Open them, and ENJOY them!!!! That is what they are made for. Take great care of them, and they will be good for many of years to come. This is not an investment. It is a hobby. A Passion of music. Not a way to be come a millionare.
Not true, a myth that was started by record companies in the 60's. Look at all the albums still in shrink from that time period. What causes warps is bad storage and too close to a heat source.
there are some that will bend, i have a the beatles bootleg record, that still had the shrink wrap, the jacket is really really nice, but both it and the record are warped,
@@SuperNathan29 That's not true, it can very well still do that. It's actually fairly common. I've had the experience quite a few unpleasant times. I have 10000+ records, all stored adequately, with humidity controlers.
I buy records to play.And i personaly don't care about the first presses,for me owning the record it's all that matters. I don't buy many records that come in shrinkwrap,most of them come in a regular outersleeves (that's the beauty of buying from underground distros),but it makes me uncomfortable seeing records in shrinkwrap,i don't feel that is good for the records
The great thing about finding a vintage sealed record is that no one's sister abused the crap out of it and you can enjoy it the way it was meant to be heard.... in some cases you may possibly be the only one to hear it like this ever again! My suggestion is open it and make a recording of it to preserve the way it was meant to sound :)
I have no real way of assessing an LP's condition except to at least visually inspect both sides. I simply won't buy a sealed vintage LP for that reason.
Records are made to be listened to. To me its the music that matters the most. You cant take your records with you when you die so listen to as many as you can while you are able to. 🙂
I open and listen to all my records. I’ll also keep the original plastic packaging on them if it has promotional stickers. If not it comes off and put in new plastic sleeve. If it’s a gatefold with stickers I carefully peel them and stick to the new plastic. Kind of overkill but I like to look back and see that kind of stuff when I listen to them. Congrats on the 1 million views. Love the channel. Cheers
As a former National chain store record buyer. I can tell you that records are resealed all the time, many of those who sell so called sealed record at a higher price . It is a rip off.
I think as long as the record hasn't been sealed for more than 20-25 years and has been in various climates, it should be fine. When I started collecting vinyl 6 years ago, I remember picking up a sealed copy of Europe's The Final Countdown for $10 US! The record was not warped and it sounded beautiful!
Confessions of a vinyl collector : At times I may purchase 5-10 lps at a time and I typically keep the sealed until I am in the mood to spin em. I have some sealed LPs that are now 5-15 years old. The more I research the web on the subject of "sealed LP's" the more I think I may open most of them up, clean em and let them breathe. The shrink wrapped LPs do seem to have a certain stress on them, while the Mobile Fidelity released have a poly cover that is less constrictive. I will confess I have bought double copies of some limited run LP's and I will likely keep them sealed. My goal isnt to make money, maybe it's just the "cool factor" of having a rare press that is virgin. Most grading scales list Mint as unopened or "never played" that can be difficult to prove if the LP is open. When I got back into LPs (2001) my goal was to build a good sized collection (5000-8000) and keep the LP's as close to perfect as possible for fidelity. All that being said, they are for listening and I would hate to pop one open in 20 years and have a disaster like the Hendrix example. So I am converted Frank ... maybe I will have a 3 day party and open em all up!
That would be wild, opening them all up!!!! I have a small collection of still sealed records from the 80s that I got cheap... The Hendrix came from that collection. I hesitate to open any more up though, after what happened with, haha. All my recent or "new" records I definitely do open and play though. Thanks for the comment, and good luck! Frank
I do have a small stack of still sealed vintage records but most are duplicates of ones I already have open and are listening to. I plan to give away most of them or open them someday. The majority of still sealed copies came from either goodwill for a buck or two or from a haul of albums that had a few still sealed in with everything else. Thanks for taking on the question, it's a good one to chew on.
We wouldn't bother with the "seal or unsealed" dilemma, enjoy but take care and pride with your collection. Collect for YOU. Great job, this was a great subject and you nailed it.
You should of kept that Hendrix album sealed. It would be worth more now than what it is worth now. Store that Kiss album probably and you wouldn’t have the warp issue. Keep vintage albums sealed b/c that is what is rare. The new stuff you can open b/c it will be just like the baseball card phenomenon. Just my 2 cents. I actually am in Pittsburg now and just got finished shopping at the world famous Jerry’s records. They sell no new stuff and actually have a section for vintage unopened records. There is a market for it.
I have some still sealed rock/metal albums from the 80s that will remain that way. I didn't buy them as an investment, but because I thought it was kinda cool to find them. The Hendrix and KISS were from that collection. Curiosity, got the best of me... and I cracked 'em open. The rest will remain as is. Thanks for the comment! Frank
I play all my records, I drive my muscle cars, I drink out of my stemware, and I use my china. They're to be used, right? Why else own them? LIVE LIFE.
Music is meant to be played. If I were collecting art, I'd buy paintings. I just got a Beastie Boys limited box set. I opened it within 5 minutes of opening the containing box. If I buy music for myself, I'm not buying it for the person I might eventually sell it to.
Hi Mark. I wanted that video earlier this week. I had no idea there was such a box set. It looks very nice. Congrats! Frank
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I just got The Fragile Army sealed. 32 bucks to the door. Only 4 copies on discogs. All sealed. I IMMEDIATELY opened it and put it on. It's already 13 years old. Still sealed and got it for 27 bucks (5 shipping). I don't give a shit. I bought it to listen to it. Not for the person to get it after I die to make money off it. * THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I didn't cut the shrink wrap off TFA bc figured I'd molest it as little as possible. Now that I see what leaving a gatefold sealed can do. Going to rip off shrink now and enjoy the gate.
Hi there, Ken from sunny Cornwall Uk Thought I would comment on this, my 1st one''. Been watching the VC for a while now, may do a video one day, you should definitely open them, I’ve had a few issues with still sealed, my local record store had half a dozen copies of tears for fears woman in chains 12 inch, all the covers were bent due to shrinkage, I bought one and luckily the record was fine, cover trashed, I’ve also had instances where the shrink has been welded to the cover , usually on the shiny laminate sleeves not the Matt ones, but worth noting, I always take off the shrink keep it folded in the outer cover to keep the hype stickers, keep up the good work.
Collecting sealed copies in my opinion should only be for musicians you collect. To me having sealed copies of things I am not crazy about is pointless. Old records that are sealed should remain so as well. I would rather buy an open copy than open NOS.
Over the years, I have bought a few vintage sealed albums. Most play well but a few have been warped. Please note that I immediately open them upon purchase. Collector's comics suffered the same bubble burst as baseball cards in the 90s. Those comics now make up most of the quarter bin. When I started collecting records I swore to myself that it would always be about the music and not its supposed collectability. As a result, I have never lost my love of the hobby. Nonetheless, I do not participate in RSD due to this notion that purchases, especially sealed records, will go up in value rather than focusing on the music. That's just my view and I do not expect anyone else to accept it. Thanks for bringing up this interesting topic, Frank.
Thanks for your perspective Cameron. I don't know much about comics, but it's interesting to hear they also suffered a bubble burst. It just reinforces the notion that collectibles are a horrible investment. As for RSD, I've given up and skipped the past few. I'll skip the Black Friday one again too... Into the Music has a bin of unsold RSD titles.... Cheers man!
I don't collect records, I collect the music on them. Most of my records are worth more than I paid for them but that is because I'm a careful shopper and love a bargain. Each to their own I say, but you won't find a sealed record in my collection. Always an interesting topic for debate, enjoyed this one Frank!
