One element of the ever changing music industry is that the sale of vinyl records has increased and that these audio treasures are still in demand. In our age of digital products and downloads, there are still millions who prefer the sound and experience of vinyl records. In this article, let’s explore how a person can ascertain just how much a particular record is worth.
It is imperative that when buying or selling your records to know what they are worth. I spoke with “Mighty” John Marshall, an experienced seller/appraiser about this dilemma.
In this genre of collectibles, instead of buyer beware (which is true of anything bought or sold), I add the term ‘seller beware’ because it is the seller’s responsibility to know their records are worth.
I also asked John about his thoughts on vinyl and the difference in sound between the CD and vinyl.
“People who grew up with vinyl may be a bit biased, they are more familiar with the format and can relate to it easily. Vinyl also has a fuller sound to it and there is something intimate about dropping a needle on a record,” related John.
Now, who exactly is “Mighty” John Marshall? For those who are not familiar with him, let me provide some background information.
Known as the “King of Collectibles,” John Marshall has been in the vinyl record/collectible industry for more than 30 years and is currently one of the most popular guests on radio shows in the U.S. because of his experience and he helps listeners determine the value of their records. John Marshall started accumulating records in his teens while living across the street from a jukebox distributor. He amassed an impressive collection by not only getting records from the business across the street, but by also contacting jukebox companies on the east coast to send him whatever they didn’t want to him (John said that some overstock was just thrown out in those days). He has bought and sold records for many, many years (although he is not doing so now) at local and national record conventions. John also provides a valuable service at his website www.moneymusic.com.
“I inform people who have no idea of what their records are worth and give them the best estimate that is available at the time. This insures them that they will get a fair price for their records,” explained John. “I also urge people to always under grade and to make an honest representation of what they are selling.”
John’s website www.moneymusic.com, provides online record appraisals. For the most accurate appraisal, John requires you to email him the title of the song/record, the artist, label and the catalog number and he then will determine the market price for a near mint copy. Customers will get their appraisals within 24 hours and the cost is two dollars per record. If your records are worth less than the appraisal fee, there will be no charge. He does not establish values for bootlegs, imports and warns people to be careful of these types of records. Another valuable service incorporated into the website is “Mighty John’s Yellow Pages Of Record Collectors and Dealers” which contains the names, addresses and phone numbers of record collectors and dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With this book you could contact more than one collector or dealer to get the fairest price for any records you may have for sale. It is organized alphabetically by state or province and is available for a reasonable price ($9.95).
In addition to the “Yellow Page Directory,” Mighty John has several valuable tools for the novice collector or established collector as well. I picked up a copy of “From Records To Riches,” a package of two audio CDs that explains everything you should know about the value of records. In these audio CDs, Mighty John discusses some of the little things that can make the same record worth different values (i.e., condition or if the record has its original sleeve etc.), how to spot originals from re-releases and counterfeits, secrets to making the most money with records and much more. I endorse this CD set and if you are serious about your record collecting, this is a “must have” element to not only learn to enjoy your hobby; but if you thinking about going into business as a record dealer.
Also offered on www.moneymusic.com is “Mighty John’s Compilation Price Guide,” a CD that lists the value of more than 10,000 compilation albums and “Mighty John’s Soundtrack Guide” and of course, “Mighty John’s Gold Price Guide,” a CD that lists the values of more than a million records from 1902 to the present (45’s, albums and 78’s) by more than 53,000 recording artists.
Mighty John has also begun to deal in collectible and classic TV shows and memorabilia with his new venture www.themightyjohnchannel.com. The Mighty John Channel is your one-stop resource for your favorite, old-time television and radio shows plus vintage films. These shows entertained us and we fell in love with the characters and the actors who played them. Old time radio show such as Jack Benny, hilarious comedy classics such as Fibber McGee and Red Skelton, videos from classic concerts and movie posters are quickly becoming favorites of the baby-boomer generation. Stop by and look around, it is a delightful look at days gone by!
Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and operates www.collectingvinylrecords.com, where you can pick up a copy of his FREE ebook called “The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting.” You can also have your vinyl records appraised at www.vinylrecordappraisals.com.
