Really old albums...

[kimwim8]

On Saturday I went to help my grandmother clean out an old storage unit she's been renting for probably 10 years. She had a lot of holiday decorations in there, but she also has a LOT of albums (records). I'd say there are at least 100 of them. There are old Frank Sinatra and some italian singers....I didn't look at all of them.

What do I do with them? I'm thinking there must be collectors out there somewhere that might want them, right? I haven't sold anything on ebay before, but I guess that's an option too. I just would have no idea how much they are worth.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!

Thanks!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

If you are interested in selling them, there are about a dozen books available that provide information on the value of old albums. You can find these on Amazon or other book web sites. It will take some research to determine the value of each album, but it could pay off if you have some in very good condition that are desirable. At least with the book(s), you'd have a solid starting point to auction them on eBay.

 

[eclectics]

I've been buying and selling for years. With regards to LP record albums, usually the only ones with any value (over a couple of dollars) are early Rock, especially Elvis and The Beatles, early Jazz and R&B, especially Black artists, and certain old Cowboy Country albums. The Classical, Sinatra, Belafonte, Mario Lanza, Opera, etc. that most people seem to have, are generally worthless. 45's with Picture Sleeves are another winner. Some 78's are okay. There are several price guide books for records. I'm sure your library has one or you can try a book store that has a sofa to sit on, if you don't want to buy the book. Good luck!

 

[chell]

You may also want to look for someone who is converting them to CD. My dad is doing that right now.

 

[mickeysgal]

I've been buying and selling for years. With regards to LP record albums, usually the only ones with any value (over a couple of dollars) are early Rock, especially Elvis and The Beatles, early Jazz and R&B, especially Black artists, and certain old Cowboy Country albums. The Classical, Sinatra, Belafonte, Mario Lanza, Opera, etc. that most people seem to have, are generally worthless. 45's with Picture Sleeves are another winner. Some 78's are okay. There are several price guide books for records. I'm sure your library has one or you can try a book store that has a sofa to sit on, if you don't want to buy the book. Good luck!

From what I understand, in order to rate their condition, don't you have to play them to hear how many hisses and pops you hear? What if you don't have a record player anymore? I'm in the same boat as the OP...I have a box of old 78s from my grandparents and I don't want to just toss them if there is some value.

 

[eclectics]

From what I understand, in order to rate their condition, don't you have to play them to hear how many hisses and pops you hear? What if you don't have a record player anymore? I'm in the same boat as the OP...I have a box of old 78s from my grandparents and I don't want to just toss them if there is some value.

Some general light scratching and play wear is acceptable to most LP buyers. Any deep gouges etc. can be seen without playing them. 78's are usually in worse shape generally and as long as there are no deep gouges or chips, they are okay most of the time (considering the old Victrolas basically used a small nail as a needle!) I just describe them to the best of my ability and offer a refund if the buyer is not satisfied. I've never had a problem. Most buyers don't expect you to professionally grade them.

 

[kimwim8]

Thanks for the info! Looks like it's not a quick fix. For now I'll get all the albums & store them at my house.

Thanks again!

 

[eclectics]

Forgot to mention that most price guides, in general, are not realistic, records included. If they state a record is worth $8-10, you can expect to get $2-3. In general, half of book price is a good place to start. A $50 record usually sees $20 etc. There are exceptions of course.