Tip Dude had stopped buying music about 10 years ago - and not because file-sharing networks became popular! Music had gotten more and more expensive and Tip Dude realized there is more to life than CDs… that was, until Apple invented iTunes.

• If You Use iTunes, Understands Its Terms - You should be aware when you’re buying “music” on iTunes, just like most music you buy, it comes with terms and conditions on how you may use the music. The last time Tip Dude checked, iTunes authorizes you to listen to the music on up to five computers you use, and to burn up to five copies of the music onto CD. The actual music downloaded is stored in an encrypted format, and you can’t move it from computer to computer as easily as you could an unencrypted MP3 file. Of course, you can burn it onto a blank CD, and then generate an MP3 from that CD - but there is a noticable decrease in quality when you do that (and it might be against the Terms of Use, anyway). So, just be aware of what you’re buying. It is, of course, better always to buy an unencumbered, unencrypted raw digital audio file - but no one sells those now; even if you buy a CD in a retail store, some Audio CDs come with covert software (root kits) designed to prevent you from copying the music.
• Buy CDs In A Retail Store - Retail stores are basically the most expensive way to buy CDs. But there might be a reason why you like to buy CDs that way - it provides the browsing-the-record-store atmosphere that is an experience in itself. Plus, it’s a way to kill time while you’re in the downtown, and also a way to discover new music that you may not have wanted to buy before you entered the store. Barnes & Noble has a machine in some stores that lets you scan a bar code off of a CD and then listen to it on the store headset. Other record stores such as Virgin, FYE and Strawberries have their own charm. The one type of place that Tip Dude never buys a record from are stores that do not specialize in records, such as Wal*Mart and Best Buy. These stores often carry only a very limited selection of the most popular titles, and some people believe the music they sell is heavily censored.
• Consider Buying Used Records - Ever since records were first pressed, there had been a market in used records. Used records carry significant risk, because they might be damaged which may in turn damage the record-playing needle. Now we have CDs where the head does not need to contact the actual recording surface to play music - and besides, you can usually see any gunk or scratches that might be present on a used CD before you purchase it. Even if you have a mildly scratched CD, you can usually use a good MP3 “ripper” to generate a playable MP3 file from a damaged CD. (This act may or may not be legal - check with your lawyer.) Used records are usually at least 50 percent cheaper than a brand new record, so it is well worth your consideration. Some retail CD outlets have a used section; there are used record stores that specialize in second hand material; and various online CD outlets also have used merchandise, such as Amazon.com’s Amazon Marketplace and eBay.
• Look In the Clearance Section - Especially for classical music, there is often high quality recordings in the clearance section at various record outlets, including Virgin Megastore and Fye. However, to take advantage of the clearance section, you would need to be able to tell a good recording from a bad one based on the artist and record label. Most clearance sections will contain some low-quality recordings that are constantly priced at $5.99, plus some that are truly $20 CDs that have been priced down to $5.99 because of overstock.
• Use Online Sources - If you know the exact record you need, or at least the artist and song, then the online marketplaces are not a bad place to look. Amazon.com carries new CDs and various other retail outlets, such as Barnes & Noble, also have online divisions. If you think your record would be carried by multiple vendors, it is worth even checking Froogle to see who has the lowest price.
• Buy Direct From The Artist - In certain gernes, this can be the most expensive way to buy music. However, for folk music and other genres where there are many independent artists, it can be better to buy directly from the artist. The artists can be found at folk festivals around the country, playing gigs in bars, nightclubs and other venues. In Boston, for example, Club Passim in Harvard Square has a full program of folk music year round. You can find your local venues through Google, the yellow pages or by word of mouth. In major Northeastern cities, you will find independent artists playing in the subway system, and they often sell their own CDs for $10. Some of Tip Dude’s favourite music has come from the subway artists. Buying directly from the artist also give them the much-needed support to keep writing and playing.
• Find Music - Because CDs are so durable, and CD writers are so prevalent, it is becoming increasingly common to find CDs that have perfectly good music on them in the neighbor’s trash. In fact, some people would throw out CDs that they paid full price for - either accidentally, or it’s just music they no longer listen to. While the legal position of this is unclear (Is it legal to listen to music that you find in the trash?), Tip dude imagines it is quite hard to get sued for finding music in the trash. (But always consult your lawyer - we are not giving legal advice here.) Usually, CDs are still playable as long as they aren’t cracked, and none of the silvery stuff has been scratched off. In any case, if you do find a CD and want to listen to it, you should wash both sides of the CD with soap and lukewarm water while being careful not to scratch it. Dry it with a soft bath towel. Then attempt to play it on an old CD-ROM drive at low volume - to avoid possible damage to the speakers from attempting to play a data disc. Once you’ve established you want to listen to that music and that the disc isn’t going to damage your sound system, you can add it to your music collection.
• Rent First, Buy Later - There are some online digital music service provides that allow you to pay a monthly fee to listen to their entire catalogue of music on-demand. Musicmatch On Demand and Napster comes to mind as major providers in this arena. Of course, this requires a broadband internet connection. You may find this type of service better suited to you if your taste in music changes frequently.
• Search for “Free” Music - There are actually many legal ways to acquire music for free or very little money. New artists will often offer a few tracks for loyalty-free download in order to build their profile, for example. Googling free music download will often generate many sites. Not all sites operate legally, so buyer beware. Sometimes (but not often), independent artists will hand out their demo CDs for free in a mall or on the streets.
• Scout Yard Sales, Charity Shops and Chinatown - Usually, the selections aren’t very good at yard sales or charity shops, because these sources rely on the original owner no longer wanting a CD and deciding to part with it. However, if you are interested in finding new music, this is a good way to buy a lot of music for relatively little money. In Chinatown, there are often street vendors hawking music CDs at very low prices. The legality of some of these vendors is questionable, so if you choose to buy from them you should verify that they’re in fact authorized resellers of copyrighted material. Tip Diva has witnessed the NYPD arrest some of these vendors, and The New York Post periodically runs stories of people getting busted for selling knock-off merchandise and counterfeit CDs.

Where do you find music cheaply?

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