For the Price Guide: Mingus, Bags, Rare Savoy

Here are some new records for the Jazz Collector Price Guide:

When did this one become a collectible that would fetch a price tag of nearly $200: Charles Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Impulse 54. This was an orange label stereo pressing in M- condition. It sold for $178.05. Quite a nice price for this LP, right? I have a stereo copy in my collection also in M- condition, beautiful. If anyone wants it for $175, just send me a note and I will sell it to you.

I almost bid on this one and now kind of regret that I didn’t: Milt Jackson and the Thelonious Monk Quintet, Blue Note 1509. This one was an original Lexington Avenue pressing and it looked to be in VG+ condition for both the record and the cover, although the seller could have been a bit more forthcoming with the grading. It sold for a little more than $100, and

I would have liked it since this is one of the few gaps in my collection of 12-inch Lexington Avenue Blue Notes.

This is a record I have not seen very often: Bill Hardman Quintet, Saying Something, Savoy 12170. This is a pretty late Savoy release but it seems to have the deep red label, based on the picture. This one was in M- condition and sold for about $174.

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12 comments

  • I think prices for Impulse releases are up accross the board. Label history book was published a few years ago, they have lately been the subject of premium reissues and people are looking for more “affordable” jazz vinyl to collect. Just my observations.

  • Are you sure you want to part with this record, Al ? This one of the best Mingus ever, IMO. My favourite, for sure. Extraordinary rendition of “Good Bye Pork Pie Hat” with fantabulous solo work by Booker Ervin. Its a milestone, a must have !!!

  • Michel — I think you’re right. Am I getting greedy or what? I guess I never expected to see this record at that price. Nobody’s taking me up on my offer, so I’m safe for now.

  • Al: withdraw your offer right now. This is an order! I would be very sorry to see you lose this album stupidly.
    I had read your posting superficially and thought you did away with your stereo version, but keeping the mono.
    Whether this is the best Mingus I don’t know. I just had a discussion during several days with a friend on the subject and we concluded after listening to them all:
    the absolute top, the 2 Columbia albums, then, ex aequo, the 2 Candids and the 2 Impulses.

  • OK. The offer is officially withdrawn. Thank you Rudolf and Michel for saving me from my impulsiveness.

  • Aren’t there 3 impulses?

  • bethellodge: I don’t think so.

  • Correction: Bethellodge, you are absolutely right, there is the Mingus piano solo album on Impulse, which, I must shamefully admit, is yet to be played by me for the first time.

  • Yes —
    The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, Impulse 35
    Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Impulse 54
    Mingus Plays Piano, Impulse 60

  • Have to say I was slightly tempted by your offer Al, however I’ve just picked up an original VG+ copy for $40 to replace my crappy UK Jasmine press. Top price on popsike is $283, though next price down is $146 & plenty of mono copies below that in M- condition.
    ebay prices can be a pain & a pleasure, whether buying or selling.
    I did just score an original NM copy of Donald Byrd’s Royal Flush (4101) for $63 which was a real pleasure!

  • While we’re on the subject of Impulse, does anyone have any info about the pressings with ‘Bell Sound’ (instead of Van Gelder) in the run-out?

  • I have a stereo copy of Impulse 30 Ellington/Coltrane with a Bell Sound side 1 and a Van Gelder side 2, and while both sides are excellent, there is something appealing about the upper-mid boost on the Bell Sound side. Although the collector in me still wants a double sided Van Gelder.

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