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What to do with pre-owned vinyl?

Background: From ~1978 to 1991 I collected  many100s of vinyl records. At least 50% were classical; the rest jazz, R&B, World music, reggae, gospel--maybe 1200 records total. A few of the classical LPs are likely collectable/valuable, but most fall below that threshold. I’ve had these LPs stored in boxes since 1991. It’s becoming obvious I'll never again have a TT set up to hear these records. BTW, I live in Goshen, NY.

Can anyone suggest a way for me to responsibly dispose of these LPs?

FYI, I’d be happy to give to a store or reseller for estimated value, or donate them for a charity write-off. Money isn't my biggest concern & I have no appetite for trying to sell them on my own.

I also have a ton of old/good audio gear in the same problematic state (stored by never to be used again)...but that’s another story for another day.

Thanks in advance for any useful advice...
desktopguy
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Is than new for living in America person that almost every record store can buy collection of vintage Jazz, R'n'B... records (not sure about classical music), they will pay almost nothing, but they will come and buy if they will see any interesting in a bunch of records. They often come when the owner passed away, but they can come earlier if you will call them. 
big_greg
6,821 posts
 
@chakster  I don't know about every record store, but the ones I've seen typically pay around a dollar per album, more if it's a more valuable record.  It's just like anything else, they have to buy for much lower than their sale price to cover their costs of stocking inventory, paying rent, utilities, advertising, employees, insurance, etc. etc.

What they sell for is a different story.  One record store near me typically sells good quality used records that aren't rarre for $4 - $6 and about 80% of discogs prices for higher value items.  They turn over stock very quickly.  Another store I know sells the same records for $15-$20 each and some sit in their inventory for years.  They do have a much larger selection since they don't turn over inventory as quickly as the other place.
slaw's avatar
slaw
26,533 posts
 
Thought of consignment?

www.carolinasoul.com


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The man behind Carolina Soul is well know on a Rare Soul scene worldwide, great dealer and record collector. 
ghasley
2,563 posts
 
I have an idea, its crazy but hey, why not?

Email the Audiophiliac, Steve Guttenberg, try a google search. 

Anyway, have Guttenberg hold a contest. Young people could submit an essay on why they love music, wearing masks, whatever it is. He could then select finalists and they could be interviewed on Guttenberg's youtube show about why they think vinyl is cool, etc. Then the winner wins all the albums AFTER performing 100 hours of service to the community. The tri-state area needs young people doing good rather than the alternative right?

Getting young people into music is really the finest gift we can give. Much better than another tax writeoff.

Your second option is to ship them all to me postage paid! Be well and Peace.
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