"Collecting the music on them" ...That is a good way to look at it. Everyone is some part "collector of music" and another part "collector of music stuff". Depending how far you slide on those two scale will determine if you buy lps just to listen or if you have stronger values towards certain pressings or sealed lps. I think my desire to collect music stuff is almost on the same level of my love for the music itself. Thanks God I'm not wealthy because I'm scared of what I would do. Maybe hire Metallica to wake up me with a live performance of Creeping Death every morning as an alarm lol.
In hindsight I think my comment was a wee bit pretentious, lol. The fact is given the choice of cd or vinyl, I'd choose vinyl everytime. So in reality, I am collecting records. Lol. Smh.
Depending on the demand for a particular album all bets are off investment wise. For example the early pressings of The White Album by The Beatles is an investment as you can sell it for a fortune but if you had a Greatest Hits album from Johnny Cash it's not going to make you any money selling it.
I got lucky once. I o[pened a still sealed 1967 LP from the pop psych band Cryin Shames. Had been sealed for nearly 50 years. Im not a major audiophile guy but after i opened it the record seemed to play with no major problems and also the Sleeve came through lookign crisp and very nice. Though now im a little worried about any other vintage LPs i may see on the market that i want tin very good condition.
Open them up. I recently bought a sealed Marvin Gaye album, and when I opened it, it was warped as hell. I’m always scared about sealed vinyl. Great video Frank!
Nice summary and I agree with your views. Old sealed vinyl is always gamble and you never know if some just resealed it just to make more of a profit. The market is almost an analog to Sports Cards and Comic Books but unlike those items, the cost of vinyl production is a bit higher so the gimmicky stuff is more limited. Will it go up in value? Like you said, who knows. If Bieber is recognized as an unlikely genius, then perhaps but I am extremely doubtful.
Hi Paul. Thanks for the comment. You make a good point regarding the cost of production. As for Bieber... a genius... I suppose stranger things have happened....but as you note, extremely doubtful. I hope all is well. Cheers my friend! Frank
I cringed so much when I watched you open that Hendrix album, because of the damage! Wasn't expecting that, haha! Personally, I don't buy vintage sealed records, nor do I keep new purchases sealed (save for one or two here and there, "special" albums, y'know?). That being said, I can see the appeal! Seeing, as an example, a vintage sealed Iron Maiden or ZZ Top album in my local stores is a bit of a rush, because there are only so many unopened copies out there. To each their own I suppose
I wasn't expecting it either... I was as surprised as anything when the Hendrix was damaged like that. At least the records played well. Thanks for the comment Frank
I went too a local shop and found a record for $59 bucks. I just got into vinyl and idk if it’s a good price or not. The record was a the Beatles album. I forgot what it was but the design was them in a stair case looking at the camera
I've had some bad luck buying sealed records from sellers on Discogs....not just gatefold sleeves either. I've encountered the shrink wrap fusing to the sleeves gloss too many times. I've known for years that temperature fluctuations can warp records that have never been opened. Even though you may get lucky by buying a record still sealed, if it's 20+ years old I'd say pass it up. Always open your records and let them breathe!
I agree with everybody here Records are meant to be enjoyed not what's the value. like what you showed us in the video if an album is sealed to long that can cause damage or ring wear. did that happen because of where the record was kept or just like what you said it was left wrapped sealed to long? I say open them. congratulations on the one million views.
Well in 20 years who knows if anyone will remember Justin Bieber. Great music lives forever, mediocre music will fade away. I have several brand new sealed current 2019 reissues that I am keeping sealed until I purchase audio equipment, which should be in several months. I thought about this very issue of keeping these albums sealed even for a few months, but good to hear it more so relates to vintage albums remaining sealed for several years.
I open them and enjoy them. I have a few unopened (like probably less than 20 out of a few thousand), but in each case, I have open doubles of the sealed copies.
I'm sorta in the same boat. I have a handful of still-sealed records from the 80s, but I have play copies of those. I got the still-sealed ones for a very good price. Cheers Frank
I open my records to listen to them but I like to keep the shrink wrap on, so the gatefold is never even opened, I just kinda like to keep that new look of when I first bought it I guess🤔🤔
Its fine to keep your albums sealed. If the vinyl warps who cares no one will ever know, if its kept sealed for all time. Also, you should put that Kiss album in a vinyl flatterer or take it to your local record store and they may have one you can borrow. great video man.
I like to purchase vinyl records for the sake of listening to them. There are a few that I will buy multiple copies of depending on the packaging (I own two copies of Outlive by Demon Hunter for this reason.) Regarding collectibility, things can change over time. With the state of people buying speculatively, I doubt certain things will go up in value (look at comic books in the nineties for example.) I also feel that expecting a high return rate on something removes the reason and desire for collecting something. Regarding Record Store Day, I have a funny story to share: last year, David Bowie 1966 was sold out as quickly as it was released that day. A year later, I found it on eBay for fifteen dollars (7.50 for price and 7.50 for shipping.) While I believe the price was rigged, I found it curious to find something that was sought after last year to drop down in price online.
Hi Edwin. Thanks for this comment. I've had a similar experience with RSD titles... I find if you wait long enough, the prices come down considerably... Have a great week man Frank
Fads and fashions play a large part in whether or not a particular record is valuable . Rare soundtracks , audiophile classical , space age pop are all genres that sold at high premiums at one time until the bottom fell out . ' Grails ' are still pricey , but because they're so rare , finding them in acceptable condition is very difficult , al though some collectors will still pay a small fortune for these collectibles if they're in less than pristine shape . And , as you mentioned , Frank , the buyer really doesn't know what he's getting with a sealed record . It could be warped , cracked , a less in demand pressing , or even the wrong record in the jacket .
I have purchased a few sealed records at thrift stores. One I did open, a repressing of Judy Garland's Live at Carnegie Hall, sounded fantastic. One I just got is a first pressing of The Spinners "Happiness Is Being With The Spinners" from 1976. Honestly, I think the novelty of an unopened record is not necessarily going to make someone rich quick if they decide to flip it. The fun may just be in opening and playing it. It is likely that rare Led Zeppelin unopened vinyl that might command a premium, but then again, only a hardcore collector would ultimately buy it.
Its all personal, I have records I will never open only because I listen to the CD or cassette and have no desire to destroy the original slowly on my turntable. If someone wants to pay me stupid money for vinyl so be it, otherwise ill keep it and see what the market holds for the future. Its a very small part of the collection anyway so everythings a gamble right? Great video, thanks again! Yeah im old I said cassette, LOL.
Tbh I think records are meant to be listened to. I do think people should open their records and listen to them. I don’t think they should stay sealed and I wanted to see if anyone agreed with me here. Thanks, great video!
great video frank. i agree. i open all sealed records myself to see what they look. i just got a sealed jazzy jeff and fresh prince lp from 1991. it is in good shape. have a great week mike your friend from bc
Spin 'em Frank, they're meant to play and enjoy! Congrats on 1 Million VIEWS! Great video as usual, great point on baseball cards, very similar situation if you think about it. #vinylrulez🎧
Kind of off topic but I'm blown away and that I just saw a Bikini Kill album in this video! I have the same exact one. I thought those are pretty hard to find.
Warped vinyl is not a complete loss. I've restored them to perfect condition by putting them in the oven. That said, there are no good TH-cam videos that explain the process properly. Maybe you want to take this on?
Thank you for your response. I'm a big fan of the channel and look forward to every Sunday for the next video. I'm a working stiff with little free time. I would be happy to take photos of my materials and type up a set of instructions for you to try on your channel. Some of the youtube videos out there get parts of the process right but I can add the part that they all seem to forget. How can I send you the photos and text? Email address?
