Maintaining Focus in Set Building

[mintacular]

No, start a new set or else it will feel like a "chore" finishing the 53 plus you will be tempted to over spend to be "done" with it. That said, choose carefully your next set.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, start a new set or else it will feel like a "chore" finishing the 53 plus you will be tempted to over spend to be "done" with it. That said, choose carefully your next set.

You absolutely hit the nail on the head! Those have been my thoughts. I stopped tonight and realized it wasn't enjoyable like it was supposed to be. There are a few troublesome cards that have me stuck, and I was about to overpay/settle. I will move on and keep an eye open for the remaining 53s as I go. Thanks, just another example of why I love this board! You guys are a great resource. The longer I collect, the more I learn "how" to collect.

[brob28]

Originally Posted by mintacular

No, start a new set or else it will feel like a "chore" finishing the 53 plus you will be tempted to over spend to be "done" with it. That said, choose carefully your next set.

Great advice. I usually work on 1 or 2 sets at a time while also working on any upgrades to sets previouslly completed. I am also always working on non-set building interests such as T206 Hall of Famer's and specific cards. I need the variety to not have that chore-like feeling Patrick mentioned.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

"Chore" is the word for it, and that is the last thing I would want this great hobby to become for me or any collector. I now see that is exactly what was happening. I was on the verge of frustration. Now, not so much!

I have accumulated a decent start to '54 Topps. I will continue that, focusing particularly on Series 1. Along with that, I will pick a series in '56 or '57 and get going on that (not sure which, as I really like them both). In the meantime, I will keep a sharp eye out for good examples of the last few '53s I need to recomplete that set. Thanks for all the good ideas.

[pawpawdiv9]

I got my lot of SGC graded 53's on Ebay...i put it up once in a while..this time i was told to use a B/O function. Trying to concentrate on just 1 player.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

In considering 56 Topps, I have a question about the white/gray back variation on cards 1-180. Does it matter? Should I pick a color and stick with it? Mix and match? White, I think, is supposedly more rare 1-100 and gray 101-180...right? Thoughts?

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

In considering 56 Topps, I have a question about the white/gray back variation on cards 1-180. Does it matter? Should I pick a color and stick with it? Mix and match? White, I think, is supposedly more rare 1-100 and gray 101-180...right? Thoughts?

Grey and white are just as easy (or hard) to find 1-100, but the whites are way harder from 101-180.

I'm nuts, so I did both backs when I put together my set.

Doug

[Exhibitman]

There is no right or wrong in this; do what you like because it is supposed to be fun.

My view on finishing cards from mainstream postwar sets is that there is no hurry given the large supply out there for sale at any given time. Now, if there is a rare variation or you are collecting a specific slab, well, you may have to move on those when they pop up.

[brob28]

I agree with Adam, do what you want so it stays fun for you. I was not concerned with white vs. grey back when building my '56 set. Doesn't matter to me, if it does to you - have at it and have fun! BTW - I love the '56 set, my personal favorite post war set.

[darkhorse9]

I did the 1956 set in entirely grey back. That's only because I thought the card stock looked better.

Sometimes I'll do that with card stock on sets like 1959 and 1960 where there is one series that has both color stock. On those two sets I didn't worry about the stock but it would loook really cool in a binder to have the entire set alternating the card stock by series.