Ever had a problem trying to locate that rare or hard to find CD?  Ever arrived at your local music store only to be told that the title you are looking for is out of print?  Then welcome to the club!  Facing the quandary of being unable to come across that missing piece to your music collection is nothing to be ashamed of.  As a matter of fact, it happens to the best of us.  And that is where this article comes in.  By providing several easy to follow step by step guidelines, it is my goal to help to help take you on a journey that is not only fun and rewarding but, hopefully, in the end will culminate with many of those highly sought after titles you are seeking.

If the next time you are at your local music retailer and double check I am sure you will have no problem locating most, if not all, the titles in the back catalog of popular and well known artists such as Aerosmith, Kansas, Rush, Van Halan and many others.  Yet, in the "here today and gone tomorrow" world of the Christian music industry, you will not have the same such luck.  For example, stop by any Christian music outlet and try to find older releases by artists such as Barren Cross (Rock For The King), Bride (Silence Is Madness), Deliverance (Weapons Of Our Warfare), Leviticus (Setting Fire To The Earth), and Whitecross (Whitecross) and you will hit a dead end.  Why?  Because they are all out of print!  And that is the major challenge facing those who support Christian hard music- if you do not purchase a CD at or around the time frame when it is released then there is a good chance you might not see it again.  So please read on as I attempt to shed some light on "the quest" for those rare, hard to find and out-of-print titles you are looking for:

1.  Get Organized
This might sound redundant, but the first step in any successful music search is to get organized.  Seriously.  It is as simple as opening a spreadsheet and compiling a list of the titles you are seeking and in the corresponding format: compact disc, vinyl, cassette and 8-track (just kidding!).  If uncertain where to begin, I might recommend going through any back issues of old music magazines - such as HM or Heaven's Metal - in your possession and compile the list as you read the reviews section.  Or better yet, put your list together from the Review Archives here at Angelic Warlord or from the Appendix at the end of this article.  Note which artists and titles are of interest and go from there.  Once the list in question is complete, it is a good idea to print a copy and take it with you wherever you go.

Please note that having a list ready shows that you are prepared.  And as we all know, when facing any crucial endeavor in life, not just the all important and all encompassing search for out of print music, being prepared goes a long way towards ultimate success.  And besides, having a list at hand is certainly going to give you a "leg up" on the other guy who, the chances are, is not going to be near as focused, determined and organized as you.

2.  Go Local
It goes without saying that the best, least expensive and most convenient places to locate out of print music are at your local music retailers.  And lets face facts, shopping your local haunts always gives you a sense of immediacy that you can never get when buying online: Not only do you get to walk out of the store with your purchase(s) in hand, but you do not have to deal with shipping charges or the delay of waiting for your order to arrive via US mail.  You have three major options in this area - used record stores, pawn shops and thrift shops - and each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Used Record Stores
Generally speaking, your typical "used record store" will be left completely in the dark regarding the collectible value of out of print CCM.  And that is to the benefit of all of us!  For example, the chances are they will have no idea the used copy of the original Pure Metal version of Saint's Time's End collecting dust on the shelf might be worth top dollar.  It has been my experience that a store specializing in used music might charge a bit more when compared to a pawn shop or thrift shop- most used CDs will more than likely cost around $7 to $10.  On the other hand, many, if not most, will have a "bargain bin" where some excellent deals can be found in which prices might be slashed up to 50% or more.  My best find at a used record store was "stumbling upon" a mint condition used CD of the European version of Joshua's Intense Defense.

Pawn Shops
Pawn shops will have even less clue as the collectible value of rare Christian rock CDs in their possession.  And they are cheaper, too.  While a CD at a pawn shop will usually go for around $5, it will not be uncommon to find them selling 5 for $20 or even as low as $3 each.  My best buy at a pawn shop?  I once paid $3 for a mint condition CD of Deliverance's Weapons Of Our Warfare- autographed by the band no less!  At the same store I also found a good clean used copy of Holy Soldier's Last Train for the same price.

