Who is you go to for top quality vinyl


I use to buy so many Japaneese and German  pressings locally when i was a younger man.
Now I only see them shipped from japan for crazy shipping prices on ebay(and weeks away ),
I hear all the great recommendations on specific labeled vinyl or mixes.I know its a collection, but where is your go too.
Thanks
oleschool

Showing 6 responses by inna

Oleschool, regular registered airmail usually takes about 10-14 days from Japan. I never tried economy airmail - this could be weeks. EMS express is usually $20-$25 and takes about 5-7 days in my experience. I don't buy pop music, only jazz and jazz/rock fusion. Often enough Japanese dealers specialize. They may not speak good English but usually understand English well.
I almost stopped buying from Americans, either dealers or not - they always overgrade. No reason for me to buy from Europeans. Bought just a few records from Canadians - was alright except one time.
One more thing. Japanese original pro records sound better than regular, sometimes significantly better. They can be identified by an inscription in Japanese on the label. Usually sellers mention it but not always.
And yet another point, forgot it. There are Japanese early reissues, sometimes same year as originals , that also usually sound excellent but slightly different than the originals. They might be a little more refined but the originals often a little more dynamic. Both quite acceptable, still I almost always prefer the originals.
You wouldn't recommend visiting Osaka? I heard it is a funky city, Japanese style.
I buy very few records, almost all original Japanese pressings. I take a risk on ebay, so far only a few records were a little overgraded. In one case the man who sold it to me said to keep the record and refunded what I paid for it including shipping. Shipping from Japan is expensive, about $15 for registered airmail. This is fine with me.
Or it will say Promo not for sale and have white/black label. I got a few, what a sound.
I buy only about 10 records a year, sometines fewer, so when I do I don't really care if the record plus shipping costs $30 or $90. I try not to go over $100, so far I was successful. I'd say, it's $50 for a record on average for me. But I chase the highest quality, it's worth it.
German, UK, Dutch pressings are usually okay, I won't pay much for them unless it's a very rare record.