Who has the smallest record collection, by choice?

[JerryVan]

Not sure if this translates well to 78's, but when I started buying disc music boxes, I wanted to buy every disc I could find. (ones in nice condition at least) After a while, I discovered all I really needed was maybe 5 or 6 really nice discs, plus maybe a few Christmas tunes.

[Marco Gilardetti]

I've been side-hustling as a DJ for awhile now, so every record I would buy, I would quantify it as a tool which would just help me be more successful at that. As I've gotten older (I'm 52), the thought of lugging heavy equipment and records, for long distances, for very little money or appreciation, has zapped my spirit. The pandemic has only magnified the situation for me. I just don't feel much like playing music in public for people (and have not done it once in the last two years). I'm much less of a "people" person than I used to be.

Dear Steve, although I get your points, still it's sad to read this. Your deejaying inspired me so much, and although I had ZERO repeat ZERO success at that, still the idea itself inspires so much and it's all beacause of you. So I truly wish that better days will come soon.

While I built up a detailed database of my LPs, I never had the same patience with 78s, so I don't know exactly how many I have, but measured in meters (literally) they should be around 600-700. While compared to many other collections mine can be described as a "small" one, still I always have to deal with space problems, so I'm constantly going through my records sorting the ones without which living would have no meaning from those that I can do without. Just as you experienced, passing records - and I mean for free - is not as easy as most people figure it may be. I usually pass them to a pair of friends of mine, but both are only moderately interested in 78 rpm and period music, and one of them has in turn reached space problems.

Reselling records on eBay is such a boring activity that I much prefer passing them for free. Also, it would require buying specialty boxes etc. for mailing them safely, which would mean more stuff cluttering the house. I would definitely do it for valuable records that are sought after, but that's the exact definition of those that I want to keep for me. So unfortunately I don't have any easy solution for you, and not even a smart hint I'm afraid...

[Starkton]

[quote="Marco Gilardetti" post_id=308513 time=1643390130 user_id=1182]
I would definitely do it for valuable records that are sought after, but that's the exact definition of those that I want to keep for me.
[/quote]
From the beginning, I have only collected particularly sought-after discs (and a few cylinders), so that I or my heirs will not have any difficulties selling them. They are the kind that are always specially marked in the dealer lists. That's why my collection remains manageable at around 700 discs. I have recently, in my mid-50s, decided that I slow down with collecting and have already started to part with some if the price is right. When you get older, you don't need all that stuff around you.