The Secret to Finding Great Records for CHEAP! 

I was at a record store and noticed a guy looking at a mono copy of Pink Floyd Saucerful Of Secrets on blue vinyl. My jaw dropped when I saw it but this guy was having a hard time deciding on whether he should buy it or not. He kept picking it up and putting it down over and over. When he set it down and walked away, I immediately picked it up. I went over to him and asked if he was sure he wasn't going to buy it. He said yes, he was sure and questioned why I asked him. I said you saw it first and I thought it was the right thing to do. He thanked me and I bought it. What goes around, comes around.

If you don't see any vinyl at a yard sale, always ask if they have any records they want to sell. Often, they forget to put them out or didn't want to bother lugging heavy boxes up or down steps. A few weeks ago, an older couple in my town set up a sale in their garage as they were preparing to move permanently to their house in Florida. Not seeing records, I asked and they had some stored in the basement in boxes on a high shelf which they didn't put out because they were too heavy for them to move. I offered to move the boxes for them to their garage so they could sell them and I also moved some other heavy items for them to the sale area. I ended up finding about 15 really great jazz records from the 1950s in excellent shape.

record karma is absolutely real. i remember when i was a kid and couldn't afford nice records so i'd hunt at every goodwill and salvation army i could find. now i make it a point to donate my records to those same places. an old beat up copy of dark side of the moon might not be worth much to a serious collector, but to someone else it could be something special. i believe it's the reason i've had so much luck at those spots all these years later.

I think sharing with other diggers is the way. The other day I walked into a garage sale after seeing a sign on the street. They had stacks of CDs and I was prepared to walked out. I figured it would be worth a shot and asked: "You got any records?" They pointed to a back room stacked with 20 boxes from a former DJ who had passed away. One dude was already in there, and I told him right away I wasn't looking to outpace him or beat him to white whales and to let me know what artists or genres he was looking for so we could work together. He nodded and said he'd do the same for me. We ended up passing each other various records (he wanted singles and rare disco, I wanted soul and funk), kept the boxes organized and even shared tips for other spots to dig and find deals (the day before he'd gotten first press Blue Notes for $5). In the end, we both left with bulk buys for very cheap, and everyone went home with good music.

Hey brother, I been getting back into vinyl after 20 years and I gotta say we need more owners and "influencers" like you in the community. That mentality where you have the local watering hole where you create new relationships for people, your attitude on sharing knowledge vs looking at people as competition......it's great. It complements what music is all about also. It's supposed to be about everyone being on the same page enjoying the art together. You're a breath of fresh air and I love it. Please keep the content coming and the good karma spreading.

What is amazing is when you do a record show, you will find all the dealers going through all each other's $1 and $3 bins. They're finding things, too, because nobody knows everything.

To expand on the labels thing, certain labels you can basically take everything. I worked in the record section at a big used bookstore and when I would train a new employee I would tell them “just take everything you see on Harvest, Vertigo, Blue Note..” etc etc. Certain labels you don’t even need to know the artists- you’re almost safe just taking it all

Another thing that I would suggest is that when you go to tag sales and you don't see records, always ask, because sometimes people just don't put them out. My best score ever was that i went to a tag sale advertising cds and asked the guy if he had any albums. He came out with a box, packed tight and said " I hope you like progressive". I ended up among other things getting 13 different Pink Floyd lps, near mint, and about half imports, germany,sweden,etc. He said most he had only played once and then transferred them to cassette, It was like xmas morning! Had i never asked, I never would have gotten them. By asking, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I live near a goodwill outlet and go at least 4-5x a week. They charge $1.29 for vinyl. You are correct that the majority of times I find nothing or just a handful of $4-$6 records. But about once every 10 to 20 visits I have a real score. So consistency is key. Also do not sleep on 45s.

