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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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terry9
2,354 posts
 
Sealed is the only way to ensure that a record is in good condition. I have bought SO many records from 'reliable' sources, which look mint, but only play VG.

That said, occasionally it's been the other way: look only VG but play mint. But that only happens with ultrasonic cleaning, another story.

avdesigns
29 posts
 
I've been collecting albums since mum purchased Neil Diamond's Moods (1972) when I was 6 years old and we didn't even own a turntable as yet, and somehow it's escaped me all these years that some folks actually buy records to not play them?! This is not a reasonable line of logic that I can follow. I still own and I still spin that very first album, and oh what joy it brings! It's unimaginable to me that someone would intentionally deny themself such magic. For the "record" I also own multiple copies of some albums, like John Lennon - Imagine, Elton John - Captain Fantastic, The Who - Who's Next, and various Bob Marley albums (originals new & used, reissues and 180gm pressings) and I always open and play them all. In my mind no musical experience (other than a live performance) could ever substitute for the sound of a diamond needle on clean vinyl. Why deny yourself this experience?
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,525 posts
 
"Sealed" would seem to imply perfect. Not always the case.

I'd much rather buy a lp I wanted from a trusted seller who has cleaned and played a lp I wanted rather than buying the same lp sealed.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 

"Sealed" would seem to imply perfect. Not always the case.

I’d much rather buy a lp I wanted from a trusted seller who has cleaned and played a lp I wanted rather than buying the same lp sealed.

I agree. For example you cannot see the stamper no. on RCA Living Stereo or Mercury Living Presence LPs. Nor can you always tell whether the record is original or a reissue. Nor can you tell if the LP is warped.
renorn
1 posts
 
I agree completely with geoffkait.  I purchased one of the new pressings of Sgt. Pepper just after they were released, new 180 gram vinyl, and found that the album was actually cone shaped with the center rising up with side 2 playing, and a bowl shape when playing side 1.  Quality control being what it is, even with the most scrupulous inspection, a sealed album is no guarantee of perfection.
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