Uncovered a box of 78rpm records at my late grandmother’s house. Mostly classical and mono recordings - examples pictured.
Is there still an interest in or market place for such things? I cannot see a charity shop wanting them. They are also heavy and, I gather, brittle. Or are they junk, despite appearing immaculate?
Thanks in advance.
From Brreedmedia:
What To Do With Old Shellac Records
14th July 2023
As the predominant mass produced audio format in the early 20th century, shellac records hold substantial value for music enthusiasts and collectors. But, as time passes, many such records are being discarded or disused, with owners unable to find a useful way to get rid of them, or simply unable to understand their value.
So how can this be averted? Here, we’ll explore what to do with old shellac records, how to recognise a valuable shellac record and just how valuable old shellac records may be.
Get ready to uncover the significance of these important products as we embark on a journey through musical history.
### What can you do with old shellac records?
There are many great options for what you can do with your shellac records. One of the most common options is sending them to certain donation points, like universities or musical museums, but you can also sell them online or to record stores.
Institutions like universities and museums often appreciate and value historical musical artefacts, using them for research, educational purposes, or preserving them for future generations to enjoy. By donating your records to these establishments, you can help this preservation of musical tradition.
*Alternatively, if you’re interested in monetising your collection, there is a thriving community of collectors and potential buyers eagerly seeking unique shellac records.
Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay provide excellent platforms to showcase your collection and connect with enthusiasts from around the world. These platforms offer convenience and accessibility, allowing you to reach a wide audience and potentially find buyers who value the specific records you possess.
Indeed, record stores are often willing to take a look at your records, and will offer you a price that they deem fit for the type of product that it is.
### Do shellac records have any value?
Whether your shellac records have any value depends on the record’s condition and playback quality. Shellac has a brittle quality, which makes the records very easy to break or shatter.
However, in some cases, people have managed to receive sizable sums for their shellac records. For example, shellac delta blues records that were made between 1929 and 1932 can be worth up to £500 or more.
There are various sites that review and place a price on shellac records, with the main demographic on these sites being collectors.
### How can you determine the value of your shellac record collection?
Determining the value of your shellac record collection involves considering various factors
A good place to start is by conducting thorough research on current market trends and demand for shellac records. Explore online marketplaces, auction websites, and specialised record collector communities to gather insights into the value of similar records.
From this, evaluate the rarity and scarcity of the records in your collection. Limited edition releases, records from niche genres, or those with unique features often command higher prices. Naturally, rare records from particularly influential or notable artists or record labels will boost this potential price up even further.
Then, assess the condition of your records. Those in excellent condition with minimal wear, scratches, and warping are generally more valuable. Packaging should also be taken into account. If you have original sleeves, inserts, and accompanying materials, these can enhance the value of your records.
For particularly valuable or rare records, seeking a professional appraisal from a reputable record dealer, appraiser, or collector is advisable. Their expertise can provide a more accurate assessment of your collection’s value.
### How can you assess the condition of old shellac records?
Assessing the condition of old shellac records is an essential step in determining their overall quality and potential value. There are a number of steps you need to take to complete this process, which include visual inspections, auditory checks and playability tests.
To begin assessing the condition of your shellac records, visually inspect the record under suitable lighting conditions, carefully examining the surface for any cracks, chips, or warping that may be present. Take note of deep scratches or blemishes that could potentially affect playback.
Additionally, examine the record label for legibility and signs of damage such as fading, peeling, or water damage. You may want to use a microscope or magnifying glass to check both the label and the record itself.
Then, if possible, play the record on a suitable turntable or record player to conduct a playability test. Pay close attention to any skipping, repetitive noise, or excessive crackling that may occur during playback, as these issues can indicate surface damage or groove wear.
By conducting a comprehensive assessment of your world shellac records’ condition using these techniques, you can better determine the necessary steps for cleaning, repairing, or preserving them.
### Where can you sell or donate old shellac records?
When it comes to selling or donating old shellac records, you have several options available to you. Online marketplaces like eBay, Discogs, and Etsy provide platforms where you can list and sell your records directly to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. These platforms allow you to set prices and ship records to buyers.
Local record stores are another avenue to explore. Some stores may buy old shellac records outright, while others offer consignment services where they sell the records on your behalf and take a percentage of the sale price.
Meanwhile, another good way to sell old shellac records is by attending record fairs, swap meets, or music conventions. These events attract collectors who are specifically looking to buy and sell records, and provide opportunities to connect with potential buyers and dealers.
If you prefer to sell locally, online classifieds platforms such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace allow you to list your records for sale within your community. This can be a convenient way to find interested buyers in your area.
Additionally, non-profit organisations such as community radio stations or youth music programs may welcome donated records to support their initiatives. You may like to contact these organisations to see if they have a need for shellac records.
### The final word
There’s no doubt that shellac records are still valuable commodities. As such, there will be many collectors and buyers out there ready for when you are going to give up your records. Indeed, lots of universities or libraries will likely also accept your records should you think you have something valuable.
Whatever option you choose, passing your old shellac records on via the methods outlined in this guide will help to ensure the preservation of a pivotal piece of musical history.
I’m puzzled - most of the records you have photographed appear to be modern 33 rpm LPs not 78s.
My mistake; 2 of the photos were not intended. I’ll edit my post to avoid further confusion.
https://www.discogs.com/artist/2465328-The-London-Palladium-Orchestra
https://www.discogs.com/release/2203592-Various-The-World-Of-Your-Hundred-Best-TunesTop-Ten
Many thanks @Gianluigi; very helpful.
No problem!
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