Just got home from Salvation Army. Today was half off day. Found the brand new Adele SEALED 50 cents, and the Cure Standing on a Beach orig 86 press 50cents. Altogether I got 18 records and 5 reel-to-reel tapes for $12. But there are weeks where I go to this same place and find nothing. Persistence is key, and NEVER miss discount days

I’m glad you mentioned record karma, I like to call it keeping the record godz happy! When I’m doing pop up events and a new collector is buying some stuff I end up giving them a record or a handful of bargain bin staples, or give buddies records I know they really want. Always spread the love people it definitely keeps me getting lucky with buying records and keeps things more fun! One thing I would add is that if you do get into being a picker make friends with as many pickers as possible, I got buddies that are eBayers but don’t specialize in records and I’ll spread the knowledge on what to look for, when they score a few boxes they call me and I come buy em!

Dude . Love your videos. I’m in Gold Coast Australia and building my colllection back up again. I’m very grateful for the insights and enthusiasm. Keep em coming.

These are great tips. I remember getting a ton of used classic rock/70s albums at a record store before the demand for vinyl started increasing. All the albums were dirt cheap. Now, they'd be at least 20 bucks a record. Now I go to a punk/metal record store that's really small, but always has a ton of great albums. No one except the locals go in there. All the tourists, and the unaware "locals" go to the big touristy record stores.

You hit all the good points. One thing I had to do was learn the curve on classical records. In all my years of digging, the one genre I would see the most of along with your Mitch Millers, Englebert Humperdinks was classical. Everybody out there are for the most part knowledgeable on rock, psych, soul, funk, punk, jazz. But classical not so much. I did my research on labels, soloists, pressings etc. and it's my main bread and butter now and do most of my business with classical. They are slow movers at shops so they usually price them very cheap. They are in abundance at thrift stores as well. My digger friends know that's what I go for and give me leads on things too. The one good thing is that people who bought classical back in the day generally took pretty good care of them as well. Knowledge is key.

Also I always check the Beatles section for Butcher records. I have found two in the wild. One was from a reputable “hip” store but someone missed it: a stereo copy in the shrink for ten bucks. Not a lie. Always, always check. There are a lot of other similar albums, where the “regular” common pressing is ubiquitous and always 5 bucks but then you’ve got that oddball pressing that’s some crazy grail. Sometimes you find gold in plain sight.

What's up! I've been following your channel for about a week or so and learned so many things already. I want to thank you for that. But seeing this video, the way you giggle for this passion you have is priceless. Thank you for being such an amazing person and sharing your knowledge with us. Much appreciated. Got my first two first pressings : Jethro Tull - Thick as Brick in a shop I usually go for vintage clothes for a good price and ordered the first press of Bauhaus - In the Flat Field from discogs. Sharing is caring and you sir, you definitely love your community. Hats off to you

Really love your whole attitude and approach to the hobby Dylan, thanks so much!

Your opening monologue got my subscription. Great attitude. Thanks for sharing your experience!

True that on all accounts! Used to visit a local shop here in Connecticut Integerty in Music. The place closed in 2019 after 48 years. Loved that place used to go there in the 80s when I was a kid. 5-6 yrs ago I walk in did my usual flipping thru records and there was a G.Dead working man’s dead, Poco, Breakfast in America, all original MFSL yes from 70s and 80s. Plus Pink Floyd greatest dance songs 1/2 speed master and more all for $5 a piece. I thought I just won the lottery! When I got that them home I realized they all were maybe played 2x. You never know. Keep up the great work Dylan. Even us older collectors need to be reminded of the basics.

This was a great video and thankfully I had already learned these tricks so validation is always nice to get. I will say that I still have a lot to learn but I've found that I'm learning on every dig. Keep up the great work on your videos.

I’ve followed you on IG for awhile and I’m rarely on RU-vid but your videos are so insightful and informative. Thx!

Great points here! On the subject of unevenly overpriced consignment shops… I was at a thrift shop that recently opened, they had some shelves of records.. buck or two each. The guy behind the counter sees me and tells me he has his “personal stash” (or some bunk) behind the counter if I’d like to take a look. He had all the “heavy hitters”, Sabbath, Beatles, Stones etc.. Basically he picked out all the ones he thought were valuable.. but they were all completely trashed, and he wanted like $20 a pop.. it was kind of insulting, I said no thanks. Kept looking through his cheapie pile.. Wound up finding cleaaaan mono copies of ‘Them’ and ‘Them Again’ on Parrot.. got ‘em for a buck or two and laughed my way out of there. That place didn’t last long.

My local goodwill has a huge record section. I go sporadically and spend hours flipping thru... Hardly ever find anything even worth taking a chance on. On one trip I found a Tracy Chapman s/t VG+ in shrink with hype all by herself in the dead center of the shelf (I also happen to love and collect Tracy Chapman). You just never know what might be hidden in the junk.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Just getting into this with my kids and having a lot of fun.

Great video! This is a good way to the value you bring and why you deserve to make a good living!

I am in the begining of open a shop in New Bern and i am very happy to have you give me some great tips. Again thank you. If im ever your way I will stop by to chat. Thanks again.

Love it with record karma, that’s so cool. Recently discovered you, and really loving your attitude and inclusiveness

I’m so stoked I found you!! I have a small record shop in Stuart Florida but by accident lol 😂. I have been collecting records for years and when I opened my small vintage shop in 2020 I thought, let me bring a couple crates for customers to dig through. Well little did I know!! And everything you’re saying is truth!!! I’m learning so much and what a great community!!! Thanks for sharing!! I follow you on Instagram as well!!

Learned a lot watching ur channel beginning to add good albums to my collection

I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I love your vibe. Just got back into it about a month ago.

Thanks for the secrets to finding vinyl records cheaply. Great video. So great ♥♥

you are spot on Dylan !!!! Being Kind, making friends and paying it forward!!! What a payback!!!! Great Video, thanks !

Great video, buying in bulk has served me well, done it 3 times in the last 12 months but wouldnt be able to do it unless I had the knowledge in the first place. Saved a bunch on shipping too. Definitely agree the social aspect and building a network of friends can really help.

hey this is my first time seeing you but i love your vibe/energy!

You have wonderful community spirit. Thanks for sharing and posting this video.

Started collecting records as a kid in elementary school about 12 years ago; eventually fell out of it and focused on other things. Recently fell back into it and your chanel is very helpful with teaching me things I need to catch up on 😊

Hey there, I've watched several of your videos and they're very interesting. I've been collecting vinyl since the early 1960's, both albums and 45 rpm records. I don't go out searching in the wild anymore like I used to in my younger days but I do attend a couple record shows locally. I've acquired several vinyl hunting stories too over the years. I've pretty much stopped buying albums because of space limitations but collect mostly 45 rpm records now. I share many of my 45 rpm records on my RU-vid VinylNostalgia channel. I collect many different genres of music styles mostly prior to the 1980's...rockabilly, doowop, girl group, instrumentals, psychedelic...etc, etc...

You’re the man, Dylan. Record karma is real! Support local shops!!! One of these days, I’ll make my way to Noble.

There are two points I agree with 1) know what you want 2) Community get out and get to know people back in the day my good friend was a manager at a record store, use to go down a couple times a week.Find out about new releases, promos that came in, concerts in town spent hours talking, listenig and just hanging out. No matter if your a collecter, just buying your favorite or arguing about new bands hours well spent. Keep up the great work. Thanks. 8

There's 2 things with buying records: your Gut, and the record Gods. I found a pair of Yamaha NS10 speakers at Salvation Army. Took them home and they actually worked!

Been to Noble 4x’s now. From Raleigh. Last time I came there was a rain storm that was epic and it was flooding the shop. I was getting in the car when you pulled up. Love your store. Learned a lot about Jazz from you and your videos. A child of Grunge can like Jazz! Lol!

This is such an informative video and highlights what a nice guy you are. I know that wasn't your intention (to come across as a nice guy) but it shows through. Thanks for doing what you do.

Great video as always!!

Dylan thanks for spreading your record karma and for teaching us so much about records and music history.