Thrift Shops
Thrift shops can be a tremendous source of out of print music because they are constantly turning over their inventory- even more so than used record stores or pawn shops.  Typically, a thrift shop will average about $5 per CD, and that is not a bad deal when considering what you can find.  For example, Mastedon's Lofcaudio and X-Sinner's Peace Treaty were two CDs I had been trying to locate for years.  Yet, whenever they became available on eBay the ending bid was WAY beyond my realistic budget.  (More on this later.)  It was my good fortune, nonetheless, to discover that last winter someone had donated a collection of used CCM to a local Goodwill.  And you know what I found?  You do not even have to guess- Lofcaudio and Peace Treaty.  (Both CDs were in never before played mint condition.)  Another time I walked into a local Salvation Army only to find the self-titled debut albums of both Deliverance and Rage Of Angels sitting on the shelf alongside Bjorn Stigsson's Together With Friends and Rez Band's double live CD Twenty Years. 

Many of you reading this might be thinking I was awfully "lucky" to have been in the right place at the right time to find many of these highly collectible CDs in question.  Well, I beg to differ.  I believe you make your own luck by not only being prepared - creating a list and having it with you at all times - but through hard work, perseverance and determination.  My advice?  Pull out your local yellow pages and put together a list of all sources of used music in your area and nearby communities and, as the old saying goes, "pound the pavement".  I like to hit a good thrift shop at least once a month - twice if time permitting - and most pawn shops and used record stores around once a quarter or so.
   
3.  Go Online
It is my personal philosophy to go online looking for out of print and hard to find music only as a last resort.  Why?  Because your typical online retailer or eBay seller will more than likely know the value of the product they are selling and, as a result, will have it priced to go.  In other words, online shopping is more expensive.  And since my goal is to pay the lowest possible price, my advice would be to go online only when, after exercising all other options, you either have hit a dead end or are attempting to locate a CD so rare that it is next to impossible to find locally.

Retailers
Whenever possible I prefer to use a good reputable dealer when purchasing music online as opposed to eBay.  One of my favorites is RadRockers.  The mission at RadRockers is not to compete with your local Christian retailer but rather take over where they leave off.  In other words, RadRockers specialized in purchasing as many close out titles as possible and, subsequently, offer them for years at bargain prices.  And that is why RadRockers is the best place to start looking online for hard to find and out of print music.  Not only is their inventory very deep and extensive, but the majority of their titles are going to be still sealed.  For example, at the time of this writing RadRockers offers Red Sea's Blood (Rugged) for $7, Angelica's Rock Stock & Barrel (Intense) for $10 and Bride's Snakes In The Playground (Star Song) and Die Happy's Volume II (Intense) both for $12.  These are excellent deals particularly in light of the fact that these CDs are in brand new and never played condition. 

While RadRockers rarely buys or trades for used CCM, there are several reputable online dealers that do.  One of the best is Blastbeats.  At its website Blastbeats lists EVERY single title it has sold in the past - both new and used and whether currently in stock or not - along with the corresponding price.  A check mark is placed by each title currently available.  The main advantage here is that, even though a title might be out of stock at the time, you can still see what it previously sold for- which will help give you a good idea of its all around value.  (If in doubt whether or not you are paying too much for that used CD on Ebay then just double check and see what it sold for at Blastbeats.)  Another positive aspect to Blastbeats is its same day shipping.  There have been several occasions when I placed an order online Monday morning and found the CDs in my mail box Wednesday afternoon.  Now that is service!  Several other reputable online retailers dealing with used CCM include Crossing Music, Christian Discs, Nordic Mission, Shaver Audio & Video and Soundmass.

eBay
When it comes to locating rare and out of print music, I find eBay to be an invaluable resource.  Let's face facts, eBay is probably the only place you are going to locate the ultra obscure (Straightway: Black Or White), hard to find independent releases (Scarlet Rayne: Theater Humanitarian) and high priced collectibles (the Japanese version of Stryper's Yellow And Black Attack or the RCA Europe version of Joshua's Intense Defense).  Speaking of high prices, eBay does have one minor drawback in that those scarce and sought after titles you are seeking can be bided up to prices that, for a lack of better words, are on the extreme side.  That being said, by exercising a certain amount of skill, patience and caution - the key here is to sharp smart - you can end up with some excellent deals on eBay that would simply not be possible to find anywhere else.  

