Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Rare Vinyl Records - Determining the Value of Vinyl Records

Spring cleaning is over, and you're staring at seven crates of rare vinyl records that your parents had stuffed in a corner of your basement for the last 15 years. Forgotten memories? Or potential goldmine? The value of records is increasing, much like the sales, and record dealers and enthusiasts alike are looking to grade and price their collections for reselling on the market, eBay being the largest marketplace at this moment in time.

If you own collectible or rare vinyl records, it would be in your best interest to have those records appraised to determine their worth. The most common way of discovering the value would be to seek the services of a professional records appraiser, who will analyze the condition, rarity, and playability of the record. As well, they will take a look at other aspects such as:

  • The release date - The older the record, the more it could be worth.
  • Whether the record is sealed or not - If it hasn't been played, the value will increase.
  • Limited release records also hold increased value - e.g. only 1000 copies pressed.

If you happen to have several crates of old LP's and 45's that you are interested in getting appraised, it could wind up to be fairly expensive especially if you have limited knowledge of how records are graded. My suggestion would be to purchase a vinyl records price guide which lists the current market price and requirements for buying and selling rare vinyl LP's. I have used Tim Neely's Goldmine Record Album Price Guide for quite a few years, and it is by far the most comprehensive and easy to navigate price guide on the market today.

Cover Art is also a factor to consider when looking to buy or sell rare vinyl records. During the 60's and 70's many celebrity artists collaborated with musicians and bands they respected in the form of cover art and inner sleeves, Andy Warhol being one of the more popular. Don't forget that any artwork with nudity seems to be popular amongst buyers just the same! Remember, vinyl outsold CD's in 2007 for the first time in many, many years and this is a great time to get into collecting records and begin experiencing the warmth and quality that they bring. If you download an mp3 you're given a thin-sounding, compressed audio file with a digital image thumbnail of the album cover and artwork. With vinyl records you get an experience that is truly one of a kind, and there is no feeling quite like it!

Elijah-Blue is a seasoned Music Producer, Sound Engineer, and Musician with a passion for Vinyl Records and culture.

Rare Vinyl Records are becoming increasingly popular amongst the listening public, visit Elijah's latest web project http://www.INeedVinyl.com to get your fix! The site is jam-packed with useful articles, as well as some of the cheapest vinyl LP's and 45's on the internet.

80's dance music

No comments: