On collecting records

[Nick Armstrong]

I've been collecting since about 1958, and I'm reduced to trying to find corners to fit more in, so something has to give. Get rid of duplications? No,I've made that mistake before.

I'm resurrecting this thread, as I was sent a link to this video about the most prolific record collector in the US (i.e. one imagines, in the world): Paul Mawhinney's collection at its height numbering 3 million items and valued at around $50 million (according to Wikipedia).... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=uBLuMVOr3nw

Ferret and others - comfort ye! You have a long way to go before arriving at that point... plus there is a solution to your space issues: rent a warehouse!

[LeMartinPecheur]

My particular form of 'collector's insanity' is the idea that I'm still, at the age of 58, 'Building a Library'. For when?? When I retire I hope, but of course I'm not even assured I'll be alive then! As noted on a thread I started, I have an appreciable pile of discs that are totally unplayed (especially operas and song discs - I won't play these till I can sit down and follow the text closely). But an even bigger problem is discs I've played once and put away as needing further attention. Hell's bells, there are even LPs awaiting their second playing!

I'm also haunted by the thought that every new disc bought is an old disc not played or replayed. And I've a lot fewer discs than some on this forum, even though my collection ranges through 78s, LPs, cassettes, CDs and a few DVDs. How many discs in all? I think it's still under 6000... I'm putting off an exact count till I retire

[David-G]

Don't worry, LMP. You are not alone! In any case there is pleasure in owning a collection, separate from the pleasure of listening to the recordings.

[Rolmill]

In any case there is pleasure in owning a collection, separate from the pleasure of listening to the recordings.

This is my habitual answer to those who point out that I can't possibly play all of my CDs/LPs regularly (or even annually). I find it interesting that a book library is generally accepted for what it is (a collection, which does not imply a requirement or desire to read every book periodically), whereas a large personal CD library tends to be viewed as just "a lot of CDs" which are only of value when they are being played. Until a friend wants to borrow one, of course...

[verismissimo]

Moving house is the solution to the space problem. Or converting an unused barn, which is what I did most recently - but for overflow books. The recordings stay in the house.