Comments on: Vinyl Collectibles, Collectible Prices

By: Mattyman

Mattyman — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 19:18:32 +0000

@Joseph: “Can people live with VG/VG+ copies of some of these big ticket/heavy hitter LPs?”
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Most definitely 🙂
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I, too, will go with lower grades and be happy with them. And then still I own copies that, despite their ‘lower grade’ are in fabulous condition and sound great.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 07:01:22 +0000

Exactly , No apologies needed alwaysanalog. I, like most, like high grade LP’s but in not having deep pockets or the willingness to drop that type of coin, I will go with lower grades and be happy with them. Just to own some of these records in lower grade should make most people happy if they are (sound) and (playable) condition.

My previous question, I guess, is a basic one at heart. Can people live with VG/VG+ copies of some of these Big ticket /Heavy Hitter LP’s ?

Peace

By: DaveS

DaveS — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:57:42 +0000

No apologies needed alwaysanalog. Thanks for clarifying. I’m a closeted audiophile myself. Unfortunately the intersection of audiophila and NM original BlueNote acquisition is a space I can’t afford to occupy financially (especially if I want to stay married).

You are also right about the filler copy comment. I have a slew of VG+/VG collectible records that I bought over the years for $25, many ended up being multiple copies of the same record. I do wish I could combine the multiple copies and just have 1 nice copy of each. That would of course probably require I sell on eBay and just lack the time and patience for it at this stage.

By: alwaysanalog

alwaysanalog — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 19:21:26 +0000

Apologies, my post should have been more clear. My definition of archival quality I suppose is near mint. An LP that has been played very few times and doesn’t exhibit audible signs of being played on a prior turntable that would have diminished its fidelity. I buy these albums primarily to listen to, but I’m that dirty word, an audiophile, at the end of the day so excessive surface noise, groove damage, etc drive me crazy.

For jackets I am happy with VG+ (true Goldmine description). My comment was more about that Mobley 1568 which is unacceptable for me. The Miles Davis jacket is definitely keeper condition for me.

Joseph I’m sorry, these sort of discussions interest me as well. I have been busy the last couple of months and missed your question.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 16:16:10 +0000

Valid point, Dave.

I would suggest that the pursuit of archival quality LPs is based on:

1. Pursuit of the highest sonic quality
2. Pride of ownership in having the best possible quality

Of course, I get your point that a visually excellent vinyl surface can have below average sonic quality, based on manufacturing variation during pressing and the history of its play (due to heavy stylus tracking force, misaligned cartridge, mediocre quality stylus, careful but excessive plays, etc.).

The thrill is in the hunt as well, and if a gem is acquired, then the chase continues for the next title.

By the way, I have many less-than-archival quality LPs that I do play and greatly enjoy, and even the few very best quality titles I am fortunate to own are played as well. Why not?

All of us want to enjoy our collections, but it is a nice feeling knowing that collectibility and resale value are included, if not guaranteed.

I guess we are all “jazz collectors.” 🙂

By: DaveS

DaveS — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 15:36:25 +0000

Some of this dialog begs the question: Why would someone buy an “archival” quality record when the mere fact of having it shipped and certainly played even if only once, lowers the grade by your own definition?

Are these folks purchasing only for collectibility and resale? If so, I kind of get that, but how does one even verify the quality of the pressing without playing it? I have played wonderful looking pressings that have significant noise and less attractive ones play fine.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 14:56:46 +0000

The question is … if we all agree as collectors to discard “mint” as a condition grade (NM+ would suffice maybe?), then wouldn’t it be reasonable to reserve NM (and NM+) for truly archive quality LPs? This would essentially be an “as new, as purchased in store” grade, without wear, allowing for a very minor corner bump or two (which can certainly have happened during consumer handling in the store) and some age toning (which can happen due to the chemistry of the acidic paper stocks used). I would agree with Clifford. “From the pressing plant” condition means just that … as new. When we start to allow subjective variance around a particular grade, then that’s where the confusion begins. I once saw an eBay listing where the seller indicated “NM vinyl except for several scuffs and a some minor scratches, a few pops and surface noise here and there.” How would any buyer interpret that? Best to buy then from sellers that allow returns after you’ve had a chance to look at the cover and spin the LP.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 05:25:21 +0000

Hmmmmm, I wrote a question to everyone on this very topic not to long ago and did not hear back from many people but “Mattyman” , I am in your camp for sure.

By: daryl

daryl — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 01:47:59 +0000

Though just four posts, I found them to be of great insight as I seek to better understand the continuum of buyers, even as I find my own place in it. Thanks for the personal info on preferences and collecting, JC tribe.

By: alwaysanalog

alwaysanalog — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 20:06:01 +0000

From now on I can’t be bothered with anything less than archival quality. Too many Blue Notes that play with surface noise, tics, pops and groove distortion for my taste. Take with a grain of salt since I’m 30 and have plenty of time to acquire these. The cost of 5 filler copies might be the price of one keeper.