Is a classical record collection worth anything?
Most records that sold well are, by definition, common — a mint Beatles LP is worth less than people expect because millions were pressed. Value sits in first pressings, particular labels and matrix numbers, and in genres that were never mass-market.
What decides the value
- ·First pressing indicators: matrix numbers in the run-out groove, label design, catalogue prefix
- ·Condition of both the sleeve and the vinyl, graded separately
- ·Genre — original jazz, soul, reggae, punk and private-press records outperform mainstream rock
- ·Presence of original inserts, posters and inner sleeves
Is a classical record collection worth anything?+
Most records that sold well are, by definition, common — a mint Beatles LP is worth less than people expect because millions were pressed. Value sits in first pressings, particular labels and matrix numbers, and in genres that were never mass-market.
What should I not do with classical records?+
Do not wet-clean records with household products. Washing-up liquid leaves residue in the grooves and can haze the vinyl permanently. If a record is valuable, it is worth a proper clean by someone with the right machine.
How do I find out what mine are worth?+
Photograph them. Five photographs are free; a full report is $39. We never buy or sell, so there is no reason for us to undervalue anything.