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.
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 The offer is officially withdrawn.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.