78s Anyone?
Does anyone out there collect 78s? I mention this because, over the past several weeks several people have gotten in touch with me with 78s to sell and I’m not sure what kind of market there is for them. I’ll pass along some of the information and we’ll see what happens. The most interesting of the items is the Norman Granz project called The Jazz Scene, which is a packaged set signed and numbered by Norman Granz. The owner of this item described it as being in mint, immaculate, unplayed condition. It is number 2747 of a series of 5,000 copies. We’ve seen this sell for a lot of money on eBay, but it’s not something we’ve tracked in the Jazz Collector Price Guide. The following is a description of the item from the seller:
“I’d like to get this info on a Jazz site where Jazz aficionados and collectors can see it but also where a Jazz memorabilia collector can possibly provide me a reasonable value. My ultimate goal is to sell this piece of Jazz history.All photographs in the binder are by Gjon Mili except that of Ralph Burns which is by Harold Trudeau. Paul Nodler photographed Bud Powell and Max Roach. Original drawing is by David Stone Martin. Label design and front cover lettering by George Maas.Again, this is 2747 of 5000 copies of “The Jazz Scene” that was produced by Norman Granz of Mercury Records in 1949. Norman Granz original signature is on the title page.The sides include:Duke Ellington with Harry Carney as soloist on “Sono” Mercury 2077.Duke Ellington solist Harry Carney on “Frustration” Mercury 2078.Neal Hefti w/ Charlie Parker on “Repetition” Mercury 2071.Neal Hefti “Rhumbacito” Mercury 2072.Lester Young with soloists Lester young, Aye Guy, Buddy Rich “I Want to be Happy”. Mercury 2198.Coleman Hawkins “Picasso” Mercury 2073Ralph Burns soloists Bill Harris, , Herbie Stweard, Sonny Berman “Introspection” Mercury 2075.George Handy soloists Bill Harris, Herbie Steward Mercury 2076Charlie Parker soloists Charlie Parker, Hank Jones, Ray Brown “The Bird Mercury 2081.Bud Powell “Cherokee” Mercury 2199Machito soloists Flip Phillips, Eugene Williams “Tanga” Mercury 2172Additional photos of Louis Armstrong & Roy Eldridge, Lester yound and Dickie Wells, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson & Benny Goodman, Stan KentonHarry Edison & Illinois Jacquet, Oscar Pettiford, Mary Lou Williams, Count Basie, Art Tatum, Sara Vaughan, Jons Simmons, Billy Holiday, Charlie Parker.”I asked the owner how much she is looking for and she mentioned $1,000. If you’re interested you can contact me directly and I’ll put you in touch with her. That’s al@jazzcollector.com.Here are some more pictures she sent:
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I just heard back from the woman selling this item, and her expectations for price have declined. She now says $500 would get the item. If anyone is interested, at any price, contact me. Thanks. — al
I inherited a bunch of early jazz 78’s about a year and a half ago. Some really neat stuff and great packaging. Im not a big fan of the early jazz stuff, nor do I have a 78 player so if anyone is interested Im more than happy to send a list. Maybe do some trading or something.
I, too, recently inherited a large collection of jazz 78’s. Some go back to the early 40’s. All are either in mint condition or nearly so. Have not had a chance to make a list, but will do so if requested. Most records
are in the “Big Band” era.
e-mail at: ginnys@centurytel.net.
…. please this is somewhat frustrating and tho i have no turntable still ~ i acquired several dozen 78’s recently and have yet to even place a value dollar-wise on most. one very curious artist unfound is ozzie nelson band not to mention turk murphey’s jazz band and saunders king and the firehouse five plus two and lastly – lu watter’s yerba buena jazz band – i figure these may be fairly square jazz for this high~powered site tho hey ? are there so many releases not found to be recorded as to fact and value ? thanks – well happy listening – henry
I have the Jazz scene # 3611, any takers? The records are in mint condition
I have the Jazz Scene #4700 from the 5000 copy collection –
Would like to sell and would like to know value?
Thanks,
Laurie
i have #2490. anyone have any luck finding a buyer or an auction house or collector?
thanks
jb
Interested. Is set still available and in what condition? Thank you for any updates.
I have copy #2091 of Norman Granz circa 1945 “The Jazz Scene” 78’s in unplayed condition. 78’s and photos are complete and in pristine condition. $750
I just unpacked hundreds of my records that have been in storage for a number of years. Found a copy #1189 of The Jazz Scene. Please post if interested.
Just bought The Jazz Scene set of 6, 12 inch 78 rpm records for $20.00 they are just about mint ….didnt get the photos or the autographed binder with them however. A little word to the wise about 78 rpm, I have been collecting, buying, selling, and trading for 30+ years. You will be sorely disappointed if you try and use ebay as a price guide. Just because something is listed on ebay doesnt mean that what it is listed for is its actual worth. Many ebay sellers have no clue as to what the actual worth of their records are. Google 78 rpm auctions and contact an auctioneer such as Naucks vintage records or any other reputable auction house specializing in 78’s. Ebay sellers ( with some exceptions ) do not know how to grade 78 rpm records for condition….etc etc
I have #2513 if anyone is making offers.
I found a copy of this item in the crawl space in the home I purchased. It’s # 1795 and in fair condition.
Looking for this as a gift for my husband. Complete sets only.
I have copy 1909 selections from which I have played over the years since I brought it 50 years ago. Collecting is good. Listening has been better. Played some of the cuts on my balcony in Spain back in the 70″s around folks like Dizzy Gillespie, Jose Greco and Miles Davis during parties as a DJ. Passing all of my platters to my grand kids as they start to dig it. They are just as wet behind the ears as I was then.
I have signed #1017. The cover is a bit rough, but the albums and pages inside are pristine. Jazz isn’t really my thing, but the albums sound great.