Andy Warhol Jazz Covers Keep Rising, But . . .
Other than the Andy Warhol covers, which seem to be going out of sight, I’m sensing some softness in the market these days. Not sure if it’s because of what’s going on in Japan or just the usual ebbs and flows of prices, often dependent upon who is on eBay and who is not on eBay. In any case, let’s start with the Warhols. I’ve never seen this one at this price: Count Basie, RCA 1112. This is in VG++ to M- condition for the record, but only VG for the cover. Still, it is already close to $350 with several hours to go. This one looks quite familiar: Conte Candoli, Cool Gabriels, Groove 1003. Methinks this belongs, for now, to Rudolf, correct? If so, I think it will finally sell. There are five days left on the auction and it is already more than $1,000.
So why am I mentioning potential softness in the market? Here are a few examples, perhaps not a trend, but examples nonetheless. Jackie McLean, Swing, Swang, Swingin’, Blue Note 4024. This is an original West 63rd deep groove pressing in M-/VG++ condition for the record and M- for the cover. Hard to find this record is such nice shape and it has sold for more than $1,000 previously in the Jazz Collector Price Guide. This one has a start bid of $300, it closes tomorrow, and there are no bidders. Hmmm. I can use an upgraded copy for my collection. Or perhaps there are many snipers lurking in the weeds for this.
Here’s another I’d expect to have more action: Sonny Rollins, Tenor Madness, Prestige 7047. This is an original New York pressing and, musically, does it really get any better than this, Sonny and Trane together? This one is VG+ for the record and VG for the cover and is in the range of $125 closing later today. Even this one, in not such great shape, would normally be getting more action: Jutta Hipp, At the Hickory House Volume 1, Blue Note 1515. This is an original Lexington Avenue, flat edge, deep groove, kakubushi cover. The record is VG and the cover is VG minus. It is still under $100 and closing tomorrow.
Al: your assumption is correct.
there are at least two bidders over 2,000 for a recent VG copy.
if our Master won’t reach the world record for his cool gabriels,we’ll assume there is no more religion in vinyl buying.
dottore: basically your are right, but the guys who won at those prices are not there anymore. It is all a question to be there at the right moment. The market is thin and people act on the spur of the moment. Sellers need faith, and lots of good chance, to sell well.
I’ve noticed a real softening too (even felt in the middle-of the road stuff I typically buy and sell), and I think a lot of it is because of the Japan tragedy. I usually list about 25 records at a time, and typically 6-8 of those go to Japan. In my last round, just one (1) lone record went to that country. Not to mention that overall prices were flat too.
It seems clear the situation of that the Japanese collectors is not for to buy many records.
right Rudolf,but I meant 2 bidders that offered over 2,000 but lost (see all bids).
seems logical they get their chance on a far better copy.
so I hope for you.
dottore, that is true, those guys who were outbid, whilst offering 2K+, logically should be interested, but always provided they are still there. It is a chance game. They may be travelling, or have changed their ideas/priorities.
I confirm the general trend of overall weakening.
right Rudolf,but I meant there were 2 bidders on the last, offering over 2,000,that lost.
this is a chance to get a far better copy.
sorry for doubling:connection problems
That’s ok,dottor-it was much clearer the second time around!(lol)
ok, if you are trying to sell a record for 1,000+ take a decent picture. Right? That Jackie Mclean record didn’t show the whole cover AND was clearly not what I would call NM-. Spotting all over the back slick? Nah, still cheap though!
Al, did you win the Jackie? Pretty nice pressing price even if the grade was exaggerated. Mines VG+ for the records with a beautiful cover. I could have matched them but I figure I would go for a good bit more.