Contemplating vinyl, How hard is it to get LPs?

I have no trouble finding LP's and prefer shopping for them over cd's. Used record stores are everywhere, and there are also mail order companies. "Audiophile" quality new pressings and collector stuff is expensive, but older albums are $5-$15 for good condition. There are more and more progressive (regressive?) bands recording new music to vinyl. You will want a vaccuum cleaner or VPI or Nitty Gritty. P3 is a good table, but the VPI Jr. can be upgraded for better sound if you get hooked on vinyl (many people do). Paul

I suppose it depends on where you live, but I live in Chicago and they're plentiful and usually cheap. Those bands you mention are all very common and standard pressings could probably be found for a few dollars in great shape. Collectors' pressings will cost more, of course.

Many places sell used LPs via mail or the web, but I've found the results to be mixed. You never know what you're going to get unless you find a place you can trust. Peoples' ratings vary greatly.

Hey Eastside_guy. If you happen to be on the East Coast, drive to the Princeton Record Exchange. You can get just about all the records from the band you mention for $3-5. Heck, many of these records can be found in their extensive 99 cents bin. It's definitely worth the trip.

The bands you are looking for are easy to get at any used record store and typically cost between .50 -$2.00.

Thanks for all the info.. I guess its not as bad as
I thought. But how can I tell whether a used record
is any good? Can you tell by looking at an LP whether
or not it has been worn down on a junk rack system?
I am assuming you loose detail in an LP when it's
grooves are carved out by some old heavy tonearm.
What do I look for in a good used LP ??