JEEZUS, the requests I get!

Okay, everyone on the internet seems to think I am the Reigning World Champion of bootlegging. Not nearly! I'm just a guy with a tape recorder who likes to go out to concerts, that's all. Well, plus I know some collectors AND live in an area with a lot of great record stores, that makes it easier. Believe me, if you think I'm some kind of bootlegging superhero, you're just not aware of how may RICH FANATICS there are out there!

So you must be a novice. Fine; I'm sympathetic. I've had so many requests for instructions and equipment recommendations that I've created this taping page to help you out (and to help me cut my e-mail load). Please check out EVERYTHING on this page and then only e-mail me if you have specific questions or suggestions AFTER you're familiar with it all, okay?

HOW TO BECOME A BOOTLEGGER

Advice for Aspiring Tapers is a little primer written by David Hogan, a Pearl Jam nut. I don't care for Pearl Jam especially, but David's tutorial is spot-on. A+, David!

In case you got here from some other direction than my main music page or my bootleg page, check out Steve Foskett's Bootleg How-To. His Bootleg Information and Aren't Bootlegs Illegal? pages are also worth reading.

NOTE: Foskett says taping is only legal if the performer allows it. I've always believed it's legal even WITHOUT permission as long as you don't sell it. I know that's true with regard to broadcasts. Are pay-to-get-in shows any different? Ask a lawyer to be sure. (And Stevie, I happen to LIKE calling myself a "bootlegger"!)

BOOTLEGGING EQUIPMENT

(These products are not to be used for any illegal purpose ... )

AIWA makes some pretty cool recorders. I've never owned one, but I've tested them in the store; they're good. I probably should have bought an Aiwa, but I wanted a Sony instead. Maybe my next one will be an Aiwa. They're cheaper than Sonys, that's for sure.

SONY has the best reputation in the business, at least for consumer recorders (copy this link - you don't want to type it in!). Personally I use a WM-GX322, which does just about everything. It even has built in STEREO speakers - that's right, two channels! - and a speed control. I find the speakers superflouous and the speed control actually a problem - what's to prevent you from screwing up the recording speed by mistake in a dark, crowded club? Perhaps the WM-GX300 would be better for you - it's certainly cheaper. Still, the WM-GX322 is a darn fine machine - except for one little thing ...

THE SONY WM-GX322 RECORDS IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY!!! This link is to the WM-GX322 spec page, which FALSELY claims that it records in both directions. IT DOES NOT - I own one, I should know! Still a great recorder though - whaddya want for US$90 ???

YOUR FELLOW BOOTLEGGERS

Simon Sefranek