I have checked out two local record shops. The Sweet Spot was pretty good, picked up a lot of nice used LPs some dodgy old stuff which cleaned up pretty well, and a NICE new pressing of Sgt Pepper's.
The other one was very over priced per condition and contents. I have been working 7/12s for quite a while, so it is just easier to buy new (more money than time as it were) but now that work is easing up, the Wife and I can bin flip a bit more, plenty of record stores in the Houston area.
BTW my ordered three months ago Greta Van Fleet arrived today, it magically transformed into a Japanese Jazz Rock album when opened. I will check it out and see what I think.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I will look into them. Has anyone bought from Alligator Records?, and is Blind Pig still in business? |
I haven't found that shipping snafus are solely associated with Amazon or Amazon Marketplace sellers by any means!
I've had issues with orders from Ebay, Discogs and ImportCDs too.
Send your thanks to Mr. DeJoy-- don't blame sellers.
I've also had issues with sellers on Amazon, Ebay and Discogs not adhering to grading standards but still, I've found more sellers than not reliable in this regard. |
I must admit we have a local record shop and once a month as a treat I go down and pick up a few. |
The best source would be your local record shop if you have one. Nothing beats the experience of flipping through bins of Lp's and CDs and discovering something new. |
I never buy new CDs if I can avoid them.. What's the difference; it's not like old lps. I rip them all anyway for better convenience and better SQ.
Ebay is usually best with the absolutely easiest no-cost return if there's a problem. For hard to find items I might look on Doscogs. |
Ebay and discogs....Amazon is very limiting and most "new" records are awful. Better off finding mint or sealed older pressings. |
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The only one not yet mentioned is The InGroove in Phoenix, Arizona. I haven't tried them yet, but some of the Vinyl Community guys on YouTube recommend them.
All my Discog buys have been acceptable, but those sellers don't use the great mailing cartons that Elusive Disc, Music Direct, and Acoustic Sounds do. I always find myself expecting the worst as I open the Discog-seller carton. So far so good.
Looking at ebay LP listings, I'm very dubious of the grading standards the sellers claim to use. I've yet to buy an LP on ebay. Years ago (in the 80's and 90's) I bought and sold in Goldmine Magazine, when it was a print publication. It was great---all the participants were long-time LP enthusiasts. |
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It is not the wait. But I have had 2 instances of Mars saying they delivered albums in a shipment with a missing LP, then they never send the missing album. I ordered Greta Van fleet Black Smoke rising 3 months ago that was supposed to arrive 06/22, and on 06/22 they are asking if I want the Album delivered or what???
If something is not in stock just let me know before purchase, if it is delayed in shipping (many things are right now, and I understand this) don't wait until delivery day to inform me it is running a little late on top of the three month delivery date. I waited 57 years to get into vinyl, and can wait for a slow delivery, just be upfront with me.
I have been VERY happy with acoustic Sounds. I really appreciate that my whole order arrives at once (or if it will be a split shipment they let me know before purchase completion.
I will look into those other links, they look good. Thank you all. |
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@earlflynn,
Thanks for the Magnolia recommendation. Found a couple nice selections and placed an order less than an hour ago and received a notification that it already shipped.
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ArkivMusic for classical music. |
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+1 discogs
There are loads of independent record stores you can browse and if you're looking for something specific you can even search for a particular pressing. |
discogs.com has the largest database with complete release information |
With Amazon you need to look at who the fulfillment is by… |
I have had good luck with Magnolia Records out of Nashville. Limited library but delivery and service is great. |
I just ordered two more from sellers on Discogs. Never had a problem, am patient so slow delivery is not an issue for me, |
Plenty of new stuff on eBay. Easy to compare prices from different sellers. |
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I have been pretty happy with Acoustic, but there are many artist he doesn't carry. I will have to check out Experience Vinyl. |
I use Acoustic Sounds, Experience Vinyl (Matt Sorum’s vinyl club), and Discogs primarily. There are many. Amazon works occasionally, sometimes even EBay. The three above are by far the three I use the most. |