Please note that this is not a treatise on how to use eBay- there are entire books written on the subject.  Rather, it is my goal to present to you - based upon my experience - several important pieces of information that will allow you to get the most out of your eBay experience without falling into many of the same pits and traps that I "stumbled" into.
 
Prior To Bidding
One of the keys to successfully bidding on eBay is to conduct an efficient search.  First and foremost, it is simply not enough to enter "Christian metal" or "Christian rock" in the search engine at the eBay home page- although that is a good place to start.  Instead, one at a time, type the name of each band from the list you compiled (you did create one, didn't you?) and, if necessary, the title of the album in question.  If you are seeking a CD of a band with a common name such as Bride, for example, you are going to receive a lot of unwanted "hits" unless you enter the title of the album as well.  (Bride Live To Die would work better than just simply Bride.)  How often should you check your list on eBay?  Since most auctions last around a week or so, I find twice a week to be reasonable and non-demanding- depending on the length of your list.

It is also of utmost importance that you check the seller’s feedback rating before starting the bidding process.  I prefer to do business with sellers in the 98% to 100% range.  I only start to get concerned if a seller’s feedback rating dips below 98%.  If in doubt, it is always a good idea to check the seller’s feedback comments.  If you find an ongoing and consistent pattern of negative behavior on the comments screen (i.e.: "I paid for the item and it was never received", "The item did not come in the condition advertised" or "Slow shipping") then it leads me to believe that something is up and it might be best to move on to another seller- even if it costs me a few extra dollars.  In other words, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Please note that in no way am I implying that a seller with a feedback rating below 98% is not worth dealing with, but, rather, if two sellers are offering the same CD for sale, I am more inclined to go with the one with the higher rating.  Once again, even if it means paying a few extra bucks.  On the other hand, if a seller has, for example, 1000 positive comments and several negative, that is not necessarily a reason to be alarmed.  Likewise, scan through the comments screen and see if you can pick out a similar pattern of positive behavior (i.e.: "Fast shipping" or "Excellent packaging").  In the end, my advice would be to always trust your gut feeling whether to buy from a seller or not.

It is equally crucial that prior to placing a bid you thoroughly read the sellers description of the CD in order to determine what condition it is in.  First and foremost, there are two words I consider a universal language when it comes to purchasing music online: Still Sealed.  As both words imply, still sealed means the outer wrapping has never been removed and that the CD has never been played and never touched by human hands.  If it were a perfect world, every CD would be made available in a still sealed condition; however, such is life that you occasionally have to put your money down for a used disc.  And if so, always - and I mean always! - double check how the seller specifically words the condition of the CD.  It has been my experience that most go into adequate detail about the CD itself and the corresponding packaging.  But beware the seller who provides a generic "item is in good condition" or "like new" as the description.  Why?  Because what one person might consider "good" or "like new" might not necessarily be "good" or "like new" to another.  At this point, do not hesitate to request (demand!) exact details from the seller regarding the condition of the disc you are interested in.  But do not send an e-mail with an equally generic "What condition is the CD in?".  Rather, request specifics from the seller: Is the disc scratched or scuffed in any way?  If so, does the CD play without skipping?  What condition is the packaging in?  Have the tabs on the jewel case left imprints on the inner sleeve?  If a seller fails to return your e-mail then move on.  Likewise, if you receive a vague or non-specific response then also move on.  In this case it is more than likely the seller might be hiding something regarding the condition of the CD in question.  Finally, keep all e-mails received from the seller on file as documentation in case the disc does not arrive in the condition as advertised.

When it comes to shipping there are a few things to keep in mind:

1.  I like to check the seller’s place of origin.  Why?  Because the chances are that it is going to cost you more to have a disc shipped from Tokyo or St. Petersburg, Russia than, from say, Topeka.  Just something to keep in mind. 