I personally won't pay anymore for a sealed record than I would for an opened one because I am going to open the sealed record and listen to it anyway.
Love Channel 33!!! All I look forward too every Sunday, screw football, I watching channel 33! Love the videos Frank, keep up the great work- best wishes Jake
Honestly, I didn't know this was a thing. I never even thought about purchasing a record and not opening it up to play it. I certainly never thought of purchasing a record with the idea that it would go up in value and/or for resale. Play and enjoy! But, to each their own.
If the gatefold gets damaged, and the record gets warped and people realize it, they will not buy it! I open my records all the way, and play the hell out out of em! That's what there made for! But if you want to keep em sealed, that's your business and decision, but not me! In the 60s record's didn't come "shrink wrapped"! That's why record's from that era had song listings in the gatefold (but not all)!
Oddly sometimes it just happens. I had a sealed first press copy of the Gorillaz Demon Days that I had full intention of opening and listening to, but at the same time had the CD and, as we were traveling a bit more, it was utilized during these travels. About three years back I rediscovered it while filling new storage shelves and thought I'd check it out on eBay before I popped the seal. I quickly decided to sell it and buy an already opened copy. I couldn't personally bring myself to open it when I knew I could finance more vinyl and get a pristine copy to boot. I don't think this makes me a flipper. It is, however, a rare instance when one can have their cake and eat it too and, having been a sucker for the comic book bubble back in the nineties, would never suggest investing in vinyl. Silver and gold are a much better investment in terms of financial wealth, where as let the magic in those vinyl grooves be an investment in the soul. GREAT topic this week, as always!!! CHEERS!!!
As you said, it is anybody's guess whether any record will become worth the money you paid for it originally, or more. Whether you keep the record sealed or not is not the main issue. The main thing is to find the person who is willing to pay any amount of money for it. I think it's crazy that i have singles i bought thirty years ago and today i could buy those singles off ebay for less money than i paid for them as new back then. Even if a record is considered collectible, it doesn't mean it's value will increase at all over time. I've used this example plenty times before, i bought Kiss' Originals back in the 80's and 25 years later i saw another copy being sold for the same amount of money i had paid for it. Rise of value in 25 years for a collectible record by a band that had been collectible all that time; Zero. Another thing, as you said, you can't trust a record being sealed just because it looks like it, i bought sealed Vinnie Vincent record and found price stickers underneath the shrink. Re-sealed? Yes i think so. In the end i guess i want to say two things;1. I have never bought a record with the value in mind, in fact i'm fully prepared that once i will sell my records, i will lose money in financial sense. 2.You can keep your records sealed and hope to make money from it, just don't count on it. Pasi
A friend sent me an old album she found in her storage. It is still sealed in an album box. Is there any value in an ET album, narrated by Michael Jackson, music by John Williams, produced by Quincy Jones? It contains a 24 page color storybook, 22" x22"poster and storybook album. Release date 1982
there's a record store in Albuquerque NM that reseals used records, however they do put that on the price tag, and the prices are the same as if it was open.
Hey Frank, you should try Vinyl Flat for that Kiss Album, I've fixed a few of my warped Vinyl Records with it including a Cinderella - Night Songs just yesterday.
Very interesting about the baseball card bubble. I avoid sealed records as well, but people who want to use vinyl as an investment MIGHT want to keep them sealed - but then again, records are a pretty bad investment when purchased new... only people buying in bulk collections like dealers can stand to make a profit with vinyl - hobbyists probably should just collect for the love of the hobby, not finances.
No from my experience. Bought a sealed Ohio Players LP from 1972. On the outside, visually, it looked fine and in mint condition. But once unsealed, I discovered the lp was warped to the high heavens and unplayable. Unless you are running a museum, what's the point if you aren't playing your records?
First of all Frank, congrats on the 1 million views. You have an amazing channel :) Well I buy records because of the music, because I love great music and it sounds amazing on vinyl. So all my records are opened. And I don't really care about pressings and stuff like that. I just care about the music :) But I did got a Motorhead - Clean your clock album for me and my husband, and he kept his copy sealed. He got really emotional, it has a sentimental value for him and I can't blame him if he want's to keep it that way.
Thank you Mateja, I appreciate the comment. I'm glad you dig the channel! Like you, most records I buy to play, but I did get a really good deal on a small stack of still-sealed hard rock/metal albums from the 80s, and I've kept them sealed (I have play copies). Have a great week Frank
I open and play my records ,cds,dvds,cass.tapes so on and so on. I don't buy music to collect make money, I buy music to enjoy, play , they are made to be played! I'm not buying 2 copys of everything that's crazy. I have a large collection of music because I love listening to music, not to make MONEY.
The way I see it....no one ever tells a stamp collector..."Mail a letter with those stamps or get rid of them" lol...or "get that civil war rifle off your wall and hunt with it this year or get rid of it". There is an active listening aspect to vinyl and there is a collecting aspect to vinyl. Some have more of the collector aspect about them than others and neither person is wrong. I say don't make any fast rules about opening or keeping vinyl sealed. If you get pleasure and enjoyment out of keeping a piece sealed...keep that darn thing sealed. If you get more enjoyment from opening it...rip the dang thing open. Just trust your gut and make YOUR collecting/listening experience one that makes YOU happy. My entire Nirvana and Radiohead collection is sealed. No specific reason why LOL. Not a value thing. I just really liked having all the album sealed for some reason so I kept them that way lol. Can't even say why other than it feels great to have them that way.
As a lot of people are saying, I buy them to listen to them. However, if I feel a certain record will become ultra valuable later on, then I purchase a second copy to sell for a profit. For example, I recently purchased 2 copies of Aqualung, which Analogue Productions did on Clarity Vinyl. I listen to one, and keep the other sealed. Interestingly, my opened copy had a defect all through the song My God (my favorite on the album, of course). Acoustic Sounds took my word for it and sent me a new disk 2 (it's a 45 rpm record, so there are 2 disks), and I did not have to send in the old disk 2. Who knows what's going on with that unopened copy? Obviously, an opened record gives up most of its secrets, and of course once played, all of its secrets. My children will probably sell my records when they die. I will have an ultrasonic cleaner in the next few months, so my children can clean them ultrasonically and then sell them. Personally, I would clean them ultrasonically and then listen to them. I could therefore sell a record and honestly describe any things that are wrong. In the majority of cases, I could honestly advertise records as being near perfect in look and sound. To me, as a buyer of records on the internet, that would go a long way - especially if that seller maintains a 100% rating. Now, when selling a record, that's the question. On the open market, a sealed record is worth much more than an opened record, even though the sealed one is an unknown. One huge caveat: When people sell old, sealed records, they will not allow returns. If you were a buyer and listener of audiophile vinyl, would you pay more for a sealed record, or an opened record? A lot of action happens at places like ebay and discogs so, for my purposes, I am assuming the record cannot be handled before purchase. Selling records for a profit, and listening to them is exactly the business of those small, independent shops.
Open it and enjoy it but take care of it...I rather have a open one known to be good than a sealed that may be warped. No playback defeats the beauty of vinyl. Love the shirt BTW
This video has motivated me to open up my sealed records. I will keep my Beatles - A Hard Days Night record sealed. I have no want or desire to sell it or open it. The other sealed records I have is all modern music, and it is time to open them up and drop the needle!
