An Old-Fashioned Jazz Vinyl Auction
Remember I had written about my late friend Red Carraro a couple of months ago and how he would compile these long lists of records and send them out for auction all over the world in the days before eBay. Red was among a number of practitioners of this art, which also included Leon Leavitt and Fred Cohen among many others (at least that’s how I recall it). I had thought that eBay had obviated the need for these mailed lists, but apparently I was wrong: The other day I received an email addressed from the intriguing name of Mr. Blue Note with an auction list of 1,460 records that apparently are up for auction but not for auction on eBay. I’m sure Mr. Blue Note will not object to me posting the list here, so
take a look. I’ve also included a PDF of the contact information for Mr. Blue Note in case anyone is interested in bidding. I have no financial interest in this and I don’t know Mr. Blue Note, so I can’t vouch for him personally. I’m just passing it on because I thought someone out there might be interested. Now that I think of it, I imagine some large sellers — perhaps Jazz Record Center — still do these auctions as well as a service to their preferred customers. Yes?
I recognize the list presentation of this seller. Did business with him some 7 years ago. I don’t remember the name. Did not see it on the present list.
Indeed, it is a dying breed.
Others in this vein were Jeff Barr, Raffe Simonian and Bob Setlik.
Fred Cohen and Leon Leavitt have been my main suppliers to fill in the gaps.
I’ve never participated in one of these things, but it looks intriguing. What can you seasoned vets tell us about your experiences? Can we expect to pay eBay prices for these, or do sales like thise present an opportunity to get lucky with a lower bid on an item that nobody else happened to bid on? I don’t see reserve prices here (though the layout of this PDF is troublesome so I might have missed it). Anyway, would appreciate any sage advice.
I used to buy from a guy in Philly who did this. Can’t recall his name off the top. Did mostly 45’s. Was fun in the beginning, then his grading got a little off, then he started commanding eBay prices. I defected. If there’s a phone#, give them a call and feel them out. Ask questions. That’s how I started.
I don’t think you will find top items with this guy. (I am not a buyer and I did not go through it in detail). So no EBay prices either. One never knows how he will proceed if there are extremely low bids: he may as well decide not to sell.
I think it is Armand Lewis. Had an unsatisfactory story with him, along time ago….But after that, bought an LP from him on ebay a couple or years ago, without any problem. Received this old fashioned auction too.
Thanks, gang. Michel, I did some Googleing and indeed this is Armand Lewis’ list.
correct, it is Armand Lewis. Had one experience which was not completely convincing. Really borderline.
A number of people did not know that others were still doing this. This is a good way to keep the records going.
Yes, there aren’t many of these types of auctions left. My experience is that Armand Lewis probably has the best and most consistent auctions going. I’ve gotten many LPs from him over the years and they’ve always been great. His grading is far more accurate than you find on Ebay and his service is prompt and professional.
This is an excellent way to do auctions that you don’t see much anymore. Much better than buying one at a time on ebay and paying lots of mailing costs. Armand Lewis has the best jazz auctions. Very good items and very good service.