2.  If the seller offers insurance then by all means take it (especially if ordering anything as fragile as vinyl).  Please note that I have been purchasing CDs through the mail since the late eighties and, with the exception of a broken jewel case or two, have never received a CD in damaged or unplayable condition.  Irregardless, I still purchase insurance whenever given the option.  Once again, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

3.  It has been my experience that more often than not a seller will list a set fee for the cost of shipping (i.e.: $5.50).  However, if such is not the case, then it is imperative that BEFORE you place a bid that you contact the seller for the ACTUAL cost of shipping.  Be sure to include your zip code in any e-mail to a seller regarding shipping related matters.  If the seller is using a "shipping calculator" then it is my advice not to rely upon any total generated by it.  Why?  Because the shipping calculator amount CAN differ from the actual cost of shipping.  For example, I once won an auction when the total generated by the shipping calculator turned out to be lower than the actual cost of shipping.  If I had bothered to e-mail the seller ahead of time I would have been able to avoid this problem.  Finally, if a seller refuses to get back to you regarding an actual shipping amount, then move on.  If a seller cannot quote you an exact amount for shipping then, likewise, move on.

4.  Once the auction is won and you have submitted payment, be sure to keep tabs on the final amount you paid for shipping.  When the package is finally received in the mail, double check what the seller actually paid to have it shipped with what you actually paid.

Bidding
Now that you are ready to start the bidding process, how much should you bid?  What it all comes down to in the end, however, is how much are you willing to pay?  What is the CD worth to you?  It has been my experience that the key to successful bidding is not necessarily your initial bid but rather your maximum bid.  And this is where things can get a bit complicated.  For example, if your maximum bid is too low then there is a very good chance someone might sneak in at the last minute of the auction and place a bid higher than yours.  I have been burned as a result of making this mistake on more than one occasion.  By setting an aggressive maximum bid, on the other hand, the chances are equally good that you might scare away other bidders.  But always keep in mind you might potentially pay the full price of your maximum bid and, as a result, make sure you think things through ahead of time so that in the end you do not regret the transaction.  I have been burned in this area as well.  I like to set what I feel to be a realistic and reasonable maximum bid - based upon my budget - and then, for a lack of better words, let the auction play itself out.  Hence, if just before the auction ends another eBay user moves in and places a bid higher than yours, then at least you can say you bided with confidence and with the best interests of your pocketbook in mind.

Another strategy in terms of playing the bidding process is to place the item on your watch list and, subsequently, wait and see how the auction plays out.  If the CD ends up bidded to an amount higher than your reasonable budget then move on.  On the other hand, it at near the end of the auction the highest bid is well within the confines of your budget then step forward and attempt to "steal" the CD at the very last minute.  This, nonetheless, can be a daunting task because an aggressive eBay user might have placed a maximum bid way into the stratosphere.  If that is the case then, again, simply move on.  Please note that because of my busy schedule I find that this strategy does not always work.  For example, what if an auction ends while I am at work or at an unreasonable hour such as 3:00 AM?  That is why it is important to know how to set a good smart maximum bid to ensure that in order to win an auction you do not have to be literally tied to your computer.

Finally, one last word regarding the bidding process:  Do not get emotionally attached to your bids or the item you are trying to win.  In other words, avoid getting drawn into an unreasonable bidding war with another use.  Yes, you may very well win the item in question but in the end your pocketbook might regret the transaction.  If someone places a bid higher than what you are willing to pay then move on to the next auction.  As the old saying goes, there are "other fish in the sea".  And that CD you were out bidded on is guaranteed, in time, to be listed on eBay again.  Within that context, it has been my experience that, with preparation, patience and persistence, you will eventually put yourself in the right place at the right time to win those highly sought after CDs you are searching for.