Time goes by so fast and when I get time I go down to my space were my records are I take my smokes and coffee and for about 2 hours im in a wonderful place I forget the crap in life and blast out rock soul motown all my faves and ones I had forgoten from years ago no seals on my sounds I have to try them out I cant help it
In some cases, keeping a record sealed can damage it over an extended period of time. That said, sealed records tend to be worth more. It's a catch-22. Frank
I have a related question. I recently was lucky enough to find a copy of Ernest Hood's lp "Neighborhoods" at Goodwill. Now I hear that a reissue is in the works. In general, how does a reissue affect the price of the original? Does it lower the value, as people who would be interested in buying the original can now buy a substitute; or does is increase the value, as more people can now listen to the album which in turn makes more people want to buy the original?
miffelplix It depends on the record. Sellers have told me in general, they see the price of originals drop a bit when there is a good quality reissue. I don't, however, have any numbers to back this up.
As soon as people start buying for financial value more than the personal value to them, it becomes a stale hobby. My personal care for financial value: zero! If I can get them cheaper than 'market' value I'm happy. I rarely buy new and NEVER buy 2nd-hand sealed. Unless I get a big job lot, ALL records get played within minutes of getting them home.
I always open mine because I mean to play them. But if I come across a sealed vintage record of a band I don't like and I know it's worth money, I'll definitely keep it sealed and sell it.
After my experience this past summer, NO! It wasn't worth the extra $10 that it was over other used LPs. The paper liner pretty much scuffed the top of the grooves and you can hear a faint shh extra noise.
Definitely don't keep them sealed. I kept a couple of pearl jam records sealed for 20 years. Both were warped when I did open them. One was damaged by a water heater leak, still playable but jacket is heavy damaged. The other album the shrink ripped so I took it the rest of the way off. Now I could just buy new reissued copy's if I want non warped records.
I'm new to this whole vinyl thing. Coming from the video games world, so I'm not really stranger to this keeping things sealed. Still, I cringe when I hear something like this. What's the point ?? Seriously people. Play your games, listen to your music, watch your movies. Enjoy what you paid for. Also, in this world of digital download, both legally and otherwise, there's no point of keeping anything sealed to keep the value. Because most would just get a digital copy and enjoy whatever they want. Which would keep the value of sealed product barely as retail, or even lower.
i think why cards values was going down is the same reason that sealed vinyl is because the shrink wrap is notorious for continuing to shrink even to the point of collapsing the boxes and warping and bending the item. i think the best way to deal with maintaining the mintness is to make it that the shrink wrap does not matter it is the secondary seal that is placed on the product. remember when cds had a tamper seal across the opening on the case then was shrink wrapped? so if a piece of vinyl was packaged with one of them dogbone or even cd tamper seal across the opening then you could unwrap the vinyl package and it is still mint because of the secondary tamper seal. especially if justin beibers lyrics becomes offensive to the level of racial slurs (the N word) and no one wants it because maybe it is some hot potato or a cancel culture.
I have had many old sealed records in my collection over the decades. Some I have opened, some I have left sealed. The ones I opened I really wanted to listen to, and wouldn't really be worth a lot if I kept them sealed anyway. A few of the others have remained sealed for the collectible reasons, and I have additional opened copies to listen to. For example, I have an original US pressing of KISS "The Elder" still sealed after all these years, but kept it sealed since I have two pristine opened copies that I can listen to. Plus, a few of the sealed records I have have been sealed for so many decades, I'm worried they might have issues like Frank's Jimmy Hendrix or KISS records that he opened. I'd hate to finally open one of these to find out they're essentially worthless due to a warp or sleeve damage.
I have some vintage sealed ones from the early 80s.... KISS, Priest, Ozzy, Sabbath... I got them pretty cheap, and they will stay sealed, especially after the nightmare with the Hendrix and KISS!!!!! Cheers
Hi, Frank! Keeping records sealed is a bit double edged sword. I have some sealed records but that's mainly because I'm lazy. :) If there would be two identical old records available but the other one would be sealed, I would buy the sealed one though there's no guarantee that the vinyl itself will be in perfect condition. Something like that, Jarkko / MyVinylBar
Vinyl, just like retrogames or any collectible (except for maybe TCGs like Magic if you are really knowledgable) are a terrible investment. Buy stocks if you want to invest and speculate, not collectibles where you don't even know how much stuff is out there and can ruin the value of an item within just a few days.
I know I am late to this video... However, given RSD 2023 Taylor Swift album... I will never again buy a sealed record. I have gone through three copies... all have manufacturing faults. How many copies are out there sealed with hidden faults as a result of not being inspected. This is devastating. DO NOT BUY "SEALED"...
I think vinyl is a different ballgame ha ha. No pun intended. I guess each individual is different with today's vinyl resurgence many might think it is an investment. I have some sealed and I buy a ton of limited release vinyl. Will you get rich, highly doubtful.
So true... vinyl is not a good investment... I have a small stack of still-sealed rock/hard rock/metal albums from the 80s. I got them cheap, but not to make money. Cheers man Frank
I've been watching a few of these video's and they all pretty much say the same (Thanks for the advice guys!!), reason being is I've recently bought a few Beastie Boys re-issue vinyls and they've mainly come as sealed yet I've always wanted to open them but didn't know whether to or not for the simple reason, I like to keep them new. I suppose there is the element of the investment thing for me but it's mainly because I like to keep the vinyls new more than anything (in good condition basically) however I want to open them up and enjoy all the artwork too as opposed to even playing them really. They're only re-issues too so I'm not sure where it stands, value wise, in regards to re-issue vinyls, do they also become valuable/collectable, I don't know?
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I think the whole point of buying records to play them. Well I buy them to play.
Keep the vintage record sealed and buy one that is already opened and play that one. Problem solved.
Depends on what kind of collector you are
Open them, and ENJOY them!!!! That is what they are made for. Take great care of them, and they will be good for many of years to come. This is not an investment. It is a hobby. A Passion of music. Not a way to be come a millionare.
Preach
Don't judge! Some people buy certain records as investments and there is nothing Bering with that
Open and enjoy them! Some people buy new records and slit the side and keep the shrink on, but I take the shrink off. It *will* bend the cover.
2003Cpayne yeah I don't do that either because it's called shrink because it shrinks lol
Not true, a myth that was started by record companies in the 60's. Look at all the albums still in shrink from that time period. What causes warps is bad storage and too close to a heat source.
there are some that will bend, i have a the beatles bootleg record, that still had the shrink wrap, the jacket is really really nice, but both it and the record are warped,
It only"shrinks " the record while it's sealed lol once you cut it the shrink is no longer squeezing the record
@@SuperNathan29 That's not true, it can very well still do that. It's actually fairly common. I've had the experience quite a few unpleasant times. I have 10000+ records, all stored adequately, with humidity controlers.
I buy records to play.And i personaly don't care about the first presses,for me owning the record it's all that matters.
I don't buy many records that come in shrinkwrap,most of them come in a regular outersleeves (that's the beauty of buying from underground distros),but it makes me uncomfortable seeing records in shrinkwrap,i don't feel that is good for the records
The great thing about finding a vintage sealed record is that no one's sister abused the crap out of it and you can enjoy it the way it was meant to be heard.... in some cases you may possibly be the only one to hear it like this ever again! My suggestion is open it and make a recording of it to preserve the way it was meant to sound :)
I think they all should be opened, they were made for playing
pascual sandoval Yep I couldn’t think of owning a prized record & not listening to it
Ian 66 yeah, I buy vinyl for the joy of puting it on the turntables and listen them and watch them spin
Vinyl should be played! We have thousands of sealed records and we have some trouble selling them for full price. Great Video!!!
I have no real way of assessing an LP's condition except to at least visually inspect both sides. I simply won't buy a sealed vintage LP for that reason.
