Jazz Vinyl Update For the $1,000 Bin (and More)
Here we go with an update on some of the jazz vinyl we’ve been watching on eBay:
This one inspired quite a bidding war, with nearly 1,000 page views and 32 bids among 17 bidders: Sonny Clark, Cool Struttin’, Blue Note 1588. This was an original pressing. The record was listed as M- and the cover was only VG+. The price was a whopping $3,350.
This one also entered the $1,000 bin (nice picture, huh?): Lee Morgan, Blue Note 1541. This was an original Lexington Avenue pressing that was listed in M- condition for the vinyl and VG+ for the cover. The price was $1,385.
I think prices are starting to come back again to previous levels. Look at this one: Zoot Sims, Zoot, Riverside 228. This was an original white-label pressing. The record was described as excellent, which I translate to VG++ and the cover was probably VG+ with tape on the top seam. The price was $457, which is the highest price we’ve seen for this LP in the Jazz Collector Price Guide.
The 1588 price really brought home to me my own buying strategy. In two years I have bought over one hundred great records on Ebay auctions, that have given me enormous pleasure. Or for the same money I could have bought this one.
I am not faulting the buyer, its his free choice, I hope he gets as much pleasure. (But because I’m nosey I will be watching the feedback)
I worked out how much I had spent on vinyl over the past 12 months (not telling), and it was quite a lot, but not as much as pleasure it has given me.. great way to spend your money if you ask me, although I am strictly a sub $200 buyer..
This seller lists: “I am selling for a friend” and also that he (himself) is also bidding on the stuff! GREAT! It’s always good to read that the seller’s friend could just jump in there w/ a bid or 4 as well as the seller. Awesome! I’m in (NOT!)
So between his friend and him jumpin’ in – are the prices reflective? I would say no. Especially in this economy? NO! Is this legal? ABSOLUTELY NOT! A quick glance at final prices and bid percentages is a sure indication that this was going on! No diggin’ deep and making stretches or wasting valuable time. As a seller of fine vinyl on eBay my face turns red from this type of action and I want to report him but I know it’s just a waste of my time because eBay won’t do anything to him (and their gain.) That’s why I very rarely use auction format type sales. Just grade as well as you can and set good, “attainable resonable” prices. Some pieces have to have over the top prices as I would rather keep it than sell it cheap. BUT if someone wants to offer me a good price on a killer rare record I might just have to get a ri for a spell! But since the seller sets the price there is no shill bids involved and the buyer has agreed to the price. As the seller you just make damned sure you send out what you describe so conservative grading is a must but I’m famous for that! No guessing, I will never tell. Red