Think you have a record that might be worth something? But is it an original pressing or a reissue, and what does it say on the wash?
Take a look at our helpful guide for first-time vinyl hunters what to be on the look out when picking up your next holy grail on the format.
Take a look at our helpful guide for first-time vinyl hunters what to be on the look out when picking up your next holy grail on the format.
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00:00Ah yes, so you think you've got a valuable vinyl hidden away.
00:04Well, you might be surprised.
00:06From rare pressings to unique etchings, there is an awful lot to look out for.
00:12Which is the reason why I have a, let's say, love-hate relationship with the format.
00:17But in this video, I want to show you some of the key things to spot when checking your
00:21collection.
00:22And if you've seen our story on the most expensive vinyl sold on Discogs, you'll know
00:27just how valuable some records could be.
00:31First and foremost, condition is king or queen.
00:35A pristine record will always be worth more than a damaged one.
00:39Scratches, warps, cover damage, anything that looks like it's a dog's dinner can drastically
00:45reduce a record's value.
00:47Also, pay close attention to first pressings and originals.
00:51Now these are often the most valuable.
00:54Another thing you want to look out for is some indicators like specific label variations
00:58or release dates.
01:00And even subtle differences in the label design, colour or text in the example of Bruce Springsteen's
01:06Born to Run make records extremely valuable.
01:10So keep an eye out for those unique variations.
01:15The run-out groove, sometimes known as the wash, it's that blank space between the last
01:20track on the vinyl and the label, and it holds crucial information.
01:26Matrix numbers and etchings can identify specific pressings and mastering details.
01:32These etchings can tell you where and when the record was made, which is vital for determining
01:37its value.
01:38Learning to decode these tiny markings can unlock the secrets to your vinyl's worth.
01:43Me being a Nirvana fan, a great example would be the sub-pop release of Love Buzz, and what
01:49I had to look out for picking up an original version then.
01:53I mean, there are a ton of reissues, repressings, bootlegs, hey Nirvana fans, bootlegs, of Love
02:00Buzz that was kicking around, but ideally the copy I needed was the one that had on
02:06the Matrix the run-out, etchings, the wash, whatever you want to call it, why don't you
02:11trade those guitars for shovels on the A side, and then on the B side, the Matrix number
02:15SP-23-BL-31540XKDISC.
02:26Promotional copies, or promos as we call it in the business, and test pressings are often
02:30extremely rare and highly sought after.
02:34Now they're usually produced in limited quantities and have unique markings.
02:38Colour vinyl, limited editions and special packaging can also significantly boost a record's
02:44And ironically, mistakes can be valuable.
02:48Misprints or errors in track listings can turn a record into a collector's item.
02:54And of course, use resources like this, scogs.
02:56I mean, if you want to use eBay, that's fine, but please choose the option of what an item
03:01sold for, and not what someone is asking for as a current bid.
03:05There's a world of difference there.
03:08And do your research, compare your prices, it's an invaluable tool for collectors, handle
03:13your records with care.
03:14Proper storage and handling are essential for maintaining their value.
03:19And don't assume, you know what they say about assumptions.
03:22Even common records can have rare variations.
03:25And most importantly, enjoy your collection.
03:28I mean, value isn't everything, right?
03:31Right?