How Many Copies of an Important LP Should We Have?

[Ron Resnick]

For an important title I think the prudent record collector should have four copies at the bare minimum. I advise having five copies:

1) regular use record

2) back-up for regular use record

3) replacement for regular use record when regular use record gets old

4) extra copy disguised as “regular use record” for friends to play

5) second back-up in case “back-up for regular use record” gets lost

 

[puroagave]

If I find a EX/M- copy of 88 Basie Street or the Alternate Blues on Pablo for $3 in the used bins, I wont pass it up--you'd be dumb not to. I think I'm up to a half dozen copies of certain titles but only if they meet a few criteria: they're fairly scarce records of exceptional music, exceptionally recorded that I can give or trade with another 'philes that may not have it. I stopped thinking of it as hoarding, but rather archiving.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

I would rather have a few different releases of my most important records, just to mix it up a little and wear them down at around the same rate (which will be very slow anyway).
More flavour

 

[Atmasphere]

I had my LP boxes stolen at CES 17 years ago and I still haven't found replacements for all the stuff lost. So if you are doing shows while its nice to have demo quality stuff at a show, it is also at greater risk so spares are a good idea. Finding spare of white label promos, tests and limited editions can be really challenging though.

 

[tony22]

I had my LP boxes stolen at CES 17 years ago and I still haven't found replacements for all the stuff lost. So if you are doing shows while its nice to have demo quality stuff at a show, it is also at greater risk so spares are a good idea. Finding spare of white label promos, tests and limited editions can be really challenging though.

Man, that really stinks! Any idea how it happened?

 

[Solypsa]

Hold on tightly let go lightly. Hard to hedge against life's assaults. Enjoy what you have!

 

[XV-1]

1. Maybe 2 if you really luv the album.

Spent all your other time and $$ on listening and buying new music.

 

[Gregadd]

" What's Going On" Marvin Gaye. There was a used record shop in my neighborhood. I purchased six copies. They were being sold at regular prices. I think one had never been opened.
In general I think 2 is the right number. Maybe 3, if you need to give one to fellow audiophile.
If you are a power user so to speak, you might want to acquire different pressings. Maybe acquire the Japanese version or an audiophile version.

 

[GroovySauce]

Few albums I have 2 copies of, usually albums I play frequently, Maybe 10 albums total I have 2 copies of. I have a few albums I have 3-4+ copies. The reason is I'm searching for a clean pressing. Some sellers grading standards are atrocious.

 

[Gregadd]

Few albums I have 2 copies of, usually albums I play frequently, Maybe 10 albums total I have 2 copies of. I have a few albums I have 3-4+ copies. The reason is I'm searching for a clean pressing. Some sellers grading standards are atrocious.

 

[Atmasphere]

Man, that really stinks! Any idea how it happened?

Yes. They were taken during our move-out.