Records are made to be listened to. To me its the music that matters the most. You cant take your records with you when you die so listen to as many as you can while you are able to. 🙂
I open and listen to all my records. I’ll also keep the original plastic packaging on them if it has promotional stickers. If not it comes off and put in new plastic sleeve. If it’s a gatefold with stickers I carefully peel them and stick to the new plastic. Kind of overkill but I like to look back and see that kind of stuff when I listen to them.
Congrats on the 1 million views. Love the channel. Cheers
As a former National chain store record buyer. I can tell you that records are resealed all the time, many of those who sell so called sealed record at a higher price . It is a rip off.
I think as long as the record hasn't been sealed for more than 20-25 years and has been in various climates, it should be fine. When I started collecting vinyl 6 years ago, I remember picking up a sealed copy of Europe's The Final Countdown for $10 US! The record was not warped and it sounded beautiful!
Confessions of a vinyl collector :
At times I may purchase 5-10 lps at a time and I typically keep the sealed until I am in the mood to spin em. I have some sealed LPs that are now 5-15 years old. The more I research the web on the subject of "sealed LP's" the more I think I may open most of them up, clean em and let them breathe. The shrink wrapped LPs do seem to have a certain stress on them, while the Mobile Fidelity released have a poly cover that is less constrictive. I will confess I have bought double copies of some limited run LP's and I will likely keep them sealed. My goal isnt to make money, maybe it's just the "cool factor" of having a rare press that is virgin. Most grading scales list Mint as unopened or "never played" that can be difficult to prove if the LP is open. When I got back into LPs (2001) my goal was to build a good sized collection (5000-8000) and keep the LP's as close to perfect as possible for fidelity. All that being said, they are for listening and I would hate to pop one open in 20 years and have a disaster like the Hendrix example.
So I am converted Frank ... maybe I will have a 3 day party and open em all up!
That would be wild, opening them all up!!!! I have a small collection of still sealed records from the 80s that I got cheap... The Hendrix came from that collection. I hesitate to open any more up though, after what happened with, haha. All my recent or "new" records I definitely do open and play though.
Thanks for the comment, and good luck!
Frank
I do have a small stack of still sealed vintage records but most are duplicates of ones I already have open and are listening to. I plan to give away most of them or open them someday. The majority of still sealed copies came from either goodwill for a buck or two or from a haul of albums that had a few still sealed in with everything else. Thanks for taking on the question, it's a good one to chew on.
We wouldn't bother with the "seal or unsealed" dilemma, enjoy but take care and pride with your collection. Collect for YOU. Great job, this was a great subject and you nailed it.
Thanks!
Channel 33 RPM You're so welcome, we watch your videos every week at our meetings.
congrats on the 1 million views Frank!
Thank you very much!
You should of kept that Hendrix album sealed. It would be worth more now than what it is worth now. Store that Kiss album probably and you wouldn’t have the warp issue. Keep vintage albums sealed b/c that is what is rare. The new stuff you can open b/c it will be just like the baseball card phenomenon. Just my 2 cents. I actually am in Pittsburg now and just got finished shopping at the world famous Jerry’s records. They sell no new stuff and actually have a section for vintage unopened records. There is a market for it.
I have some still sealed rock/metal albums from the 80s that will remain that way. I didn't buy them as an investment, but because I thought it was kinda cool to find them. The Hendrix and KISS were from that collection. Curiosity, got the best of me... and I cracked 'em open. The rest will remain as is.
Thanks for the comment!
Frank
I play all my records, I drive my muscle cars, I drink out of my stemware, and I use my china. They're to be used, right? Why else own them? LIVE LIFE.
Music is meant to be played. If I were collecting art, I'd buy paintings.
I just got a Beastie Boys limited box set. I opened it within 5 minutes of opening the containing box.
If I buy music for myself, I'm not buying it for the person I might eventually sell it to.
Hi Mark. I wanted that video earlier this week. I had no idea there was such a box set. It looks very nice. Congrats!
Frank
I just got The Fragile Army sealed. 32 bucks to the door. Only 4 copies on discogs. All sealed. I IMMEDIATELY opened it and put it on. It's already 13 years old. Still sealed and got it for 27 bucks (5 shipping). I don't give a shit. I bought it to listen to it. Not for the person to get it after I die to make money off it. * THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I didn't cut the shrink wrap off TFA bc figured I'd molest it as little as possible. Now that I see what leaving a gatefold sealed can do. Going to rip off shrink now and enjoy the gate.
Hi there, Ken from sunny Cornwall Uk Thought I would comment on this, my 1st one''. Been watching the VC for a while now, may do a video one day, you should definitely open them, I’ve had a few issues with still sealed, my local record store had half a dozen copies of tears for fears woman in chains 12 inch, all the covers were bent due to shrinkage, I bought one and luckily the record was fine, cover trashed, I’ve also had instances where the shrink has been welded to the cover , usually on the shiny laminate sleeves not the Matt ones, but worth noting, I always take off the shrink keep it folded in the outer cover to keep the hype stickers, keep up the good work.
Hello Ken!!!!!
Thanks for the comment
Frank
Collecting sealed copies in my opinion should only be for musicians you collect. To me having sealed copies of things I am not crazy about is pointless. Old records that are sealed should remain so as well. I would rather buy an open copy than open NOS.
Same thing happened with comic books, and football cards.
So true! Collectables do not make for a good investment.
Frank
Hey Frank congrats on the views and subscribers. Well done.
Great video..... I remember the baseball and sports card collection era....glad I didn’t go overboard
Over the years, I have bought a few vintage sealed albums. Most play well but a few have been warped. Please note that I immediately open them upon purchase. Collector's comics suffered the same bubble burst as baseball cards in the 90s. Those comics now make up most of the quarter bin. When I started collecting records I swore to myself that it would always be about the music and not its supposed collectability. As a result, I have never lost my love of the hobby. Nonetheless, I do not participate in RSD due to this notion that purchases, especially sealed records, will go up in value rather than focusing on the music. That's just my view and I do not expect anyone else to accept it. Thanks for bringing up this interesting topic, Frank.
Thanks for your perspective Cameron. I don't know much about comics, but it's interesting to hear they also suffered a bubble burst. It just reinforces the notion that collectibles are a horrible investment. As for RSD, I've given up and skipped the past few. I'll skip the Black Friday one again too... Into the Music has a bin of unsold RSD titles....
Cheers man!
I will go to ITM during the wee after Black Friday to take advantage of their sale on used vinyl. Last year it was 30%. Talk to you soon.
I don't collect records, I collect the music on them. Most of my records are worth more than I paid for them but that is because I'm a careful shopper and love a bargain. Each to their own I say, but you won't find a sealed record in my collection. Always an interesting topic for debate, enjoyed this one Frank!
Correct!! Its the music on it that makes it awesome
I'm a deal hunter too, Andy. It's part of the fun, IMHO.
Cheers
Frank
"Collecting the music on them" ...That is a good way to look at it. Everyone is some part "collector of music" and another part "collector of music stuff". Depending how far you slide on those two scale will determine if you buy lps just to listen or if you have stronger values towards certain pressings or sealed lps. I think my desire to collect music stuff is almost on the same level of my love for the music itself. Thanks God I'm not wealthy because I'm scared of what I would do. Maybe hire Metallica to wake up me with a live performance of Creeping Death every morning as an alarm lol.
Well said, the music is the reason to buy the records not value.
In hindsight I think my comment was a wee bit pretentious, lol. The fact is given the choice of cd or vinyl, I'd choose vinyl everytime. So in reality, I am collecting records. Lol. Smh.
Hey hey, that’s my uncle on the cover of the Becket you showed. I like your comparison of vinyl to baseball cards. It makes a lot of sense
Is it really??? Cool!
