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The value of of the sealed record.

Like many collectors, I own and collect a number of sealed LP's. However, after my latest acquisition, I got to thinking that perhaps owning a sealed LP isn't that great an idea. Why do we buy sealed LP's?? Well, I guess most of us like the idea that nobody has played the piece before. Unfortunately, I suspect that like many other collectors and music lovers, we leave the piece in question- still sealed. For what reason??? Is it that we are expecting the next collector to value it more highly, therefore using it as an investment vehicle. I think this is a factor is many instances. Problem is, at what point does the sealed LP actually get opened? Do we open it and enjoy the music, do we open it and find the vinyl inside is actually damaged? Do we open it only on special occasions? Are we actually fooling ourselves thinking the sealed LP is in Mint condition?  What is the value of the sealed record to you?

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hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
+1 reubent  Me thinks most financial wizards would not recommend collecting unopened vinyl as an investment vehicle.  Open the damn things and revel in the music while you're still here to enjoy them!!!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
As a collector, I understand why some would want to own a sealed copy of a rare album. But there are risks when leaving a record sealed with shrink wrap, such as warping due to a hot environment.
I’ve been burned too often when buying a vintage sealed LP, only to discover a mint condition copy that has warped due to poor storage of the tightly wrapped album. That’s why many collectors will put slit with a razor down the opening of the album.

With 180 gram now being the standard release, I doubt that vinyl can warp due to poor storage. I worry more about the warping and defects coming from the new pressing plants.


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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
Several years ago, I visited the Mobile Fidelity retail store in Sebastopol, CA (now long gone) and bought several albums right out of the display bins for $13.99 each. I kept them sealed for about twenty five years, and recently sold them to a record store owner for $50 each. So, I guess they were a relatively good investment after all. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
I've known quite a few people who had multiple copies of favorite albums, one opened for playing and one (or more) left sealed for down the road. When I started hitting all the small mom 'n' pop drug stores in the late 60's looking for monaural versions of Kinks and Beach Boys albums, I had lots of sealed LP's. Over the years I have traded or sold all my duplicates, space being at a premium now.
dover
2,243 posts
 
Several years ago, I visited the Mobile Fidelity retail store in Sebastopol, CA (now long gone) and bought several albums right out of the display bins for $13.99 each. I kept them sealed for about twenty five years, and recently sold them to a record store owner for $50 each. So, I guess they were a relatively good investment after all.
Thats a return of about 5% per annum. If you include the cost of purchase and disposal ( time, postage, petrol etc ) you almost certainly lost money.

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