in excellent condition. However as tim points oout its a later pressing, (not bar code!)

Anyhow I guess I paid over the odds at 15 quid, but then I didn't know any better (read tims post after the deed)

The only saving grace is listening now it sounds fantastic.

I also found DSOTM on vinyl as well.