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  3. 123522-1975

How do you prepare for a record show?

I have one coming in my area within a week.

I gone through many shows. At first I just attended. Later, I had some sort of idea as to what I wanted. Later again, I had become more aware of what might be accomplished by having a strategy.

So, given my enlightened history, and taking into consideration your thoughts, how do you currently approach an upcoming show?

One thing I do is limit my spending by having a certain amount brought with me.

I do think that now, I need to narrow things down to original pressings from the UK and the like... mono vs stereo..?
I make a short list of interesting items and, "stick to it".

Any other thought?

slaw
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
22,570 posts
 
Clemmons, NC show.. March 13th.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
22,570 posts
 
jafant: If you're close by, I'd like meet there if possible?
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
What I should do:
Post my entire collection on Discogs, so I can look it up on my phone and not buy stuff I already have

What I really do: 
Make a short list wish list of top 5 or 10 that I'm hunting for. If they are rare and expensive, look up price history on discogs & ebay so I know what do expect and what's a fair price.

What usually happens: I buy a bunch of random stuff, almost nothing on my list and at least one LP that I already own! Cheers,
Spencer
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
22,570 posts
 
sbank: I think we've all been there..done that. Thanks.
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whart's avatar
whart
3,129 posts
 
Slaw- it may be like asking a gambler how they 'win' but my experience is, if you go with a set list in mind, you will miss the jewels that are there. I collect certain UK pressings, and many of the shows in the States don't have the ones I'm after--but they have other things. One of the most successful collectors I know devotes the entire day of each show to culling through every bin- don't ask me how he has the patience for it. I get bored easily, and restless- I wanna go in, grab the goodies, and split. But, success, I think, involves patience, crate digging, and knowing that what you are finding in those bins that has value, musically, sonically, or commercially, whether or not it is on your shortlist. 
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