A Few For the $1,000 (And More) Bin
Here’s a recap of some of the jazz vinyl auctions we’ve been watching on eBay:
Hank Mobley, Blue Note 1568. This was the one that was in M- condition for the record and VG++ or M- for the cover. It sold for quite a hefty price, $4,600, but not a record high. This guy was bid all the way up to $2,720 and STILL didn’t meet the seller’s reserve price. Wow: Jackie McLean, The New Tradition, Ad Lib 6601. The record was described as being in M- condition and the cover was VG++ or M-.
This one, believe it or not, entered the $2,000 bin: Bill Evans, Waltz for Debby, Riverside 399. The seller didn’t actually apply a grade for either the cover or record, but noted that the vinyl was in “great shape” other than for a paper scratch or two. Somewhat reassuring, but not enough for me to wager $2,075, which is what the winning bidder put up. It was a white label promo copy, but still.
Here are a couple more for the $1,000 bin:
J. R. Monterose, The Message, Jaro 5004. This was an original pressing in M- condition for the record and the cover. It sold for $1,292.56.
Dexter Gordon, Dexter Blows Hot and Cool, Dootone 207. This one had the original red vinyl and was in VG+ or better condition for the record and VG or better for the cover. It sold for $1,025.
Hi Al,
If you check Popsike,Jackie Mclean in M- condition was sold in 2006 for over $5K.
So, I can understand that the reserve was not met at $2720 .
For your info.
I don’t mean it as criticism of the seller. It’s just wow to me still, after all these years, that someone could offer that much money for a single record and still not be able to purchase it.
a few months ago, Rudolf was asking himself if the last good time to sell had arrived, meaning that the market had maybe reached its maximum.
it’s my impression that several rookies have become to go up and up, and all are records sold in the last 3-4 years for a two hundred bucks or less: now they’re flying the sky high, in contrast with an apparent reduction of the well known Graals.
first option: some requests exceed the market capabilities (1568) and don’t meet a buyer, being the time expired.
second option: the interest, the real one that pays cash on the nail, is moving towards other recordings, neglected before (4048).
third option: someone is going to play a really schizoid role without any logic.
all of these options are daily perfectly cared and recorded here.
I would like to remember that, out of our small jazz garden, there are several unknown 7″ of no musical interest at all, that are snatched away for more than our best selling Hank Mobley.
I don’t wanna criticize musical tastes, but this is our collectors’ world.
I’ve seen some of those very obscure 45s’ that go for that much. i really am curious what the music is like every time I see one go for that much.
Bill Evans Waltz for Debby is just one of those records that ticks so many boxes, on musical quality, scarcity in excellent condition, Riverside’s superb pressing, plus Bill Evans’ fanatical following, it is almost impossible to find a good copy at a decent price. Three copies went in quick succession in the run up to Xmas: I guess Santa had his work cut out delivering in time.
http://londonjazzcollector.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/waltz-for-debby-compo.jpg
I have been second place bidder on four auctions for it, and I have vowed one day Debby will have the Last Waltz with me. It just could turn out a long wait.
dottore: IMHO the market is thin and one needs good luck to sell at a good price. The recent BLP 1568 went for $ 4600, which is a hefty price. In the case of the McLean Ad Lib album the reserve price was not met, still one cannot say that one is more scarce than the other. They are pretty much in the same league. One is a Blue Note and a Mobley, apparently more “cult” than Ad Lib / McLean. Probably this seller may try his luck again. We will see what happens.
Has anyone listened to both the mono and stereo “Waltz for Debby”? My copy is an Orpheum stereo and sounds nice. Never heard the mono. I find that some Riversides stereo pressing are very nice and am curios what ithers think? I’m less infatuated with Evans than most but still enjoy him.
MIKE: I ONLY HAVE STEREO COPIES OF “WALTZ FOR DEBBIE”. I HAVE STEREO AND MONO COPIES OF SOME MONK ALBUMS ON RIVERSIDE. THEY ARE WELL ENGINEERED AND I KEEP THEM IN MY COLLECTION WITH THE MONO COPIES.
THERE IS AN EXAMPLE WHERE THE STEREO VERSION HAS OTHER TAKES THAN THE MONO ONE, E.G. MONK MEETS MULLIGAN, ANOTHER REASON TO KEEP BOTH.
Thanks for the info Rudolf. I was not aware of the difference in in the Mulligan/Monk. I have the mono, in VG shape and plays with surface noise. I might keep an eye out for a stereo as a replacement instead of a mono so I can have both.
Rudolf, is your keyboard broken again?
The Bill Evans record that somehow has managed to evade me is “Explorations”. I have the rest of the trio sessions picked up from various sources and they’re great records. I bid on Explorations and I always get beat out by a dollar or two at the last minute.. frustrating. I’ll get it someday.
Buddy Collette/Buddys best on dootone wasnt ever issued on colored vinyl, right.
this dexter is a 12”, right?