Software to catalogue classical music collection

You can rip all your CD's to Itunes which automatically creates a list,including individual movements but this is very slow.

The good thing about the Collectorz software is that you can scan barcodes to automate input. I haven't tried this for my CD collection yet, but I did use their DVD software to catalogue my collection, and it made it very easy. I bought a scanner from Collectorz that could hold 500 barcodes in its memory at a time. You spend an hour scanning your DVDs, then attach the scanner to your computer, and the Collectorz software automatically imports the barcodes and consults its database.

So long as the barcode is in the database (and for DVDs, the vast majority of my collection was in their database), then you don't have to type in any data -- the software does it for you.

Do try Collectorz.com - I catalogued all my compact discs in two days - a friend lent me his bar code reader - about 2,300 went in and were nicely catalogued.  A few glitches but that was to be expected.  I also did my DVD's.  There is a trial version you can use for 30 days to see if you like it.  Personally I though the c. £29.00 very well spent and there are regular updates for the software.  If I have ever had a problem I just send them an e-mail and have a response the same day - they are always so very helpful.  There are many bar code scanners available at a discount just check the internet. I am very happy to reccommendt his software.  Happy filing!  Robert.

I have created my catalogue in an Excel file. This has allowed me to have the column headings I want (including comments), and the ability to search, sort, etc. intrinsic to Excel. It currently contains 2,781 records, and counting...

Hello.  I've been toying with the idea of making my own (haven't played around in Excel in ages though!) after trying iTunes which seems to me to be too limiting...I would like them to have more data fields.  Would you be willing to share some tips/tricks that you've learned after fighting your way through creating this system?  What fields do you use?  Any stumbling blocks?

Thank you and happy listening!

Best wishes,

Petra

p.s.  What programs/systems do you fine folks at Gramophone use for your personal use?  And/or do some of you rely strickly on memory? :)  Warm wishes, P.

haakan7,

Thanks for mentioning it.  I'll check it out. :)

Best wishes,

Petra

Sorry for late response, I've not been back to the forum for a while.

Note I use Office pro XP, but I'm sure the same is possible with later versions of Excel.

My Excel sheet has the following columns (A to I):
Composer
Title
Opus
Label
Number
Ensemble
Conductor
Soloists
Remarks
Of course one can have others, to taste (for example you might want to add a column for date of recording, or for your rating).

The sheet is organised as follows:

The top row has the colmn headings, followed by a blank row. These two rows define the criteria range ($A$1:$I$2 in my case) used for the advanced filtering function of Excel ((Data/filter/advanced).

The table proper starts below these, with the column headings in the third row, then each entry in its own row.

So the list range in the advanced filter goes from $A$3:$I$xxx where xxx is the last filled row in the table (which Excel fills in automatically)

To filter the rows in the table, for example in which a particular conductor appears, copy or type the name of that conductor into the second row under the conductor column, then use the advanced filter. Similarly, if you want to find all the entries in which a particular soloist appears, type the name in the second row under the soloists column. Remember to clear contents in the second row when you revert to the full table. (data/filter/show all).

For convenience I have sorted the table by 1. Composer, 2. Opus number, 3. Title (in case the Opus number is blank) but of course that is also a matter of taste.

I hope that helps.