But what about the buy it now function?  Having the opportunity to buy a CD "now" is one of my favorite aspects of eBay.  Why?  Due to the fact it immediately allows you to purchase whatever it is you are looking for without having to go through the bidding process and the potential frustrations and disappointments that can go along with it.  It has been my experience that your typical item (not just a CD) in which you are given the option to "buy now" will be offered several dollars higher than the starting bid price.  (You will also often find a product listed on eBay with the "buy it now" option only).  So what should you do?  Let's say, for example, a seller is offering the CD version of Barren Cross' Rock For The King at a starting bid of $5 but with a "buy it now" price of $15.  Naturally, the temptation is to go through the bidding process and hope you can win the CD for under $15.  But let’s face facts- that is highly unlikely!  It has been my experience that there is a lot of competition for these rare and hard to find CDs in question- it is a supply and demand issue - so the chances are that if the auction is allowed to go through to the end, in all likelihood, Rock For The King will end at a bid higher (more than likely much higher) than $15.  In the meantime, the chances are also even greater that another user will "grab" the CD for $15 before the auction ends.  Hence, it is my advice if the "buy it now" price is reasonable then by all means purchase the CD immediately- before somebody else does!  In the highly competitive world of eBay auctions there are times you simply have to "bleed a little" in order to get that whatever (not just a CD) you are looking for.

In closing, by following these suggestions outline here - by preparing a list, first shopping local and finally going online – it is my hope that you will embark on a fun and rewarding journey that in time will culminate in those rare and hard to find titles you are looking for.  Happy hunting!

Appendix
Please note that following is a partial list of many of the harder to find and more sought after titles that are out there.  Hopefully this will assist you in your search.

