DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped me in the past — no matter what my request! — so here’s one more.

Is there anyone out there who collects old dance-band arrangements? I have 15 boxes full from the 1930s up and and beyond the 1980s. Make me an offer, please. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Perhaps it’s a sign of the tough times, but Sun Spots is frequently getting letters from people who want to sell stuff through the column, which is not allowed. The only exception is if someone writes in looking for something unusual or hard to find, and someone else responds that they have the item available.

She is sorry to disappoint you. Classified ads are available in the Sun Journal for a small fee, or even free, depending on the item and price. Check at 783-2281 or toll free at 1-800-482-0935 or by email at class2@sunjournal.com for your price options.

As for other outlets for albums, there are options, although 15 boxes rather boggles Sun Spots’ mind. She can’t even imagine trying to put all of those on eBay, which is an option.

Another is to try the following businesses that do buy old albums:

* Bill Cartmel, Lewiston, www.Billstuff.com, 795-1386, bill@billstuff.com

* Melanie Ward, Lewiston, Melcat’s Vinyl and Collectibles, 783-7447, melcatsvinyl@myfairpoint.net

* Enterprise Records, 613A Congress St., Portland, 773-7672. The owner, Bob, does the buying, so you need to talk to him.’

* The Record Connection, 254 Main St., Waterville, 873-1798. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

* Bill O’Neill’s House of Rock ‘n’ Roll, 840 U.S. Route 1, Saco, 283-1966. He is very selective and only buys a few.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have 240 old movies for sale. They are VHS. Make me an offer. thank you. — No Name, Jay

ANSWER: Again, Sun Spots did not include the phone number No Name offered, as readers are not allowed to sell items through the column.

Even if it was allowed, there is not a big market for VHS tapes, and some charities don’t even accept them anymore. You might find a library, senior center or nursing home that would like to have them — for free.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Aug. 8 someone wrote in looking for a way to convert vinyl records. I have an EZ Vinyl Converter by Mix Meister that transfers 33, 45 and 78 rpm records to CDs or other digital media devices, such as MP3s, depending on your computer’s capability. I would be willing to sell this unit. I bought it new and have used it very little. Thank you. — L.A. Hall, Farmington, 778-2673

ANSWER: This offer from a reader is an exception to the no-sale rule, as a reader had inquired about options for transferring media.

Sun Spots looked up this device online and, while it doesn’t look too difficult, someone who is uncomfortable with technology might be flummoxed.

Perhaps one of those who provide converting services might be interested. An addition to that list of service providers follows.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your Aug. 8 column, you invited anyone who could turn old record music into CD format to write in and let you know. In addition to that service, I can convert any music file into MP3 format, a considerable conservation of space on any disk.

Please include me in your Rolodex, and please accept my thanks for this public service. — Bruce Mitchell, 12 Webb Ave., Wilton, byinbyan@myfairpoint.net, 645-2674

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com

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