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How and Where to Sell Old Phonograph Records

Website:cult figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis
HOW AND WHERE TO SELL OLD PHONOGRAPHJoplin and Jim Morrison. Also, brisk
RECORDStrading now occurs among collectors of
Have you studied your ABCs lately--that45s, especially among the 1950s rhythm
is Attics, Basements and Closets? Theyand blues and early rock artists. Great
could yield up some extra money and freeinterest maintains in rare and unusual
up some valuable space in your home for(foreign issues, etc.) in Elvis and the
other uses. LPs (long-playing 10 and 12Beatles. However, most of their records
inch discs, playing at 33 1/3have little value because so many were
revolutions per minute), 78s (easilyproduced without any distinguishing
breakable discs, playing at 78characteristics. In other words they
revolutions per minute with one tune onwere all the same.
each side) and 45s(7 inch discs playingWHO WILL BUY YOUR RECORDS?
at 45 revolutions per minute) may beRecords are purchased by collectors,
valuable.mail order dealers, used records stores
Record collecting as a hobby is justand the general public, sometimes on a
beginning to grow after many othernostalgic impulse or because of a
collectibles have been prominentlyfavorite artist. For truly rare records
featured in antique stores and thethe best prices will come from dealers
media. It is not an expensive hobby towho know the market and for how much
establish, but disposing of them can bethey can resell them. Collectors are
expensive in many ways.emotional and sometimes fanatical
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE VALUEcollecting their specialties. They may
Many people think that just because apay top prices for particular
record is old that it has great value.idiosyncracies. It is unusual to get top
Very few records have any real value todollar for a rare record from the
collectors or dealers. Value is based on"general public', where only the
a combination of three factors -performance value is recognized, not the
(1) Supply and demand. How available isresale or trading value. Painstaking
the record? If millions were initiallyresearch and knowledge of the record
sold it is likely that many will turn upindustry and its artists is required to
in thrift shops, used record stores anddetermine the value of a particular
in many homes. The scarcity factor mustrecording. It may be possible to
be present. There must be a demand fordetermine a value for a "rare" record
that record because of the artistonce you have determined that it is
performing (e.g. a major talent who diedtruly rare.
young and before being able to make manyWHAT WILL THEY PAY?
records), the label on which it wasMost records that are not "rare" can
recorded (the original recording asbring only pennies - 25 cents to a
distinguished from a "reissue"), or andollar - from dealers. The "general
oddity concerning the record(e.g. apublic" may pay $1 or $2. Rare records
V-disc, wartime government recording orcan bring from $25 to the thousands.
aircheck-taken from a radio broadcast,There are a number of price guides
an original picture disc or a 10-inchpublished, but values indicated are
LP). The scarcity factor can also begenerally highly inflated or based on an
affected by whether a record isisolated sale. Obviously, collectors and
"out-of-print"(no longer available fromdealers want to read that records can
the manufacturer) thereby decreasing thebring high prices. Remember, value rests
supply. "Bootlegs" (records illegallyin the mind of the buyer.
produced from live concerts orHOW DO YOU FIND A BUYER?
broadcasts) are also valuable toA buyer for every record you wish to
collectors.sell probably exists somewhere in the
(2) Condition of the record. Those withworld. How to find that person is a big
surface noises and scratches will be ofproblem. It is not uncommon for people
little or no value. If it is in "mint"to discover old records in their homes
condition (perfect) or "near mint"and proceed to spend many dollars (far
condition it will have the highestin excess of the eventual e record) and
possible value. A record in "very good"untold hours in pursuit of a buyer. It
condition should not have any distortedcan become very frustrating and
sounds or loss of sound quality. "Good"sometimes obsessive. Expectations almost
means it may have some imperfections,always exceed reality.
but can be readily enjoyed. "Fair" meansRecords can be sold by advertising - in
it can play, but will have obvious soundlocal classifieds or collectors'
impairment and detract from yourpublications, by selling to local used
enjoyment and the value of the record.record stores, selling at flea markets
Some dealers may have a slightlyor bazaars or by promoting a garage
different grading scale.sale. Start by cataloging the records.
(3) Content of the recording. GenerallyList the artist, the title of the
speaking there is more interest in musicrecord, LP, 45 or 78rpm, the record
than in spoken word or comedy recordscatalog number and its condition. Take
and the value therefor would be greater.the list to a record librarian and some
Certain kinds of musical recordingsused record stores for offers and
bring high sales prices. Jazz, originalindications as to rarity. Talk to
Broadway cast and movie soundtracks tendfriends and associates.
to provide a more active market andSelling involves prospective buyers
greater value. Also early rhythm andvisiting your home. Or, you may have to
blues records and the doowop sound arepack and cart the records to a store for
also highly valued and collectible.a price quote and no sale. Damage in
Among classical records the mosttransit can make them worthless.
valuable are orchestral performances,Out-of-town prospects requires mail
then solo instrumental, chamber musiccorrespondence, packing, insurance,
and concertos and solo vocal andcarting to the post office, placing
operatic arias and finally completepostage and sending C.O.D. The buyer may
operas. To some collectors, whether arefuse to accept upon receipt.
record is mono or stereo affects the©2007 Howard E. Fischer
value. Recently a market beganRECORDS FLEA MARKET
developing for rock records of earlyMonthly sales in New York City.
vintage, especially those of deceased



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