All good advice. Especially taking care of each other and not treating it like a competition. What's the point if it's not fun!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I'm a noob in this world and I'm grateful for your videos to help my education.

great video man! Thank you

100% agree on the record karma! Hard work, consistency, relentlessness, and kindness. The secret is there ain’t no secret, but you have to have those things if you want to succeed. Love it, man!

Great video mate , greetings from another massive vinyl freak from sunny Australia 🇦🇺 Keeping the vinyl dream alive

Record Karma/Goodwill Karma One time, I was going through the record bins at a Goodwill. There was a couple who started behind me and quit before getting to the point where i had been. I saw them in the checkout line and they were amazed that i found Pink Floyd's The Wall in one of the bins. The lady told a story about how she used to have her room organized like the album cover. I gave them the record, as they would get more enjoyment out of it than I would have. The very next Goodwill that i went to, as I was digging through the bins, I found Rocky Horror Picture Show on vinyl in pretty good shape. One of my favorite albums...and I firmly believe it was because of the karma I had generated at the previous store.

great video as always! the best way to get cheap records is something you alluded to----it is to be into really good, lesser known music that avoids the mainstream nonsense. of course sometimes underground and lesser known stuff can be quite expensive too but A LOT of the times its easy to find cheap finds of more niche, underground music. i've been to so many shops where people are going gaga over some lame Beatles or Pink Floyd original, and here's me finding an obscure original pressing Krautrock release which is way way waaaay more special!

Loved this video! I’m on a pause of sorts buying, but you ignited my want to go on the hunt again. 😂

Great show and great channel. One of first and the best. I go out 3-4 times a week on the hunt. Take care 😊

Thank you very much for sharing!👍🏻🙏🏻🙋🏼

Also you are the one who got me into Odessey and Oracle a couple years ago and now it's probably my favourite album of all time

Great video, with some good advice. Thank you. I moved into a new area 6 months ago & I’m still searching for the places to find some decent used records. I also believe in record karma.

Record Karma...I like it!

Great video as always my dude.

I like most music from the 1920's through the 1980's, so I will usually buy any low-priced records from those eras on any kind of format, providing they are in playable condition. It's nice to hear something different every day, no matter what genre. Foxtrots today, classic rock tomorrow, and disco the next day. I've been buying records since the 1960's. I guess I'm just a record nut. I'll take anything for free.

Hey Dillon,I have some original records that are from those old recording machines. 78 size records ,3 or 4 holes in the middle ,looks like a vinyl over a steel center,Recordio Disc,Wilcox Gay label,hand written, One is Herbie Fields ,his biggest hit,Dardenella,the other is Charlie Barnet, song is Gloomy Sunday with Taudy Richards on vocal ,Presto Label ,dated Nov 30 1950...what kind of market is there for these studio recordings? I have at least a dozen of these.My Grandfather was an Orchestra leader,well we had about 11 musicians in the family so these were his collection.

It’s been a while since I’ve been in your store. I need to go out there soon!

Great video, as always my friend.

Thank you for making this. I am starting to research methods to start collecting vinyls beyond purchasing from discogs and record stores. This was wonderful information. Does anyone have recommendations on determining how to rate the quality of the albums? (VG, NM, etc).

I'm 50, just got back into Vinyl. I have a shit ton of CD's and a good deal of online downloads, but hell yes Vinyl brings me back. I'm back to square 1. I bought 2, 2 for Christmas from buddies. I'm very entry level, but my stuff is pretty cool for now. Medium Fi!. Love your videos. Good stuff.

Great video Thank you

My wife goes sourcing a few times a week because she's got a booth at an antique mall. She's does 90% of my record digging now. She'll send me pix while I'm at work. She's always finding something good for cheap. But, she's out all the time. When I go out every other weekend I might only score once every other month. Like you say, the more you go the better chance you have.

I found a near mint original press of The Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane in the Goodwill bins last week.