CD
Angelica : Angelica (Intense)
Angelica: Walkin' In Faith (Intense)
Apostle: Prepare To Meet God
Arkangel: Warrior (M8)
Armageddon: The Money Mask (Talking Town)
Arsenal: Armored Choir (Regency)
Awful Truth: Awful Truth (Enigma/Metal Blade)
Barren Cross: Rock For The King (Star Song)
Barren Cross: Rock For The King (Medusa)
Barren Cross: Atomic Arena (Enigma)
Barren Cross: State Of Control (Enigma)
Barren Cross: Rattle Your Cage (Rugged)
Bloodgood: Bloodgood (Frontline)
Bloodgood: Detonation (Frontline)
Bloodgood: Rock In A Hard Place (Frontline)
Bloodgood: Out Of The Darkness (Intense)
Bloodgood: All Stand Together (Broken)
Bloodgood: To Germany With Love
The Brave: Battle Cries (Pakaderm)
Bride: Live To Die (Pure Metal)
Bride: Silence Is Madness (Pure Metal)
Bride: End Of The Age (Pure Metal)
Contagious: Free Indeed (Regency)
Creed: The Sign Of Victory (Pure Metal)
Crystavox: Crystavox (Regency)
Crystavox: The Bottom Line (Ocean)
Daniel Band: Running Out Of Time (Refuge)
Daniel Band: Best Of (Refuge)
Die Happy: Die Happy (Intense)
Deliverance: Deliverance (Intense)
Deliverance: Weapons Of Our Warfare (Intense)
Deliverance: Stay Of Execution (Intense)
Deliverance: What A Joke (Intense)
Eternal Ryte: World Requiem (Pure Metal)
Fear Not: Fear Not (Pakaderm)
Final Axe: Beyond Hell's Gate (East West)
Force 3: Warrior Of Light (Pure Metal)
Guardian: First Watch (Enigma)
Haven: Your Dying Day (R.E.X.)
Haven: Age Of Darkness (R.E.X.)
Holy Soldier: Holy Soldier (Myrrh)
Holy Soldier: Last Train (Myrrh)
Jerusalem: Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent (Refuge)
Joshua: Surrender (Ocean)
Joshua: Intense Defense (RCA Europe)
Kreyson: Angel On The Run (Flametrader)
Kreyson: Crusaders (Flametrader)
Leviticus: Setting Fire To The Earth (Royal Music)
Leviticus: Knights Of Heaven (Royal Music)
Lightforce: Mystical Thieves (Pure Metal)
Kerry Livgren: Decade (Sparrow)
Darrell Mansfield: Revelation (Son Records)
M Pire: Chapter One (Long Island)
Mastedon: It's A Jungle Out There (Regency)
Mastedon: Lofcaudio (Pakaderm)
Mercy Rule: Overruled (R.E.X.)
Messiah Prophet: Master Of The Metal (Pure Metal)
Neon Cross: Neon Cross (Regency)
Novella: One Big Sky (Star Song)
Steven Patrick: Red Reign (Emerald State)
Rage Of Angels: Rage Of Angels (Regency)
Ransom: Ransom (Intense)
Recon: Behind Enemy Lines (Intense)
Resurrection Band: Awaiting Your Reply (Star Song)
Resurrection Band: Rainbow's End (Star Song)
Resurrection Band: Awaiting Your Reply/Rainbow's End (Star Song)
Resurrection Band: Colours (Light)
Resurrection Band: Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore (Light)
Rez: Between Heaven And Hell (Sparrow)
Rez: Silence Screams (Ocean/Grrr)
Rez: Innocent Blood (Ocean/Grrr)
Rez: Twenty Years (Ocean/Grrr)
Rosanna's Raiders: Calling Down Fire (Pure Metal)
Rosanna's Raiders: Clothed In Fire (Refuge)
Sacred Warrior: Rebellion (Intense)
Sacred Warrior: Rebellion (Medusa)
Sacred Warrior: Master's Command (Intense)
Sacred Warrior: Wicked Generation (Intense)
Sacred Warrior: Obsessions (Intense)
Saint: Time's End (Pure Metal)
Saint: Too Late For Living (Pure Metal)
Scarlet Rayne: Theater Humanitarian (Kiss)
Scarlet Red: Don't Dance With Danger (Pure Metal)
Shout: It Won't Be Long (Frontline)
Shout: In Your Face (Frontline)
Siloam: Sweet Destiny (Image 7)
Bjorn Stigsson: Together With Friends (Pure Metal/Royal Music)
Straightway: Black Or White (Platinum)
Stryper: The Yellow And Black Attack (Enigma Japan)
Stryper: To Hell With The Devil (Enigma/Angel Cover)
Tempest: Eye Of The Storm (Pure Metal)
Trytan: Celestial Messenger (R.E.X.)
Greg X. Volz: The River Is Rising (Myrrh)
Various Artists: The Axemen (Pure Metal)
Various Artists: California Metal (Regency)
Various Artists: California Metal 2 (Regency)
Various Artists: East Coast Metal (Regency)
Various Artists: Heavy Righteous Metal (Pure Metal)
Various Artists: Underground Metal (Regency)
Various Artists: Underground Metal 2 (Regency)
Watchmen: Generation (Regency Music)
Whitecross: White Cross (Pure Metal)
Whitecross: Hammer & Nail (Pure Metal)
Whitecross: Triumphant Return (Pure Metal)
X-Sinner: Get It (Pakaderm)
X-Sinner: Peace Treaty (Pakaderm)
Xalt: Under The Ruins (Pure Metal)

Vinyl
100% Proof: Power And The Glory (Kosher)
Barren Cross: Believe (Blue Cover)
Barren Cross: Believe (White Cover/Blue Vinyl)
Contagious: Be Ready
Dual Edge: Knock 'Em Alive (Intense)
Emerald: Armed For Battle (Metal Gem)
First Strike: Rock Of Offense (Exit)
In 3D: No Glasses Needed (Refuge)
Leviticus: I Shall Conquer (Talking Music)
Leviticus: The Strongest Power (Deborah & Barak Cover/Twilight)
Malachia: Under The Blade
Malachia: Red Runrise (Victoria Ltd.)
Messiah: Final Warning
Saint: Warriors Of The Son (Rotton)
Stevie & The Saints: Metal Blue (Victoria Ltd.)
Stronghold: Fortress Rock (Tunesmith)
Stryken: First Strike (Chrystal/Red Vinyl)