General Forum

Hi everyone ,

Question here , that I'm sure has already been debated here. 

What do you consider or not consider to be a part of a master set. 

For me it's : base set + inserts and subsets. I do not include case hits inserts. 

What about you ? 

That would probably depend on the year, set, and the individual collector. Some sets like the 1989 Donruss baseball have multiple subtle variations to each card in the set. Some would consider getting every one of the variations, any errors and there corrected versions. Some would say the variations are to sublte and only represent the different printers that printed out the cards.

Now I actually have a buddy that wants all those sublte printing variations and is working on printing flaws (wrongback and miscut) to his master collection.

As for Master Set, I would say one of each of the published cards.  Inserts and all....that would be the MASTER.  Now as for saying I have a set of cards, I would consider that just the base set with no inserts or extras published throughout the year.  

I grew up in the Junk Era and LOVED to collect the sets.  When the brands started to publish all these other inserts and specialty sets was when I started to get turned off from collecting.  I go back to my big collecting days when I would go to shows, card shops, or a friends house with a list of cards that I needed to complete a set and it was a big deal when you got that set complete.  I remember pulling a Diamond King out of a Donruss pack back in the day and it was a XXX out of 10,000 or so....right at that point I said this is going to kill the collecting aspect of cards.  No longer can a kid go to a store and try to get a set of cards without 50 different inserts and variations and ##'ed cards.

(Sorry....just my 2cent soapbox :) )

Hi, I am going to respond to this phrase of the post>>>>>

...Now I actually have a buddy that wants all those sublte printing variations and is working on printing flaws (wrongback and miscut) to his master collection.

The irony being I have a ton of these variations and flaws. I have collected them over the years. I've asked Dan if I can put together a list to post, and I'm waiting for his reply. Most of what I have are not listable according to site rules, but are absolutely tradeable. I have sent out PMs already, my inbox is getting busy. But I'm excited about sharing my info and cards. PM me until I get the OK from Dan. 

More collecting ahead !, Stay healthy.....~BOB~

I think each of us has their own version of what they think is a Master Set.  It's whatever you want it to be.  I started collecting Opening Day master sets, partly because it WAS possible (not so much anymore).  For me that means one of everything, with the exception of the 1/1 Black Parallels and Printing Plates.  That does mean the auto variations #/10, the Diamond Relics #/5 to #/50, and all the other inserts as well.  That's my definition for that series, but doesn't have to be yours.  Right now I'm trying to finish a 1974 Master Set.  For me, that means Base Set, Washington variations, 2 or 3 other variations, Traded Set, Checklist Set (both 1 and 2 star variations), all of the wrappers, and the Uncut Team Checklist that was a mail in offer.

Sometimes I've seen a set described as a Short Master Set on EBay, which seems to be your definition, the base set and regular inserts that aren't seeded 1 per case.

Generally speaking, there are 2 definitions of a "Master Set". One is the hobby-wide usage of the term, and the other is the term used here (and unfortunately, they differ).

Master Set - Term used hobby-wide for decades - 1 copy of every card published for that product release (including errors, corrections, variants, and inserts/parallels).

Master Set - term used here - 1 copy of each card within the set (not within the release). As an example, one can have a master set of 2019 Topps baseball base set (without having any inserts at all) by having all of the SPs and SSPs. The site's "master set" does not take into account all the cards issued within a product, but only with the set itself.

The site's term was introduced (fairly recently, within the past 2 years) as way to help the err/cor/var collectors know the total number of cards available for the set while allowing the collectors who only wanted 1 of each card to be able to compile a "basic set' in that style.

As far as Bob (or anyone else) being allowed to publish a list of known "errors" (most usually print flaws), there is nothing stating that forum posts cannot include these. Cards missing ink, have random ink spots, mis-cut, blank front or back, and wrong backs are all examples of printing glitches/errors that are not listable here. There's nothing saying they cannot be discussed, or even shown in a forum post. But they cannot be listed, and the idea of listing them should not and will not be entertained. Continued pushing for listing these items here will be considered trolling, and will not be tolerated.

Thanks Dan,

I do not plan on being a troller ! 5+ years of mostly failed attempts at listing the "unlistable" has rung loud and clear. 

But, I'm glad I can discuss what I have collected and noted over the years through our forum posts. I will start putting together a list of what I have. Many items on the list fall into "taboo territory", however it may interest some of our venturesome collectors. Now back to work ! ~Bob~