Tips for Shopping for Cast Recordings Online

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 8:51pm

I've gotten a few PM's asking me how I manage to have so many cast recordings. Truth is, I'm a middle class guy with not much money. But here are some valuable tips to building your collection quickly and fairly cheaply.

1. Deepdiscount.com: I love this website. You will see most of the same prices as on Amazon, but the best thing about this site is it is TAX and SHIPPING free. If you are patient, and don't need the disc right away, this is a great way to save money. The DRG recordings (mostly the reissues) are dirt cheap. They often backorder, but again, speed loses over cost.

2. Amazon.com used marketplace and Half.com: Both great, especially if you want "the classics" for cheap. Most of these sites have all the major titles for dirt cheap. BUt be warned, if a show has multiple recordings, you may not get what you think you're getting. FOr example I ordered the OBC of A CHorus Line and got the film soundtrack. Or I ordered the Reissue of Hello, Dolly! and got the original issue. So be careful. Don't be afraid to clarify with the seller before buying. Don't buy from someone with bad feedback. Every time I've tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, I got bit in the ass. Also, avoid Caiman and other retail sellers on Half.com and Amazon Marketplace.

3.Amazon.co.uk: I've gotten lots of London discs cheaper from the Euro Amazon than I found at their US Location. This applies to shows like Zombie Prom, the London Company, etc. Anything from FIrst Night Records is usually cheaper than in the US.

4. Footlight Records: They often carry items you can't find anywhere else. Some prefer Dress Circle. I had a bad experience with them, so prefer Footlight. And, you're supporting a site that really cares about what they sell.

5. CD Baby.com: I typed in Broadway and got lots of great things inclused Nancy Anderson's great disc and Ripley's latest disc. Also, they send the funniest confrimation emails.

6> Sh-k-boom.com: Free shipping and you can often get their new releases WEEKS before the street date. And I've never seen fast shipping.

OR: If you have some cash in your pockets, hit up your local used CD/Book Stores. I got the London Gypsy for 4 bucks and even more recently got the out-of-print Nine concert.

This is all I can think of for now

Also, for really out-of-print discs you'll probably have to go the Ebay route. I've done pretty well and haven't paid more than 40 bucks for a disc (I HAD to have Wildcat). It can be pricey but a lot of these albums' rights are ending, so some labels like Sepia are putting them out. SO do a little research before you pay too much for something that is getting released again. For example, I almost paid 100 bucks for Wish You Were here but luckily I read it is coming out at the end of this month in reissue. Also, look at the BUY IT NOW section. I've gotten lots of cheap discs this way. Just remember to read their feedback and make sure it is as close to 100 percent as possible.
Updated On: 1/5/08 at 08:51 PM

[sally1112]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 9:05pm

Depending upon where you live, check 2nd hand Cd stores too. In my area I luck into great finds all the time for only three or five bucks.
People down on their luck, or just clearing out their closets sell entire collections. I have found rare and unique cds, but I also go in about once a week to make sure I get first pick of the new arrivals.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 10:39pm

bump

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 10:42pm

Depending upon where you live, check 2nd hand Cd stores too. In my area I luck into great finds all the time for only three or five bucks.

That's how I've found a couple non-English language recordings. Great stuff!

[zooxanthellae]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 10:48pm

Thanks so much for the tips! I'm going to have to try deepdiscount.com next time I order something!

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 1/5/08 at 11:17pm

Thanks for the great suggestions!

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 4:43am

Wildcat! Yes, great recording! -so sorry you had to pay $40 for it tho, is it deleted now! Was it the CD or LP you bought?
My collection of CDs (3000 and growing weekly) is achieved by shear search, search, search. Ive recently started buying LPs of shows that will never see the light of day on CD and will transfer them to Cd when i work out how to use the USB turntable ive just been given. In the last few days ive bought some London cast LPs for as little as $3 each. If you want a show you will find it. The stores etc you listed here are brilliant. x

[Jochen]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 5:21am

Can anyone help me with finding a shop that sells show programmes and maybe merchandise to buyers outside the US?
I live in Europea. On a recent trip to New York I have seen Young Frankenstein and Mermaid in previews and I still have to get hold of their souvenir programmes. BroadwayNewYork.com does not ship outside the US and Dewynters has unbelievably high shipping costs.
Thanks for your help!

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 2:32pm

Unless you buy them at the theatre even the theatre shops around NY are expensive. I find myself going back to the theatre after a show has opened to buy them if i saw a show in previews.
Im still looking for a Grey Gardens souvenir brochure as it wasnt published till the last few weeks of its run!

Updated On: 1/6/08 at 02:32 PM

[broadwayrules]

Posted: 1/6/08 at 5:15pm

Thanks for the info!

[Robos89]

Posted: 1/24/08 at 4:08pm

Is it normal or deepdiscount.com to have CDs on backorder? I ordered 5 CDs, 4 of them are on backorder.

Do they usually send them altogether or as they become available?

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 1/24/08 at 7:51pm

For those with them in the area, Half Price Books is your best friend. I found DARLING OF THE DAY and KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN (the Williams Recording) for $7.98 today.