More Jazz Records, More Record Prices
Back to perusing rare jazz vinyl on eBay. Last I looked, I had a bunch of items on my watch list from The Jazz Record Center. They’ve had at least two other auctions of rare jazz vinyl since then, so let’s do a fairly comprehensive overview of some of the more interesting and/or expensive items. We’ll start with Miles, the New Miles Davis Quintet, Prestige 7014. This was an original New York yellow label with the green cover. The record was listed in “new condition, with a high luster” and the cover was listed in “extraordinary” condition. Sounds like it was as it was sitting on a record store shelf in 1956. This one sold for $2,155. Is that a new high? Let’s head over to Popsike and . . . yes it is, by a lot, nearly $1,000 more than the previous high. Condition counts. See below.
This one is from the auction that closed this past week: John Jenkins with Kenny Burrell, Blue Note 1573. This was an original West 63rd Street pressing. The record looked to be in M- condition and the cover was listed as “near new condition.” The final price was $2,524. Yes, another record high.
Fred Jackson, Hootin’ ‘N Tootin’, Blue Note 4094. This was an original New York USA pressing. Again, the condition was fairly immaculate, near new and virtually new, with “Review Copy” stamped on the back. This one sold for $1,525, another record high.
Lots of Blue Notes on these lists. Let’s find another label. How about:
Bill Evans Trio, Waltz For Debby, Riverside 399. The record looked to be in new condition, and the cover was probably VG++, based on the pictures. The final price was $1,269.
And Bennie Green with Art Farmer, Prestige 7041. This was an original New York yellow label, with the coated frame cover in “extraordinary” condition. This one sold for $1,830 and I don’t even have to bother to go over to Popsike to know that this is a new record price for this record.
To be continued . . .
Oh, and Happy Record Store Day.
Thank you for this useful résumé. So far there are no comments. I understand. What is there saying? I note with awe these prices obtained by Fred. Of course, he is a top reliable seller, but still it is amazing. I, for one, realise that I started selling too early. On the other hand, Ebay is not a viable means anymore due to their laying in bed with those who claim to “govern” us.
Correction: what is there to say?
Yes Rudolf, what is there to say? Prices for collectible and audiophile releases (oop) are just rising and rising. JRC Fred and Ken has their game going selling on assigment. Obviously finding the right buyers and raising the values of records throughout the planet through ebay and posike. My local vendors take a look and a $50 record is now a $250 records. Good? Bad? Well it’s good that the records are being rescued and taken good care of since they are valuable.
I bought a lot in time 2005-2020 but the fun in collecting “unobtainium” OGs is fading a bit IMO. Maybe because I have limited means. Prices in the future. I’m in my 50s so no need to start selling just yet. Still wants to listen a lot more to those precious record. Anyway I think we will have a backlash in general vinyl interest quite soon. The reissues are getting to expensive and people are discovering that CD’s were not really that bad and still can be had for very little money. Of course I’m speaking in general terms. There will always be a market for rare and collectable jazz LP’s. It does not have to be that many players to keep the market up.
Truly, Rudolf and Anders, what really is there to say?! Should I add a remark that I am glad I stopped collecting records because I would be priced out now? Should I say I too, as Rudolf, regret selling earlier, as $100.00 records I sold back then then are getting ten times that now? Oh for such funds now in my retirement. Shall I say I am amazed that what we once considered re-issues are as valued, in economic manner, as originals?
JRC and others commanding such prices offer quality items. Yet brief perusal of eBay and such sites show many sellers, seeking such monetary rewards, offering items in, shall we say, conditions that once were found in dollar bins.
These are most unusual days.