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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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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.
goose
701 posts
 
The only ones I have sealed are my multiple copies of Sgt. Pepper Mobile Fidelity UHQR's.  One is opened the other three are not.
dimora's avatar
dimora
61 posts
 
Even a sealed LP can be junk inside...I have opened some to find the spindle hole punched off-center and other manufacturing defects.  I'd rather pay a premium for a known/ graded nearly-perfect copy...and records are meant to be listened to IMHO.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
I have only one sealed album, and I bought it to replace my original copy, which still sounds good.  Unfortunately it hasn't appreciated greatly in 30-plus years.  FWIW it's the reissue of the 13th Floor Elevators' "Easter Everywhere," which is a classic to me.  Someday I'll break the seal and give it a spin. 
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