How and Where to Sell Old Phonograph Records

Website:deceased cult figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin
HOW AND WHERE TO SELL OLD PHONOGRAPHand Jim Morrison. Also, brisk trading now occurs
RECORDSamong collectors of 45s, especially among the 1950s
Have you studied your ABCs lately--that is Attics,rhythm and blues and early rock artists. Great interest
Basements and Closets? They could yield up somemaintains in rare and unusual (foreign issues, etc.) in
extra money and free up some valuable space in yourElvis and the Beatles. However, most of their records
home for other uses. LPs (long-playing 10 and 12 inchhave little value because so many were produced
discs, playing at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute), 78swithout any distinguishing characteristics. In other words
(easily breakable discs, playing at 78 revolutions perthey were all the same.
minute with one tune on each side) and 45s(7 inchWHO WILL BUY YOUR RECORDS?
discs playing at 45 revolutions per minute) may beRecords are purchased by collectors, mail order
valuable.dealers, used records stores and the general public,
Record collecting as a hobby is just beginning to growsometimes on a nostalgic impulse or because of a
after many other collectibles have been prominentlyfavorite artist. For truly rare records the best prices will
featured in antique stores and the media. It is not ancome from dealers who know the market and for
expensive hobby to establish, but disposing of themhow much they can resell them. Collectors are
can be expensive in many ways.emotional and sometimes fanatical collecting their
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE VALUEspecialties. They may pay top prices for particular
Many people think that just because a record is oldidiosyncracies. It is unusual to get top dollar for a rare
that it has great value. Very few records have anyrecord from the "general public', where only the
real value to collectors or dealers. Value is based on aperformance value is recognized, not the resale or
combination of three factors -trading value. Painstaking research and knowledge of
(1) Supply and demand. How available is the record? Ifthe record industry and its artists is required to
millions were initially sold it is likely that many will turn updetermine the value of a particular recording. It may be
in thrift shops, used record stores and in many homes.possible to determine a value for a "rare" record once
The scarcity factor must be present. There must be ayou have determined that it is truly rare.
demand for that record because of the artistWHAT WILL THEY PAY?
performing (e.g. a major talent who died young andMost records that are not "rare" can bring only pennies
before being able to make many records), the label on- 25 cents to a dollar - from dealers. The "general
which it was recorded (the original recording aspublic" may pay $1 or $2. Rare records can bring from
distinguished from a "reissue"), or an oddity concerning$25 to the thousands. There are a number of price
the record(e.g. a V-disc, wartime government recordingguides published, but values indicated are generally
or aircheck-taken from a radio broadcast, an originalhighly inflated or based on an isolated sale. Obviously,
picture disc or a 10-inch LP). The scarcity factor cancollectors and dealers want to read that records can
also be affected by whether a record isbring high prices. Remember, value rests in the mind of
"out-of-print"(no longer available from thethe buyer.
manufacturer) thereby decreasing the supply.HOW DO YOU FIND A BUYER?
"Bootlegs" (records illegally produced from liveA buyer for every record you wish to sell probably
concerts or broadcasts) are also valuable to collectors.exists somewhere in the world. How to find that
(2) Condition of the record. Those with surface noisesperson is a big problem. It is not uncommon for people
and scratches will be of little or no value. If it is in "mint"to discover old records in their homes and proceed to
condition (perfect) or "near mint" condition it will havespend many dollars (far in excess of the eventual e
the highest possible value. A record in "very good"record) and untold hours in pursuit of a buyer. It can
condition should not have any distorted sounds or lossbecome very frustrating and sometimes obsessive.
of sound quality. "Good" means it may have someExpectations almost always exceed reality.
imperfections, but can be readily enjoyed. "Fair" meansRecords can be sold by advertising - in local classifieds
it can play, but will have obvious sound impairment andor collectors' publications, by selling to local used record
detract from your enjoyment and the value of thestores, selling at flea markets or bazaars or by
record. Some dealers may have a slightly differentpromoting a garage sale. Start by cataloging the
grading scale.records. List the artist, the title of the record, LP, 45 or
(3) Content of the recording. Generally speaking there78rpm, the record catalog number and its condition.
is more interest in music than in spoken word orTake the list to a record librarian and some used
comedy records and the value therefor would berecord stores for offers and indications as to rarity.
greater. Certain kinds of musical recordings bring highTalk to friends and associates.
sales prices. Jazz, original Broadway cast and movieSelling involves prospective buyers visiting your home.
soundtracks tend to provide a more active marketOr, you may have to pack and cart the records to a
and greater value. Also early rhythm and blues recordsstore for a price quote and no sale. Damage in transit
and the doowop sound are also highly valued andcan make them worthless. Out-of-town prospects
collectible. Among classical records the most valuablerequires mail correspondence, packing, insurance,
are orchestral performances, then solo instrumental,carting to the post office, placing postage and sending
chamber music and concertos and solo vocal andC.O.D. The buyer may refuse to accept upon receipt.
operatic arias and finally complete operas. To some©2007 Howard E. Fischer
collectors, whether a record is mono or stereo affectsRECORDS FLEA MARKET
the value. Recently a market began developing forMonthly sales in New York City.
rock records of early vintage, especially those of