For you, my readers, I have a thrifting tip.
As a thrifter, you get excited when you find that obscure 1918 ragtime vinyl or that Dance Mix '92 Japan import disc or even a copy of the Richard Simmons workout, but there are a few things you want to look for when buying media (vhs, cd, vinyl, cassettes) from a thrift store.
1. Always open the case to check that the item inside is the one described on the box or sleeve! Thrift store workers don't have the time, nor do they want to bother, to make sure the right one is in the right box or sleeve. Also many people are unorganized! An unorganized person donating media items to the thrifts is a recipe for disaster!
Once you find out if the item is the right item, if it's a disc, turn it over & check for scratches or marks that may effect playing - same goes for vinyl. With a vhs, you want to flick over the tape cover (there is a little switch like thing on the side) to make sure that the tape is intact. It can often be broken or missing. Always double check your cassettes tape too. Take a quick peak in through the little window in the cassette to make sure the tape is not all crumbled.
CD case broken? No big deal. Many independent record shops that sell used discs have plenty that they usually are giving away free at the door. Or you can opt to buy one for a buck or more at one of those chain shops.
Curious about a disc or cassette & don't want to take the chance on spending your hard earned $ on it if it's not your thang? Most good thrifts have an electronic testing area complete with plugs & an abundance of electric cords. Take it over there, give it a listen. I always test with my own earphones in as to not to disturb the other shoppers, but that's me, I'm polite. Most vinyl is cheap, but if you don't want to take the chance, you don't want to take the chance - right? You can test it the same way, but it will be a lot more effort. Finding a record player with a good, working needle in a thrift isn't as easy as it used to be.
As a thrifter, you get excited when you find that obscure 1918 ragtime vinyl or that Dance Mix '92 Japan import disc or even a copy of the Richard Simmons workout, but there are a few things you want to look for when buying media (vhs, cd, vinyl, cassettes) from a thrift store.
1. Always open the case to check that the item inside is the one described on the box or sleeve! Thrift store workers don't have the time, nor do they want to bother, to make sure the right one is in the right box or sleeve. Also many people are unorganized! An unorganized person donating media items to the thrifts is a recipe for disaster!
Once you find out if the item is the right item, if it's a disc, turn it over & check for scratches or marks that may effect playing - same goes for vinyl. With a vhs, you want to flick over the tape cover (there is a little switch like thing on the side) to make sure that the tape is intact. It can often be broken or missing. Always double check your cassettes tape too. Take a quick peak in through the little window in the cassette to make sure the tape is not all crumbled.
CD case broken? No big deal. Many independent record shops that sell used discs have plenty that they usually are giving away free at the door. Or you can opt to buy one for a buck or more at one of those chain shops.
Curious about a disc or cassette & don't want to take the chance on spending your hard earned $ on it if it's not your thang? Most good thrifts have an electronic testing area complete with plugs & an abundance of electric cords. Take it over there, give it a listen. I always test with my own earphones in as to not to disturb the other shoppers, but that's me, I'm polite. Most vinyl is cheap, but if you don't want to take the chance, you don't want to take the chance - right? You can test it the same way, but it will be a lot more effort. Finding a record player with a good, working needle in a thrift isn't as easy as it used to be.
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