I detest using Amazon for classical music

[Bryn]

Using "EMI CDM 764200-2" (with the quotes, to avoid it coming up with all instances of "EMI", "CDM", "764200" and "2") as the search term in Google brings up but three URLs, all three of which are for this morning's Classical Collection. Very useful! NOT!

[french frank]

It's not a big issue for me; as I said, I've long since voted with my feet (fingers? keyboard?) and taken my custom elsewhere. I was simply interested to see that there is at least one other person out there who has the same trouble as I do!

I've always found it far more difficult trying to locate books than CDs. The amazon site seems to have completely separate entries for the same book and if you're looking for the cheapest marketplace offer, it can take a bit of finding. (But at 0.01p it's sometimes worth the search )

[Bryn]

I've always found it far more difficult trying to locate books than CDs. The amazon site seems to have completely separate entries for the same book and if you're looking for the cheapest marketplace offer, it can take a bit of finding. (But at 0.01p it's sometimes worth the search )

Multiple listings for the same item, at different prices, is certainly a problem at amazon.co.uk, and not only where books are concerned. All too often I have found three or more listings for the same CD. It pays to scroll right through the list if there is one.

[BetweenTheStaves]

Using "EMI CDM 764200-2" (with the quotes, to avoid it coming up with all instances of "EMI", "CDM", "764200" and "2") as the search term in Google brings up but three URLs, all three of which are for this morning's Classical Collection. Very useful! NOT!

There you go then...told you it was unique

Seriously, there is always an exception that breaks the rule. Try PHILIPS 434 695-2 and you get quite a few for sale.

[Don Petter]

Using "EMI CDM 764200-2" (with the quotes, to avoid it coming up with all instances of "EMI", "CDM", "764200" and "2") as the search term in Google brings up but three URLs, all three of which are for this morning's Classical Collection. Very useful! NOT!

That's because whoever enters the Radio 3 Schedule is not familiar with record issue numbers.

The EMI series prefix is 'CDM7' and there is normally no hyphen before the last '2' (which is the code for CD). If you google on EMI CDM7 "64200 2" you get over 120 results, virtually all referring to the CD in question.

[johnb]

Agreed but if you choose a different set of words ...Bax Dance in the Sunlight Jeffrey Tate ..then that comes up with nothing. So not being in the business of wanting to waste my time in second guessing whatever might or might not give me a result, EMI CDM 764200-2, is quite unique and would work perfectly...each time..every time...if....see first post!

Actually what you say is not corect.

I copied and pasted "Bax Dance in the Sunlight Jeffrey Tate" into the standard search bar on Amazon and it came up with two CDs. The first was irrelevant but the second is the CD you were searching for.

So what's the problem?

In general it is better to use a few key words than entering the full name of the work, and the full name of the conductor/soloist. You must remember that the data entered into the Amazon database might not be entered in full, it might not be entered into the correct database fields (making the Advanced Search useless) and that there might be omissions. In spite of that, using the standard search bar in the way I suggest usually comes up with the goods.

[BetweenTheStaves]

......
So what's the problem? .

To be honest, John, I'm not too sure now. You are 100% correct and it does bring it up but I could have sworn that it didn't. I really really don't know what I did...and don't have a leg to stand on

[johnb]

[StephenO]

I've just tried searching for "Rachmaninov 2 Pappano" on Amazon and it took less than 30 seconds for the site to find it. I've never really had any problems locating what I wanted on Amazon or, come to that, on MDT or Presto. All three normally offer an excellent service and, for me, it's just a question of going for the best bargain.

[Bryn]

... it's just a question of going for the best bargain.

Indeed, and though not to be relied on exclusively, Invisible Hand can be a very useful aid in achieving that objective.

[Flosshilde]

While I don't usually have any trouble finding what I want on Amazon, it would be useful if you could refine searches if you get dozens of results from your initial search

[Don Petter]

While I don't usually have any trouble finding what I want on Amazon, it would be useful if you could refine searches if you get dozens of results from your initial search

You can, can't you? There are all the subcategories which can be selected down the lefthand side:

Release Date Periods
Departments
Composers
Music Periods
Labels
Editions
Formats
Imports
Delivery Options
Customer Reviews
Price
Availability

[Flosshilde]

I don't think that they are quite what I have in mind. For example, if you search for 'Rachmaninov Papano' you might get dozens of results. You should then be offered the option of refining it (that is, carrying out a search on the results of your first search) by work, or by orchestra, for example.

[Mahlerei]

floss

I went to Amazon, typed in Rachmaninov Pappano and selected Classical music from the drop-down menu. A single page with all the relevant discs - about five or six discs in all. How much easier can it get?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Amazon is so straightforward that I feel quite guilty when I use it so indiscriminately. Other sites are excellent too (e.g. Presto) but Amazon's ease of use - especially "one-click" payment - makes it almost too convenient...