Where do you look for rare records and pressings ?

Discogs, WFMU's annual record sale (though I've only been once since I live on the west coast). I'm also fortunate enough to live near several excellent record stores.

I heard that German audiophile society can be a source for master tape dubs, not sure about rare records. Besides, I don't speak German, though a number of Germans speak English.

If you can locate German audiophile universe, you will find a lots of esoteric/rare stuff. They are serious about it. There used to be a few small stores in Amsterdam that were well-stocked, but they have watered down over the years.

Aside from select Estate Sales , we have Vintage Vinyl and recently, CD Warehouse here in St Lou that have hidden gems if you want to put in the time or days to browse.  I have been lucky on finding some Japanese JVC Direct to Discs, EMI Toshiba Pro-Use DD, and some extremely well made GRP Digital Masters.  Stumbled upon a very rare Ray Manzarek sealed copy of the "The Golden Scarab"  last. It is his first solo album and I have my open copy to listen to.   

I’ve had consistent good luck at antique malls locally. There’s always a good-sized selection from a number of dealers, who must have no other place to sell. I came close to purchasing someone’s well cared for lifetime collection of classical albums at a dollar a record there once. I found them in the back corner of the antique mall. After discussing the purchase with my wife, I went back the following day and all several hundred were gone. Maybe a dealer got them. That’ll never happen again.

Mike