My main tip is don't get your heart set on finding specific titles that you're into at the present moment. If it's in your wheelhouse - GET IT. You will eventually find everything you're looking for, just not necessarily in the order you want. IE -friends would say "you got Future Games and Kiln House" but don't have Rumours?" I didn't buy Rolling Stones Stripped (extremely rare UK only 1995 live vinyl), brand new for $15, only because I didn't have Sticky Fingers and Exile already back in 95. Now I'm sitting on tons of Sticky and Exile, while Stripped is $200.

Thanks for another enjoyable video. Younger record buyers (under about age 50) should realize that most of us Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964 and now ages 58 to 76 and a few years younger and older) bought records when we were younger and many boomers still have them and might be willing to part with them. So, that's who you should be tracking down and frequently places where they go. As an example, in the town I grew up in outside of Philadelphia, there are 3 bars on the main street, but one is more the hangout of the Baby Boomers than the 20 and 30-somethings. I guarantee that if someone goes in there and strikes up a conversation, you'll eventually end up with a couple of leads because again, most of us bought records as teenagers in the 60s and 70s and have kept them. Re: letting people know you buy records, growing up, the father of a friend of mine was active in our church and everyone knew he was a salesman at the local Ford dealership and if they needed a car, go see him. People like him had a network of people (known as "bird "dogs) who would refer people to him and get a finder's fee if it resulted in a sale. Unfortunately, I live on the other side of the world and don't really want any of them but a friend of mine (born 1961) in our hometown has several hundred he might be willing to part with under the right circumstances, another woman (born 1965) I know has the same amount and might be talked into selling hers. A third friend who lives in Bedfordshire, England (born 1948) has an "attic-full". A 4th friend of mine (born 1946) passed away last year and now his two brothers are picking through his extensive collection in Florida. A few years ago, he'd told one of his brothers that if someone came along who wanted to buy them, he'd sell them; otherwise his estate could figure out what to do with them, so an opportunity missed. I had about 400 LPs and 100 45s that I bought between 1967 and 1985, but unfortunately lost them while in storage (long story). At our age, many Baby Boomers are trying to downsize and would love to free up some money and sell their record collection. Of course, as you said, they might have to dial back on their expectations. As you said, Dillon, the records are out there - you just have to go out and be a bit proactive and creative.

Very cool topic!

Great video. Got an off the wall question. Do u also collect cds and cassettes?

Earned a fan here!

Great vid D!

I and partners sell records on a street market stall in U.K. we are currently going through a heatwave which is a vinyl nightmare. Best buys currently have been 45rpm singles. British beat groups like Birds and The Artwoods recently plus some great reggae 45s good vinyl show Sir

Dang good advice Here's another thing which everybody knows RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME RIGHT PRICE (Which you have sorta mentioned here with all the killer advice you gave to us)

I would like to hear you talk about the "Dad Rock" market from your perspective as a store owner.

Being helpful and kind is a good way to live, not just about record buying.

Preach!

Woah ive been to your store before I had no Idea, my friend had a performance there with his band a while ago

Crate digging for profit is way harder than crate digging for pleasure. Buy what you want to hear and you’ll be much happier.

The friends part is probably the most important point he talks about. It’s very true!

im still finding great records in my local thrift stores here in adelaide ,also in vinyl squeeze ,a cool little shop the owner craig is a guru in getting what you hunt for....

I'm in NYC where there is a completely dry market in terms of vinyl. I've had record store owners complain they can't get enough used vinyl but they have tripled their prices and still want to pay .50 per record.

I was at a Flea Market recently (In the UK we call it a boot sale). It was late in the morning and I found this person selling records expected all the good records would have gone by now. He said he sold some punk records earlier so thought probably wouldn't be anything left. Ended up finding UK Yellow and Back Parlophone copy of Beatles Revolver and First press UK copy of the first Yes album which weren't the best condition but playable I I also found a rare Brazilian record. I then noticed he had a another box of records he said was mainly folk in there I found a near mint mid 70s UK press of Nick Drake Five Leaves Left. It seems that everyone else was after the common records.

