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I very infrequently purchase used records or CD's. I have usualy been disappointed in the quality. Most of the used software I have added to my collection has been from friends disposeing of their record collections.
Many audiophiles are also record collectors. There are many ways to add to your collection. Which one works for you?
Enjoy the 180gm reissues while they last. I gave up chasing used vinyl when the Classic RCAs showed up, and haven't looked back. The overwhelming majority of the used records in the bins have been played to death, or weren't that great to begin with. At this point I'd rather order over the phone and spend my time listening rather than getting my hands full of dust. I wonder what percentage of all used acqusitions ever get listened to anyway. As the saying goes, it's not the kill, it's the thrill of the chase.
The best bargains I've found for used LPs have been at thrift stores and at garage sales. Now I've also found bargains at flea markets and at library sales, and I've also found a bargain or two at used-record stores. Antique shops used to be another good source for cheap, good LPs, but I've noticed that these places have jacked up their prices recently. There are very few pleasures like finding a treasured title that's a bit beat-up and grungy, spending a quarter or a dollar for it, then taking it home, scrubbing it clean a la Mikey F., then putting it on the turntable to hear the result: Music.
The best source of LPs is used-record stores located in large cities. Music retailers and specialty audio stores cover new LPs fairly well. Another good source for used records are simply friends who have converted completely to CDs.
If you're looking for quality, places like The Elusive Disc and Audiophile International offer a great selection . . . at a cost. Rummaging through the bins at a used-record store might yield the occasional treasure at a bargain price, but those moments are few and far between. A steady diet of both methods is what I recommend.
Flea markets and lower-quality antique shops have been a great source in New England, but you have to look through hundreds of "easy listening" LPs for every "keeper." Recently my luck has been great, finding very good music in excellent condition. I think more LPs than ever are coming "out of the closet."
Generalizations are difficult to make. Horizon Records of Greenville, SC, Oxford Books of Atlanta, and Second Story Books of Washington, DC have had a lot of GREAT bargains in used LPs over the years. By contrast, the specialty used record stores in Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Vancouver, BC charge full freight for less-than-desirable LPs in less-than-pristine condition. Flea markets in the US have, in my experience, been disappointing. However, I CAN recommend the biweekly market in Lausanne, Switzerland!
Used-record (and CD) shops are goldmines, but there's a technique to using them properly. You have to visit regularly and spend some time browsing. Make a habit of talking to the employees. My used-record store sets LPs aside that they think I'd be interested in. Record conventions are also valuable, but it's difficult to establish a relationship with a seller you see only once a year.
Most used-record shops provide you with an opportunity to view the record before purchase. This is a plus if you are interested in looking at pressings, dates, etc., or if you are just into having playable records you can sample. Plus it's fun to get lost in some timlessness, especially in Berkeley---going to Rasputin's for records, then to Blondie's for pizza. I should know---I make the pilgrimage there at least twice a year from L.A.
For Jazz, right now it's on the internet news groups. Unfortunately, Jazz LPs are not selling well at this time. It amazes me, but I just picked up two extremely rare Ellington LPs for $4 each including shipping from a dealer. I'm also a dealer, and just sold three slightly less rare Ellington LPs at an online auction. The top bid was $9.99 for all 3. Great time for buyers!! Also, used-record stores. There is a wealth of vinyl in Seattle and Vancouver, BC.