Comments on: On Ebay: Lou, Lee, Overseas

By: London Calling

London Calling — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:32:18 +0000

I’m also a recent convert to building a Blue Note collection in this day and age, when deep pockets in Japan and US wipe us off the map.

First, what not to buy: unattributed contemporary reissues. A lot around of cd-to-vinyl transfers which are thin brittle and horrible, and are 1960 facsimile labels and covers (laminated – ha ha) Always described as “mint” (made yesterday)

If you can’t get or afford NYC original pressing, the Jap reissues are marvelous. King by way the best, EMI Toshiba a decade later but all made for the audiophile fanatic collector. Any needle-skates will come from a 2g-weighted arm, not a 50’s radiogram weighted 8gm with a chipped stylus that cuts ice-skates through the groove.

Next best the ’66 – 70+ Liberty reissues. Most are crackers, especially thos with “VAN GELDER” engraved in the lead out.

The Blue Label United Artists pressings from late 70’s are often pretty fine – very listenable and cheap.White B and Black B

Then oh dear, EMI, the 80’s. The first non-DMM’s from Pathe Marconi 1982-4 are actually quite good. Then its all “DMM” down hill: EMI France 1984-6, then Capitol Manhatten US 1986 -ish. They are awful, really unlistenable. Bright, thin, horrible. Do not buy at any price, they will destroy your taste in this wonderful music. I would dig up the EMI executive responsible for DMM and have their relatives them repay their salary.

A few good notes – “Classic” series – great. Blue Note Reissue series – great. Modern 45rpm x2 LP sets.very expensive, but possibly worth it.

Good hunting!

By: Al

Al — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:16:58 +0000

Hi, Marty. I find that the solid blue Blue Notes generally sell in the $20 range or so, depending on the artist and whether they are reprocessed stereo. Some of them may sell for a little more these days, just because people are looking for Blue Note vinyl of all stripes. I’m finding that the blue and white label Liberties are getting more money than before, but the solid blue labels are not in such high demand. These are even later than 2nd or 3rd generation in many cases.

By: Marty Schaffer

Marty Schaffer — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:27:17 +0000

Thanks for your great website and column…
Here are two questions for the wizard:
1. Like a lot of “baby boomers” I have hundreds of Blue Note records that are not 1st pressings. These are the ones with solid blue colored labels. Most of mine are VG+ to M-. What pressings are these likely to be (2nd or 3rd generation?)
2. Can you offer advice on a price range for these LPs on Ebay? I’m thinking of all the “biggies” (Morgan, Blakey, Byrd, Hubbard, et al.
Thanks for your reply.

By: jack

jack — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:43:34 +0000

anytime you don’t buy from Infinity you are making the correct decision! why anyone would buy from astore that reserves its best stuff for EBAY and expects store customers to pay up for reissues and scratched junk is beyond me.