I have received satisfactory service from the CD merchants listed on this page. I have no connection with any of them and the listing is based purely on my own shopping experience.
CD SHOPPING
Avalon Music is a Canadian company that specializes in instrumental recordings, including big band, contemporary jazz, new age, classical and nostalgia. In particular, check out "Inspiration Point" and "At the Hop," two instrumental tributes to the '50s by Steve Wingfield. Site has Real Audio samples and on-line ordering.
British-based Bim-Bam Records is the No. 1 place on the Web to purchase instrumental rock music. Selection and service are outstanding. European customers will want to check out the huge selection of American imports, while North Americans can locate hard-to-find European instrumental discs. Bim-Bam has pretty good Vocal, DVD and Vinyl sections as well.
The name says it all -- CHEAP-CDS has the Web's best prices for new CDs. The site isn't fancy, but the selection is almost as extensive as at the big name on-line shops and the service is first-rate. Shipping is cheap, too. See something on another site you want to add to your CD collection? Before purchasing, check CHEAP-CDS for a price comparison.
CD UNIVERSE ranks right up there with Amazon in terms of selection and service. Pricing is generally competitive (although it never hurts to shop around), but shipping to destinations outside the U.S. tends to be expensive. If you're looking for a CD, this is probably the place to start.
If you're shopping for the latest CD by an artist who's not affiliated with a major label, chances are you'll find it at CD BABY. This reliable online merchant has thousands of CDs from independent artists in every conceivable genre and style, from easy listening and jazz to metal and hip-hop and rap. There are sound samples from most of the offerings and prices and shipping are reasonable. Also on site for musicians: tips on how to market your music, including selling your releases through CD BABY.
Although DJANGOS is a full-service on-line merchant selling a wide range of new and used music and movies, it's their selection of second-hand merchandise -- and their top-notch customer service -- that make them stand out. The used CDs, videos and DVDs are top quality and there are often sales which reduce their already reasonable prices. Used CDs, for example, can sometimes be had for as little as $4.99. DJANGOS also allows you to maintain a "wishlist" of music and movies you are looking for. You'll be notified by e-mail when the item becomes available. Djangos has a deep inventory because it allows a network of independent stores to list their stock on the DJANGOS site. There are stores all across the U.S. and you can e-mail DJANGOS for those in your area.
