Record collecting versus hoarding

collector. I have about 1500 records, all sorted by artist. Multiple copies of BS&T2, Kind of Blue, Aja - just ordered the UHQR version - looking forward to hearing this because I love my Mofi Stan Ricker Aja, and have been waiting forever for a 45rpm version. Like another poster said, I will start with one album, and just go from there - esp on a rainy day like today. LOTS of fun!

@mitchagain - that is a very interesting theory. The audiophiles should theoretically be more careful(anal) about their collection, but that doesn’t explain all of them, especially the equipment hoarders. 17 turntables? Come on man.

I am definitely careful 🤤 keeping my collection spreadsheet up to the minute showing label and estimated value (should have  kept amount paid and purchase date, but by the time I started the spreadsheet, it was too large tor that).

Anybody else have a spreadsheet?

I've enjoyed reading these posts. 

I think the difference between hoarding and collecting (as it seems to me) is that collectors are intentional and specific about what they accumulate while hoarders just like to have stuff.  If you can still find the record you're looking for in a couple minutes, you're probably okay; if not, it may be time for intervention.

I have I guess somewhere around 3,500 records and a couple thousand CD's, and I like having that variety because I often get the itch to listen to something that hasn't been off the shelf in a few years.  And like other posters, the last time I sold a pile, I ended up re-buying several of them and later wishing I had some back because I'm now in a different headspace and would probably enjoy them.

Many records are also artifacts from my life that mean much more to me than their market value; they are tactile reminders of important moments and the persons I used to be.

As for owning multiple copies, I like the comparison; for example, I have at least four copies of Revolver (the 2014 mono reissue, a stereo copy from the blue box, an American mono, and an American stereo), and they all sound different and there are of course the different track listing depending on which side of the pond they were originally intended for.  Yet I also look forward to bringing home and listening to the de-mixed remix coming out next month.  And on a couple occasions, I have safety copies because finding another copy would be too difficult and the one in my hand is cheap.

And it is also like coin or stamp collecting, but the fact that I can put my object on a turntable and listen to it feels like more than having something just to have it.  The thrill of the hunt also has immense appeal and has led me on adventures that were really more meaningful than the records I hauled home.

And when it comes my time to take my dirtnap, my kids can call a record store to come haul it all away.

@sokogear , I think that the equipment hoarder is a very rare beast when compared to the hoarders of the physical music media (albums, cassettes, CD's). Some of the things that perplex me about the music hoarders are:

1) How do you find the space for all of that music?

2) How do you find the time to listen all of that music?

3) How can you ignore the importance of the equipment to better enjoy all of that music?

I too have re-bought many albums that I regretted selling as my musical tastes either changed; or, more likely circled back to where they used to be. Fortunately, in some of those cases, I've managed to find some remastered copies that were better than the original (sometimes drastically better). On that subject (and current forum thread), I'm really looking forward to hearing from my friends about what they think of the newest Joni Mitchell remasters (Asylum Years). Funny thing is, the "hoarder" group of friends will probably be the first ones to buy those.

Large CD collection, smaller record collection.  For me the fun of ownership comes from sticking my hand randomly into the collection and pulling out something unexpected.  May have been years since I last played that CD.  At least with my collecting hobby, it is the search and then finding (sometimes after decades) that is the rewarding part.  I will do without until found.  Playing that CD then brings back the memories of first time hearing that album, finding it etc.  I do not use my streamer very much.  Mostly too hear new music and the suggestions off of that.  Playing found CDs and records is much more satisfying for me.  If you have storage issues,  then by all means feel free to purge less desirable ones for someone else to find.