Three Tenors
So many records, so little time. Here are some of the jazz vinyl auctions we are watching on eBay:
Rocky Boyd Quintet, Ease It, Jazztime 001. This is an original pressing listed in M- condition for both the record and the cover. It features Kenny Dorham on trumpet and we’ve seen a copy sell for nearly $700 in the Jazz Collector Price Guide. This one is at about $330 with a day and a half left on the bidding.
The seller vinylrealist is back with some nice items, including: Hank Mobley, Mobley’s Message, Prestige 7061. This is an original pressing in VG++ condition for the record ad M- for the cover. Seller took some very nice pictures, which always helps the listings. This one has a start price of about $900 and a buy-it-now price of about $1,200. So far there are no takers at either price. Did anyone notice that this seller commented on Jazz Collector recently to explain his pricing strategy? I was surprised no one commented.
Here’s another beauty:
Sonny Rollins Plus Four, Prestige 7038. This looks to be an original pressing with the original cover, in M- condition for both the record and the cover. I assume it is the frame cover, or kakubushi, but I would pose the question to the seller if I were bidding, just to make sure. I’m not bidding, though. I already have a beautiful copy of this record.
I read vinylrealist’s explanation for his high prices; missed it the first time around. He basically says he does’t like low starting prices because he fears the album will sell much below his estimated worth. What he seems to forget is the Reserve, which is designed specifically for those fears.
Right – his explanation was sensible, but it missed the main point of the criticism, which is that any buyer would pay the prices asked. Thus, not really worth commenting on. But good luck and good wishes to him if he can get those prices.
He does have some nice records, no doubt. That copy of “Winchester Special” is a treat.
Reserves cost at least $2 per item, and if the reserve is $900 for example, then you’ll be paying $9 to set that reserve price – and you’ll pay that even if your item doesn’t sell.
On the other hand, listing is free no matter what the starting price.
As for Joe’s point, I am getting the prices I’m asking on many of my records. Others don’t sell at first – but I’m lowering the starting prices on those over time.
All of my pricing is based on past sales records on popsike, etc. Yes, I’m shooting for the high end, but not unreasonably considering the fresh condition of some of these.
And as I said before, I will be at the WFMU show in NYC in a few weeks and hope to see some of you there.
I have Mobleys Message & Plus 4 both on Esquire I know Plus 4 has the original cover design, does Mobleys Message Esquire version have the original cover design or a UK version?
I decided to monitor 23 of vinylrealists recent listings which interested me – 3 of them (Adderly Lighthouse, Konitz New Sounds & Chet Pretty Groovy)sold – all for under $60 and all in my opinion very fairly priced – the other 20 failed to sell and, as I understand it, will have to be re-listed. It is unclear how many times the seller will need to re-list to obtain the sought optimum price; it is also unclear that,when that price is realized, it will turn out to be higher or lower than had it been auctioned (low starting price and reserve)in the first place. But it seems doubtful to me that the work involved and the result achieved warrants the avoidance of the rather small reserve-listing fee. Of sourse no one can tell the seller how to go about his/her business.
Reserve fees are $2 for anything under $200 and 1% for anything over. That may not seem like much but believe me they add up. Especially if your item doesn’t sell the first time – then you’ll be paying the reserve fee again.
Re-listing is very easy as ebay keeps track of your unsold items – just a couple clicks and it’s also easy to adjust price or any other aspect.
The Rocky Boyd entered the $1,000 bin. I think it has done so before – and often it seems like a record that is pretty trashed – but still, a lot of bread for a session that while obscure is fairly mediocre.
Amen to the mediocre. Those “rare” labels of JazzLine and JazzTime are tantalizing in their “rareness” yet often disappointing in their musicality.
A thousand buckarooskis!?!?!?!?!
SHEEEEEETTTT, what can I get for a VG copy?
More and more I am moving toward Vintage Japanese reissues or other Current reissues. Cross comparing on may has left wondering if I have been barking up the wrong tree all along. Those European vintage pseudo-original issues are looking more and more tantalizing.