Hey how’s it going man! love watching your videos definitely my go to channel when it comes to all things record’s!! Just a quick question would love some feedback unfortunately where I live Amazon is one of the few places I could purchase records but every time I order from them the record is damaged the cover is bent a few tracks are scratched for example yesterday I received a perfect circle mer de noms, The cover was bent all around and one track on the album is pretty scratched it plays but it’s scratched this is becoming a normal thing for me do I accept it and keep the record?? Is that how most brand new records are these days?? I paid 40 bucks for it I think that’s a premium price for a premium product but I’m not getting a premium product, I don’t think I’m being too picky what should I do if the record comes damaged and continues to arrived damaged?? I know this is a long question any feedback would help thanks man!!

Thumbnail is killing it 🔥😂

I have an recordstore owner here in munich, who runs his store for almost 30 years. Some records are already priced and for the other ones he always looks on discogs and then tell you the price. Nevertheless, you can still get some good deals in his shop. Generally, you go to different places, recordstores, thrift stores, flea markets and something good and cheap will always pop-up. Greetings

I found a super low number white album at a yard sale. It was like 9000 something. Got it for like 10 bucks

Thanku for NOT being a hoarder of info.us vinyl lovers appreciate the knowledge and like u said it keeps the excitement going....my dad really taught me bc when he passed I found Van Halen to Chopin in his collection..🎶🎹🎤🎸💯

I just enjoy music. I have a bit of everything from pop, rock, country, gospel. I have Vera Lynn (Forces Sweetheart), Rolling Stones, Sting, Elvis, Charley Pride, Fleetwood Mac and many more. It just depends on my mood. I think music is just really special and different types all have their unique sound. If I like it I just play it and appreciate the talent that has created it.

I’ve gotten in the habit of checking goodwills each weekend and I’ve been finding some great xian psych folk/gospel from my area. Some of those records are worth $15-$40 and I paid no more than $2 for them.

I was garage selling this weekend and decided to ask if they had any records and they all said no. Well, at one of the garage sales a lady behind me overheard and said that she did. I got her number and later that day I called and she never answered the phone. I need to try calling again, but if it falls through at least I tried. Cheap is relative. Back when records were out of favor in the early 2000s I went into a record store and every record was $10 each. I walked and never went back because I thought that was too expensive. Looking back now I could have gotten some super killer deals. Heck, there are plenty of opportunities to find cheap records at record stores even today.

Funny that the underground and mainstream punk and "alternative" scene was such a hotbed of vinyl trading and buying but damn I need a good record shop, don't know where to go other than book/thrift shops but my daughter got a record player from Santa and she mentioned she likes Nirvana, in my mind I was thinking, time to relive the 90s thru my daughter, she also got a skateboard from uhhh Santa, can't wait to break a hip showing her my pathetic ollie. But yeah I noticed walmart selling vinyl and saw a pearl jam record for $40 and I'm not gonna be buying those, some records could be priceless but my wallet reserved for unappreciated treasures with appreciative sellers. I gotta stop rambling in these damn comments lol Cool channel buddy, subscribed 👍

It’s true! I just got back from an antique mall and found It’s All About Spooky Tooth for $12, snatched it up because of knowledge and experience, I hit that place up every 6-8 weeks and have struck gold a few different times

i really want some of your merch but it seems it won't ship to canada--anyway around this? specifically i am hoping to get a 3xl shirt!

The record shop dollar bin thing is real. Some places are very strict about only putting things out that are VG+ or higher, and you can get some great VG stuff for a buck.

Good Advice!! learn And Look As Much As You Can!!!! Because It's In Your Blood!!! YES!!!! Record Karma!! I Do It!!! You've Done zit For Me!!! Thanks Brother!!!!

Good advice

Bro, I just love you (not in that way, lol). Such a great attitude and outlook, you embody the things I've always loved about record collecting. One more thing making me want to move out to NC.

Damn! I'm excited about records!