Record Stores vs Record Fairs: Best Choice & Deals?

Today, we discuss record fairs and record stores, the pros and cons of each, what makes a great record store, and the serendipity of record collecting. I happened upon a record fair close to me while visiting one of my favorite record stores. Now, I want to hear from you about your favorite record store and the best record fairs you've attended.
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#vinylrecords #vinylcollection #vinylcommunity #recordstore #recordfair

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.

[@dannyhowell3184]

I used to live In Letchworth, and David's has had a lot of my money over the years. It's a good shop. The new records are separate from the secondhand, which is really useful for me.
I love record fairs. There are often some bargains to be had. My tip? Find the guy who isn't a dealer, just someone selling their private collection. He will be open to offers. His wife has probably told him to shift the records or they will go down the dump! Also, don't buy brand new records at fairs; they are probably fake. I've been caught out a few times.
Nice video! I could chat about fairs for ages!

[@soundmatters]

Ah, cool: small world. David's is great, always nice to pop in when we're over that way. Thanks for the additions to this topic; great tips - particularly on private sellers! Thanks for watching

[@dasherf17]

Most of our stores in So. Minneapolis have multiple listening stations...it IS nice of your store to preview the record for you...
We've got so many great stores in the Twin Cities: Electric Fetus, Hymie's, Roadrunner, Know Name, Cheapo's, Barely Brothers, Agharta, Down in the Valley, Mill City Sound, Groovy's,the list goes on...
I appreciate your videos!

[@brunohebert1351]

I've noticed a trend lately in the records stores: streaming.
They always play music in the ones I go to and I was surprised to find out that they were not playing a record but streaming music. I mean I get it the convenience etc, playing the latest album without having to open a sealed copy etc.. but come on, this is a record store, play some records, don't you think?
I've noticed it here in Reno in the US but also in the south of France where I was in March..
Sometimes you hear something you like and you can ask for the record, what's going to happen then: oh you can find it on Spotify?

[@soundmatters]

Yeah, that does seem counterintuitive. Playing an actual record can start conversations, too, and probably encourage sales! (On a side note: the south of France is a beautiful place)

[@dimebagdave77]

Very cool RHCP 12 inch✌️ thanks!

[@soundmatters]

Yea! I was pleased with that find. Love stumbling across gems like that 🎶🎧 - thanks for watching

[@paulc5358]

Another great video Thanks for sharing!!! I like both record fairs & stores, thrift shops Etc.. For 1 some records stores( here in N.Y. USA) as you mention do have listing stations (which I usually only use to make sure the record is not warped!! I like the element of surprise when I get home. Mostly getting stuff I never heard of..) Record stores once you shop there used bins you have to wait a few weeks or a month for a turn over rate on there records . Meaning you have wait for them to put out new stuff. This also depends on how how busy is the store? The same goes for Thrift stores, Flee markets & junk shops etc... On the other hand Record fairs come up 1 a month in different spots & different venders come out with different stuff each time.. This also depends (for me) on whether or not it's Indoors or Outdoors, If it's out doors I have to get there early & I make sure there is no heat coming off the top of the crate. This means the record might be warped? Some venders don't have tents covering there records which to me is bad. As for record stores here in New York / Long Island & the city USA, Human Head records in Brooklyn has a great $2 bin (= 1.56 pounds). Infinity records in Massapequa N.Y has a great $1.00 bin ( =0.78 pound) & Mr Cheapo's in Commack N.Y Just to Name a few.. As for Record fairs The Long Island Music Lovers fair is good they do it 1 a month, Some radio stations have a fair 1 a year like the WPKN in Bridgeport Connecticut or the WFMU radio station in N.J they do there Big 2 day show (This is the show I like the best it's in N.Y.C 250+ hundred venders who come out). Not to mention there WFMU table has a great $1.00 bin =0.78 pounds , Last year I came home with almost 60 records from there $1.00 bin.. not to mention what else I bought & that was just on the first day... Let me know what you think! Enjoy your Day & Happy Spinning!!!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

My local record store sucks, prices are questionable, never gets anything new or actual new records.
Record fairs are great, a lot more choice and normally better prices.

[@ralphalder14]

For fold over covers that are not ripped but just come unstuck, I just use pritt-stick. It does a great job.

[@soundmatters]

Nice very affordable fix :) - do you find the glue holds well?

[@ralphalder14]

Yes it’s great!

[@paulc5358]

@@soundmatters For me Yes & I use Paper clips to hold them until they dry