Depending on the demand for a particular album all bets are off investment wise. For example the early pressings of The White Album by The Beatles is an investment as you can sell it for a fortune but if you had a Greatest Hits album from Johnny Cash it's not going to make you any money selling it.
I got lucky once. I o[pened a still sealed 1967 LP from the pop psych band Cryin Shames. Had been sealed for nearly 50 years. Im not a major audiophile guy but after i opened it the record seemed to play with no major problems and also the Sleeve came through lookign crisp and very nice. Though now im a little worried about any other vintage LPs i may see on the market that i want tin very good condition.
I have listened my records a lot of times but i can shrink it again and sell it to you if you wish. It is no problem to shrink back the vinyls.
Open them up. I recently bought a sealed Marvin Gaye album, and when I opened it, it was warped as hell. I’m always scared about sealed vinyl. Great video Frank!
Nice summary and I agree with your views. Old sealed vinyl is always gamble and you never know if some just resealed it just to make more of a profit. The market is almost an analog to Sports Cards and Comic Books but unlike those items, the cost of vinyl production is a bit higher so the gimmicky stuff is more limited. Will it go up in value? Like you said, who knows. If Bieber is recognized as an unlikely genius, then perhaps but I am extremely doubtful.
Hi Paul. Thanks for the comment. You make a good point regarding the cost of production. As for Bieber... a genius... I suppose stranger things have happened....but as you note, extremely doubtful.
I hope all is well.
Cheers my friend!
Frank
Always check the condition of your vinyl and store it in proper condition
I cringed so much when I watched you open that Hendrix album, because of the damage! Wasn't expecting that, haha! Personally, I don't buy vintage sealed records, nor do I keep new purchases sealed (save for one or two here and there, "special" albums, y'know?).
That being said, I can see the appeal! Seeing, as an example, a vintage sealed Iron Maiden or ZZ Top album in my local stores is a bit of a rush, because there are only so many unopened copies out there. To each their own I suppose
I wasn't expecting it either... I was as surprised as anything when the Hendrix was damaged like that. At least the records played well.
Thanks for the comment
Frank
I went too a local shop and found a record for $59 bucks. I just got into vinyl and idk if it’s a good price or not. The record was a the Beatles album. I forgot what it was but the design was them in a stair case looking at the camera
I've had some bad luck buying sealed records from sellers on Discogs....not just gatefold sleeves either. I've encountered the shrink wrap fusing to the sleeves gloss too many times. I've known for years that temperature fluctuations can warp records that have never been opened. Even though you may get lucky by buying a record still sealed, if it's 20+ years old I'd say pass it up. Always open your records and let them breathe!
i dont open any beatles record,, i learn that the hard way!
Who knows what the future will bring. Bought the Pearl Jam 20 documentary LP and it was a bit $$ but it was so worth listening to it.
I agree with everybody here Records are meant to be enjoyed not what's the value. like what you showed us in the video if an album is sealed to long that can cause damage or ring wear. did that happen because of where the record was kept or just like what you said it was left wrapped sealed to long? I say open them.
congratulations on the one million views.
Well in 20 years who knows if anyone will remember Justin Bieber. Great music lives forever, mediocre music will fade away. I have several brand new sealed current 2019 reissues that I am keeping sealed until I purchase audio equipment, which should be in several months. I thought about this very issue of keeping these albums sealed even for a few months, but good to hear it more so relates to vintage albums remaining sealed for several years.
I open them and enjoy them. I have a few unopened (like probably less than 20 out of a few thousand), but in each case, I have open doubles of the sealed copies.
I'm sorta in the same boat. I have a handful of still-sealed records from the 80s, but I have play copies of those. I got the still-sealed ones for a very good price.
Cheers
Frank
I open my records to listen to them but I like to keep the shrink wrap on, so the gatefold is never even opened, I just kinda like to keep that new look of when I first bought it I guess🤔🤔
Its fine to keep your albums sealed. If the vinyl warps who cares no one will ever know, if its kept sealed for all time. Also, you should put that Kiss album in a vinyl flatterer or take it to your local record store and they may have one you can borrow. great video man.
I should do something with the KISS record... it's just on my shelf now...
Frank
I like to purchase vinyl records for the sake of listening to them. There are a few that I will buy multiple copies of depending on the packaging (I own two copies of Outlive by Demon Hunter for this reason.)
Regarding collectibility, things can change over time. With the state of people buying speculatively, I doubt certain things will go up in value (look at comic books in the nineties for example.) I also feel that expecting a high return rate on something removes the reason and desire for collecting something.
Regarding Record Store Day, I have a funny story to share: last year, David Bowie 1966 was sold out as quickly as it was released that day. A year later, I found it on eBay for fifteen dollars (7.50 for price and 7.50 for shipping.) While I believe the price was rigged, I found it curious to find something that was sought after last year to drop down in price online.
Hi Edwin. Thanks for this comment. I've had a similar experience with RSD titles... I find if you wait long enough, the prices come down considerably...
Have a great week man
Frank
Fads and fashions play a large part in whether or not a particular record is valuable . Rare soundtracks , audiophile classical , space age pop are all genres that sold at high premiums at one time until the bottom fell out . ' Grails ' are still pricey , but because they're so rare , finding them in acceptable condition is very difficult , al though some collectors will still pay a small fortune for these collectibles if they're in less than pristine shape . And , as you mentioned , Frank , the buyer really doesn't know what he's getting with a sealed record . It could be warped , cracked , a less in demand pressing , or even the wrong record in the jacket .
Hi Mac. This is good insight. Thank you for the comment.
Frank
I have purchased a few sealed records at thrift stores. One I did open, a repressing of Judy Garland's Live at Carnegie Hall, sounded fantastic. One I just got is a first pressing of The Spinners "Happiness Is Being With The Spinners" from 1976. Honestly, I think the novelty of an unopened record is not necessarily going to make someone rich quick if they decide to flip it. The fun may just be in opening and playing it. It is likely that rare Led Zeppelin unopened vinyl that might command a premium, but then again, only a hardcore collector would ultimately buy it.
Buy what i enjoy ONLY and play it ...period !!
Its all personal, I have records I will never open only because I listen to the CD or cassette and have no desire to destroy the original slowly on my turntable. If someone wants to pay me stupid money for vinyl so be it, otherwise ill keep it and see what the market holds for the future. Its a very small part of the collection anyway so everythings a gamble right? Great video, thanks again! Yeah im old I said cassette, LOL.
Tbh I think records are meant to be listened to. I do think people should open their records and listen to them. I don’t think they should stay sealed and I wanted to see if anyone agreed with me here. Thanks, great video!
great video frank. i agree. i open all sealed records myself to see what they look. i just got a sealed jazzy jeff and fresh prince lp from 1991. it is in good shape. have a great week
mike
your friend
from bc
.. and oh yeah!! Love the end bit.. hahahahahaha
Haha... I thought I'd throw an "Easter egg" in there. Thanks for noticing. I may do it more often.
Cheers my friend.
Frank
Spin 'em Frank, they're meant to play and enjoy! Congrats on 1 Million VIEWS! Great video as usual, great point on baseball cards, very similar situation if you think about it. #vinylrulez🎧
Kind of off topic but I'm blown away and that I just saw a Bikini Kill album in this video! I have the same exact one. I thought those are pretty hard to find.
Warped vinyl is not a complete loss. I've restored them to perfect condition by putting them in the oven. That said, there are no good TH-cam videos that explain the process properly. Maybe you want to take this on?
John h.. why dont you make the video ?
