New to vintage...Where do I start?

cubsfan-budman · #1 08-15-2012, 03:18 PM

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

Bocabirdman · #2 08-15-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

The great slabbed/unslabbed debate shall now resume.....

I say unslabbed but that's just me.........

t206hound · #3 08-15-2012, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

If it's an issue you've never handled, I'd try to get it on the BST raw. I think you should have a feel for the cards (literally), you can make the slabbed/raw decision based on your own preference and rationale.

smtjoy · #4 08-15-2012, 03:42 PM

I would look for raw but you can also buy a low grade graded like a 30/2 and just crack it out, you will lose little value at those grades and you will imo make up for that by being able to touch and feel the card and getting a better understanding of that issue. The BST here is perfect but ebay is fine too just stick with good sellers and you might want to get a one day VCP and look up the prices on all the cards you have an interest in to be prepared to buy at either place, a lot of the BIN's on ebay are very high and while there are many more fair prices on Net54, there is still a few sellers who price things too high imo.

vintagetoppsguy · #5 08-15-2012, 03:49 PM

Welcome to the boards. What I�m about to say may come across as sounding sarcastic, but it really isn�t meant to be. If you have to ask others for guidance on what to collect, you�re probably not ready quite yet. That�s a decision you have to make on your own. It�s kind of like asking what kind of girl to date. Blonde, red head or brunette? Brown, blue or green eyes? Etc. Personally, I like brunettes with brown eyes, but that may not appeal to you. There are many options and you have to pick what looks/feels right to you. If you go by the opinion of others, you may end up with a partial set of something you just don�t like or won�t hold your interest. Good luck!

cubsfan-budman · #6 08-15-2012, 05:06 PM

Thanks for all the great feedback, sincerely.

EDIT: Oh, and is there a good place to find commons for sets in multiples? Seems like nearly everything I see is buying in singles.

Are there outlets for "bulk" buys of vintage, or is it normally just individuals?

rainier2004 · #7 08-15-2012, 07:26 PM

Welcome to the board and continue acquiring knowledge. David is right, if you are asking then you need to keep looking. Honestly though, what do you like? I cant stand the look of certain cards while I cant get CJs out my mind and every time I see red I think about the JJ or Cobby I need. The B/S/T here is about as safe as it gets thanks to Sheriff Leon. Whether raw or graded (bust 'em all out), you'll need to feel the card, smell the card and get used to them to educate yourself as you are responsible for that knowledge. In the end, when your guts tells you the card/set is right for you, you will know it. No need to rush into anything either. Also, if you are married you'll need a way to get envelopes out of the mail w/o her noticing as that seems to help.

ethicsprof · #8 08-15-2012, 09:16 PM

welcome aboard and good luck with this fascinating avocation.
all the best,
barry

tiger8mush · #9 08-15-2012, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

If you are just getting your feet wet and plan to buy off ebay, buy a few slabbed (low grade) and then crack them out. It'll give you an idea of what to expect and something with which to compare future purchases.

If you buy off the b/s/t you can feel comfortable and feel free to ask the members questions!
Rob

jefferyepayne · #10 08-16-2012, 07:22 AM

Welcome Christian!

Although I also have a burning desire to complete sets, my first reaction was exactly what others have proposed. Start with an area that you are interested in (like HOF 2B'ers) and you will identify sets you like as you begin to accumulate those cards.

I would definitely recommend you start raw. If you are patient, vintage cards lots WILL pop up on ebay occasionally for a wide variety of sets. In fact, acquiring a larger lot for a particular set is often my impetus to decide to work to complete a set as set completion one card at a time just takes too long for me to stay interested in it. I also usually have a couple of sets going at once so that there is enough needed volume to keep me having fun and busy looking for what I need. When I get close to completing a set, I will usually add a new set to work on while patiently waiting for the right deals for those cards I still need in the near completed set. Invariably those cards are stars and take more time to find at the price point you like. While I often buy raw cards, I will look for good deals on graded star cards as well.

Good luck.

jeff

HOF Auto Rookies · #11 08-16-2012, 11:37 AM

Good luck! It's fun and frustrating

lloydchristmas · #12 08-25-2012, 09:34 AM

Great thread, OP! I was looking for a bit of guidance myself, as I'm looking to begin collecting vintage and it does seem a bit daunting compared to the more modern stuff.

Also, great replies by everyone else, as well!

Bicem · #13 08-25-2012, 10:04 AM

1921 Exhibits easily the fav of mine on your list. So many great images.

mrvster · #14 08-25-2012, 08:45 PM

one word...

t206

Leon · #15 08-26-2012, 08:50 AM

Since you like HOF 2nd baseman you might consider making a list of all of them, say pre-1980 (or whatever your vintage cut off is). Then you could narrow it down to sets they are in, then go for the players from your list that are in those sets. Sort of a type card 2nd baseman set. That way you get to collect a very diverse subset that would be fun and can be virtually endless.

Mark · #16 08-26-2012, 11:03 AM

One of the bad things about the demise of the local card show is that it's tough for new people to hold cards in their hands and test whether it does anything for them. I recommend that you look for a low grade t206 for the Lajoie. You might someday add an Eddie Collins and a Larry Doyle. Maybe an Evers, too. I'd also start with rough but presentable samples of Frisch, Hornsby, and Gehringer from the 1933 Goudey set. There's also a Lazzeri in it. I don't think they're much more expensive than the Diamond Stars. More a matter of taste, I think.

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