Learn About Vinyl

What is my record collection worth?

A collection is usually worth far less than the total of the prices you see online, and far more than a yard-sale price. Buyers look at three things: which records are in demand, which are original pressings, and what condition they are in.

A handful of in-demand originals often make up most of the value. Common titles in average condition usually sell for a few dollars or less each.

How to identify a first pressing

A first pressing is a copy from the first production run of a record. Clues include the label design used at the time of release, the catalog number, the label address, and the matrix number etched in the runout.

Reissues often have barcodes, newer label designs, or different company addresses on the back cover. When in doubt, send photos and we will identify it.

Vinyl grading, explained

Collectors grade records on the Goldmine scale: Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, Very Good, Good and Poor. Covers are graded separately.

Condition has a large effect on value. A VG copy of a record often sells for a quarter to a third of a near-mint copy.

Record labels collectors look for

Some labels are especially collectible in original pressings, for example Blue Note, Prestige and Impulse! for jazz, and many small soul, funk and punk labels.

Label alone is not enough: the same album can be worth $5 or $500 depending on the pressing and condition.

Reading runout etchings

The runout is the smooth band between the last song and the label. The letters and numbers etched there identify the pressing plant, the lacquer cut and sometimes the engineer.

To photograph it, tilt the record toward a lamp until the etching catches the light.

Mono vs. stereo pressings

In the 1950s and '60s, many albums were released in both mono and stereo. For some titles, the original mono pressing is the more valuable version.

Look for "Mono" or "Stereo" on the cover and label, and check the catalog number, which often differs.

Storing records properly

Store records upright, never stacked flat, in a cool, dry room. Heat warps vinyl and damp causes mold on covers.

Basements, attics and garages are the most common places we see damaged collections.

How to photograph records for an appraisal

Good photos let us value your records without seeing them. Take a wide shot of the shelves, then close-ups of covers, labels and runout etchings of your best records.

Use daylight or a bright lamp and avoid flash glare on glossy covers.

Selling to a buyer vs. listing yourself

Selling records one at a time online usually brings the highest price per record, but it takes a lot of time: cleaning, grading, photographing, listing, packing and waiting.

Selling the whole collection to a buyer means one payment and no work. Consignment sits in between.