Truthfully, I've never tried restoring a warped record. As Gily said, I'd be interested in seeing your process.
Frank
Thank you for your response. I'm a big fan of the channel and look forward to every Sunday for the next video. I'm a working stiff with little free time. I would be happy to take photos of my materials and type up a set of instructions for you to try on your channel. Some of the youtube videos out there get parts of the process right but I can add the part that they all seem to forget. How can I send you the photos and text? Email address?
I personally won't pay anymore for a sealed record than I would for an opened one because I am going to open the sealed record and listen to it anyway.
Love Channel 33!!! All I look forward too every Sunday, screw football, I watching channel 33! Love the videos Frank, keep up the great work- best wishes Jake
Thanks Jake! I appreciate it.
Frank
Honestly, I didn't know this was a thing. I never even thought about purchasing a record and not opening it up to play it. I certainly never thought of purchasing a record with the idea that it would go up in value and/or for resale. Play and enjoy! But, to each their own.
If the gatefold gets damaged, and the record gets warped and people realize it, they will not buy it! I open my records all the way, and play the hell out out of em! That's what there made for! But if you want to keep em sealed, that's your business and decision, but not me! In the 60s record's didn't come "shrink wrapped"! That's why record's from that era had song listings in the gatefold (but not all)!
I agree. I'm not going to tell people how to spend their money. That said, a sealed record does not mean a "mint" record.
Cheers
Frank
Oddly sometimes it just happens. I had a sealed first press copy of the Gorillaz Demon Days that I had full intention of opening and listening to, but at the same time had the CD and, as we were traveling a bit more, it was utilized during these travels. About three years back I rediscovered it while filling new storage shelves and thought I'd check it out on eBay before I popped the seal. I quickly decided to sell it and buy an already opened copy. I couldn't personally bring myself to open it when I knew I could finance more vinyl and get a pristine copy to boot. I don't think this makes me a flipper. It is, however, a rare instance when one can have their cake and eat it too and, having been a sucker for the comic book bubble back in the nineties, would never suggest investing in vinyl. Silver and gold are a much better investment in terms of financial wealth, where as let the magic in those vinyl grooves be an investment in the soul.
GREAT topic this week, as always!!! CHEERS!!!
A record is meant to be used listened to and enjoyed. Multiple copies to have a sealed and open copy is a good idea
As you said, it is anybody's guess whether any record will become worth the money you paid for it originally, or more. Whether you keep the record sealed or not is not the main issue. The main thing is to find the person who is willing to pay any amount of money for it. I think it's crazy that i have singles i bought thirty years ago and today i could buy those singles off ebay for less money than i paid for them as new back then. Even if a record is considered collectible, it doesn't mean it's value will increase at all over time. I've used this example plenty times before, i bought Kiss' Originals back in the 80's and 25 years later i saw another copy being sold for the same amount of money i had paid for it. Rise of value in 25 years for a collectible record by a band that had been collectible all that time; Zero. Another thing, as you said, you can't trust a record being sealed just because it looks like it, i bought sealed Vinnie Vincent record and found price stickers underneath the shrink. Re-sealed? Yes i think so.
In the end i guess i want to say two things;1. I have never bought a record with the value in mind, in fact i'm fully prepared that once i will sell my records, i will lose money in financial sense. 2.You can keep your records sealed and hope to make money from it, just don't count on it.
Pasi
Hey! Thanks for doing my question! :)
A friend sent me an old album she found in her storage. It is still sealed in an album box. Is there any value in an ET album, narrated by Michael Jackson, music by John Williams, produced by Quincy Jones? It contains a 24 page color storybook, 22" x22"poster and storybook album. Release date 1982
there's a record store in Albuquerque NM that reseals used records, however they do put that on the price tag, and the prices are the same as if it was open.
I know pretty much everyone else has said it, but I buy records to listen and enjoy them. I'll worry about what they're worth some other time.
Hey Frank, you should try Vinyl Flat for that Kiss Album, I've fixed a few of my warped Vinyl Records with it including a Cinderella - Night Songs just yesterday.
Some good points made here
Very interesting about the baseball card bubble. I avoid sealed records as well, but people who want to use vinyl as an investment MIGHT want to keep them sealed - but then again, records are a pretty bad investment when purchased new... only people buying in bulk collections like dealers can stand to make a profit with vinyl - hobbyists probably should just collect for the love of the hobby, not finances.
Open condition means more than sealed. Records are one of the few things that retain Value when open just take care if your wax.
I agree. With sealed records, you never really know what you're getting.
Frank
No from my experience. Bought a sealed Ohio Players LP from 1972. On the outside, visually, it looked fine and in mint condition. But once unsealed, I discovered the lp was warped to the high heavens and unplayable. Unless you are running a museum, what's the point if you aren't playing your records?
I guess I'm the wrong guy to talk about this Frank. If you're not playing the record and enjoying it, it's without value.
First of all Frank, congrats on the 1 million views. You have an amazing channel :) Well I buy records because of the music, because I love great music and it sounds amazing on vinyl. So all my records are opened. And I don't really care about pressings and stuff like that. I just care about the music :) But I did got a Motorhead - Clean your clock album for me and my husband, and he kept his copy sealed. He got really emotional, it has a sentimental value for him and I can't blame him if he want's to keep it that way.
Thank you Mateja, I appreciate the comment. I'm glad you dig the channel! Like you, most records I buy to play, but I did get a really good deal on a small stack of still-sealed hard rock/metal albums from the 80s, and I've kept them sealed (I have play copies).
Have a great week
Frank
I open and play my records ,cds,dvds,cass.tapes so on and so on. I don't buy music to collect make money, I buy music to enjoy, play , they are made to be played! I'm not buying 2 copys of everything that's crazy. I have a large collection of music because I love listening to music, not to make MONEY.
The question: NM/M confirmed and opened vs. still sealed?
The way I see it....no one ever tells a stamp collector..."Mail a letter with those stamps or get rid of them" lol...or "get that civil war rifle off your wall and hunt with it this year or get rid of it". There is an active listening aspect to vinyl and there is a collecting aspect to vinyl. Some have more of the collector aspect about them than others and neither person is wrong. I say don't make any fast rules about opening or keeping vinyl sealed. If you get pleasure and enjoyment out of keeping a piece sealed...keep that darn thing sealed. If you get more enjoyment from opening it...rip the dang thing open. Just trust your gut and make YOUR collecting/listening experience one that makes YOU happy. My entire Nirvana and Radiohead collection is sealed. No specific reason why LOL. Not a value thing. I just really liked having all the album sealed for some reason so I kept them that way lol. Can't even say why other than it feels great to have them that way.
mrhoffame This is a great perspective. Thanks man!
I see records as a way to listen to music not as an investment. I don't see any point in buying records and not listening to them
As a lot of people are saying, I buy them to listen to them. However, if I feel a certain record will become ultra valuable later on, then I purchase a second copy to sell for a profit. For example, I recently purchased 2 copies of Aqualung, which Analogue Productions did on Clarity Vinyl. I listen to one, and keep the other sealed. Interestingly, my opened copy had a defect all through the song My God (my favorite on the album, of course). Acoustic Sounds took my word for it and sent me a new disk 2 (it's a 45 rpm record, so there are 2 disks), and I did not have to send in the old disk 2. Who knows what's going on with that unopened copy?
Obviously, an opened record gives up most of its secrets, and of course once played, all of its secrets. My children will probably sell my records when they die. I will have an ultrasonic cleaner in the next few months, so my children can clean them ultrasonically and then sell them. Personally, I would clean them ultrasonically and then listen to them. I could therefore sell a record and honestly describe any things that are wrong. In the majority of cases, I could honestly advertise records as being near perfect in look and sound. To me, as a buyer of records on the internet, that would go a long way - especially if that seller maintains a 100% rating.
