Selling your collection?

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The value of vinyl records is influenced by several factors, including rarity, condition, historical significance, and demand from collectors and enthusiasts. 

Some genres tend to be more valuable on vinyl due to their popularity among collectors and the scarcity of certain editions. 

Here are a few genres that are often considered valuable on vinyl:

• Classic Rock: Vinyl records from iconic rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s, such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones, can be highly sought after and valuable.

• Jazz: Original pressings of jazz classics by artists like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk are highly prized by collectors.

• Blues: Vintage blues records, especially those from influential artists like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, can command high prices.

• Punk and Post-Punk: Early punk and post-punk records from bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Joy Division, and The Smiths are often in demand among collectors.

• Soul and Motown: Vinyl records from legendary soul and Motown artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder can be valuable, especially if they are original pressings.

• Reggae: Rare reggae records from artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Lee "Scratch" Perry are highly sought after by collectors.

• Folk and Singer-Songwriter: Vinyl releases from influential folk and singer-songwriter artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen can have significant value.

• Progressive Rock: Albums from progressive rock bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson can be valuable, particularly if they are early or limited editions.

It's important to note that the value of vinyl records can vary widely, and even within these genres, specific albums or editions can be more valuable than others. 

 Grading vinyl records is essential for collectors and buyers as it helps determine the condition and value of the record. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grade your vinyl records:

Inspect the Vinyl Record:

• Hold the record under a bright light and inspect it for any visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. Check both sides of the vinyl.
• Look for any warping, which can affect the playability of the record.

Check for Surface Noise:

• Play the record and listen for surface noise, pops, clicks, and crackles. These can impact the listening experience and overall grade.

Examine the Record Label:

• Look at the centre label on both sides of the vinyl. Ensure there are no significant signs of wear, tears, or writing.

Inspect the Record Cover (Sleeve):

• Check the condition of the cover, including the front and back. Look for any ring wear, seam splits, corner dings, writing, or stickers.

Be Honest and Accurate:

• When grading your vinyl, be honest and accurate in your assessment. Mention any significant defects and describe the condition as objectively as possible.

Use Additional Notes:

• If there are specific details or unique characteristics not captured in the grading system, include additional notes to provide a comprehensive description of the record's condition.

Remember, grading vinyl records is subjective to some extent, so different sellers or collectors may have slight variations in their assessments. Consistency and transparency are key when grading records for sale or trade.

Selling a vinyl collection from a recently deceased relative can be a sensitive and emotional task. Here are some steps and considerations to help you handle the process with care:

• Take Your Time: Dealing with the belongings of a deceased loved one can be overwhelming. Take the time you need to grieve and process your emotions before you start sorting through the collection.

• Respect Their Wishes: If your relative left specific instructions or wishes regarding their vinyl collection in their will or estate plan, make sure to honour them.

• Assess the Collection: Take an inventory of the vinyl collection to get an overview of what's in it. Separate the vinyl records from the covers (sleeves) to assess their condition individually.

• Understand the Value: If you are not familiar with vinyl records and their value, consider getting the collection appraised by a knowledgeable professional or consulting with vinyl collectors or dealers to get an idea of its potential worth. 

Remember, it's okay to take your time with this process, and it's essential to approach it with sensitivity and care. The vinyl collection may hold sentimental value for you and others, so consider the memories and emotions involved as you go through this journey.

Slow Century Records would be more than happy to guide you through this process so please get in touch if we can assist.

Please be reassured that all records bought by us finally make their way to other collectors who will cherish the records as much as they were cherished before.
 

 The value of any collection will be determined by multiple factors including the condition and quality of your collection as well as the rarity, the artists, and the demand for the records.

It can take hours of your time to assess the value of a  reasonably sized collection. You will also need to understand, what can be, a complicated  grading system and decide how you are going to sell the records.

Instead, why not let us give you a valuation and make an offer for your collection?

We can travel to view your collection, give a valuation based on the quality and content of your collection and our years of experience means that you will receive a fair offer based on the most up to date information. 

We are based in the West Midlands and have the ability to travel almost anywhere in the UK. 

Contact us to arrange a no obligation visit.

We will look through your collection, give you a truthful and fair evaluation, look to agree a price (without any hard sell), make the payment, and take the collection away. 

The whole process is straight forward and stress free. We understand that selling your collection can be a difficult decision. You are likely to have many fond memories wrapped up in those records, or you may have recently lost a loved one and want to clear a collection as part of the estate. 

Rest assured that your collection will be in the hands of someone who will care and look after it.

We understand that selling your collection is not  an easy decision.

Click on our FAQ's page for some help.