Now, when selling a record, that's the question. On the open market, a sealed record is worth much more than an opened record, even though the sealed one is an unknown. One huge caveat: When people sell old, sealed records, they will not allow returns.
If you were a buyer and listener of audiophile vinyl, would you pay more for a sealed record, or an opened record? A lot of action happens at places like ebay and discogs so, for my purposes, I am assuming the record cannot be handled before purchase.
Selling records for a profit, and listening to them is exactly the business of those small, independent shops.
Open it and enjoy it but take care of it...I rather have a open one known to be good than a sealed that may be warped. No playback defeats the beauty of vinyl. Love the shirt BTW
This video has motivated me to open up my sealed records. I will keep my Beatles - A Hard Days Night record sealed. I have no want or desire to sell it or open it. The other sealed records I have is all modern music, and it is time to open them up and drop the needle!
I have some sealed vintage records as well, which I am keeping that way....
Frank
Time goes by so fast and when I get time I go down to my space were my records are I take my smokes and coffee and for about 2 hours im in a wonderful place I forget the crap in life and blast out rock soul motown all my faves and ones I had forgoten from years ago no seals on my sounds I have to try them out I cant help it
I have David Bowie black star on clear vinyl unopened, I’m not sure to keep like this just open and keep the record in a good sleeve
In some cases, keeping a record sealed can damage it over an extended period of time. That said, sealed records tend to be worth more. It's a catch-22.
Frank
I have a related question. I recently was lucky enough to find a copy of Ernest Hood's lp "Neighborhoods" at Goodwill. Now I hear that a reissue is in the works. In general, how does a reissue affect the price of the original? Does it lower the value, as people who would be interested in buying the original can now buy a substitute; or does is increase the value, as more people can now listen to the album which in turn makes more people want to buy the original?
miffelplix It depends on the record. Sellers have told me in general, they see the price of originals drop a bit when there is a good quality reissue. I don't, however, have any numbers to back this up.
As soon as people start buying for financial value more than the personal value to them, it becomes a stale hobby. My personal care for financial value: zero! If I can get them cheaper than 'market' value I'm happy. I rarely buy new and NEVER buy 2nd-hand sealed. Unless I get a big job lot, ALL records get played within minutes of getting them home.
I always open mine because I mean to play them. But if I come across a sealed vintage record of a band I don't like and I know it's worth money, I'll definitely keep it sealed and sell it.
After my experience this past summer, NO! It wasn't worth the extra $10 that it was over other used LPs. The paper liner pretty much scuffed the top of the grooves and you can hear a faint shh extra noise.
This is a very good point. When it comes to sealed vintage vinyl...you never know what's inside...
Cheers
Frank
Definitely don't keep them sealed. I kept a couple of pearl jam records sealed for 20 years. Both were warped when I did open them. One was damaged by a water heater leak, still playable but jacket is heavy damaged. The other album the shrink ripped so I took it the rest of the way off. Now I could just buy new reissued copy's if I want non warped records.
Ouch... that's too bad, but not surprising to hear about the warping. I'm learning that is all too common...
Frank
I'm new to this whole vinyl thing. Coming from the video games world, so I'm not really stranger to this keeping things sealed. Still, I cringe when I hear something like this. What's the point ?? Seriously people. Play your games, listen to your music, watch your movies. Enjoy what you paid for. Also, in this world of digital download, both legally and otherwise, there's no point of keeping anything sealed to keep the value. Because most would just get a digital copy and enjoy whatever they want. Which would keep the value of sealed product barely as retail, or even lower.
Do what makes you happy without judging other People
Should I open my original kiss' SONIC BOOM?? cannot even think about it. Greetings.
i think why cards values was going down is the same reason that sealed vinyl is because the shrink wrap is notorious for continuing to shrink even to the point of collapsing the boxes and warping and bending the item.
i think the best way to deal with maintaining the mintness is to make it that the shrink wrap does not matter it is the secondary seal that is placed on the product.
remember when cds had a tamper seal across the opening on the case then was shrink wrapped?
so if a piece of vinyl was packaged with one of them dogbone or even cd tamper seal across the opening then you could unwrap the vinyl package and it is still mint because of the secondary tamper seal.
especially if justin beibers lyrics becomes offensive to the level of racial slurs (the N word) and no one wants it because maybe it is some hot potato or a cancel culture.
I have had many old sealed records in my collection over the decades. Some I have opened, some I have left sealed. The ones I opened I really wanted to listen to, and wouldn't really be worth a lot if I kept them sealed anyway. A few of the others have remained sealed for the collectible reasons, and I have additional opened copies to listen to. For example, I have an original US pressing of KISS "The Elder" still sealed after all these years, but kept it sealed since I have two pristine opened copies that I can listen to. Plus, a few of the sealed records I have have been sealed for so many decades, I'm worried they might have issues like Frank's Jimmy Hendrix or KISS records that he opened. I'd hate to finally open one of these to find out they're essentially worthless due to a warp or sleeve damage.
I have some vintage sealed ones from the early 80s.... KISS, Priest, Ozzy, Sabbath... I got them pretty cheap, and they will stay sealed, especially after the nightmare with the Hendrix and KISS!!!!!
Cheers
LOVE that T shirt LOL!!!!
Thanks dude!
People who would buy vinyl records and then keep them sealed give me the creeps. The phrase 'anally-retentive bed wetters' seems appropriate 😩
Shelley Lyme lol
Hi, Frank!
Keeping records sealed is a bit double edged sword. I have some sealed records but that's mainly because I'm lazy. :)
If there would be two identical old records available but the other one would be sealed, I would buy the sealed one though there's no guarantee that the vinyl itself will be in perfect condition.
Something like that,
Jarkko / MyVinylBar
pretty fascinating - thanks!
Vinyl, just like retrogames or any collectible (except for maybe TCGs like Magic if you are really knowledgable) are a terrible investment. Buy stocks if you want to invest and speculate, not collectibles where you don't even know how much stuff is out there and can ruin the value of an item within just a few days.
Great comment... collectibles are generally a very bad investment.
Frank
I know I am late to this video... However, given RSD 2023 Taylor Swift album... I will never again buy a sealed record. I have gone through three copies... all have manufacturing faults. How many copies are out there sealed with hidden faults as a result of not being inspected. This is devastating. DO NOT BUY "SEALED"...
I think vinyl is a different ballgame ha ha. No pun intended. I guess each individual is different with today's vinyl resurgence many might think it is an investment. I have some sealed and I buy a ton of limited release vinyl. Will you get rich, highly doubtful.
So true... vinyl is not a good investment... I have a small stack of still-sealed rock/hard rock/metal albums from the 80s. I got them cheap, but not to make money.
Cheers man
Frank
I've been watching a few of these video's and they all pretty much say the same (Thanks for the advice guys!!), reason being is I've recently bought a few Beastie Boys re-issue vinyls and they've mainly come as sealed yet I've always wanted to open them but didn't know whether to or not for the simple reason, I like to keep them new. I suppose there is the element of the investment thing for me but it's mainly because I like to keep the vinyls new more than anything (in good condition basically) however I want to open them up and enjoy all the artwork too as opposed to even playing them really. They're only re-issues too so I'm not sure where it stands, value wise, in regards to re-issue vinyls, do they also become valuable/collectable, I don't know?
In my opinion, music should be listened to, not just a collector's piece. Vinyl, CD, Cassettes or Otherwise
Really cool video man!
Thank you!
Frank