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Boy am I glad no one bought my albums

Recently I ran an auction for 9 audiophile classical lps. You know the ones, for MoFi, Cheski, Reference Recording, ect.... I thought that $175 was a fair starting price, which means less than $20 each. These were in almost new condition. I've paid more for less!

Well, I didn't get one bid but I am not disappointed. I listened to them last night and boy was I impressed! Now, I am not a Classical music fan, it just doesn't move me. Sure, it is nice enough but not engaging. That has all changed after last night. The strings were fantastic the drums knocked me over, making me weak in the knees, and the horns were like sirens pleading me to stay.

And, Stay I will. Thank you for not buying these albums! It would have been a mistake to part with them!
ramstl

Showing 4 responses by rdr4b

rdr4b
81 posts
 
Okay, point taken, Ramstl.

Instead of trying to sell them, you should perhaps buy a few more classical LPs such as the Speaker Corner or Super Analog reissues. If you like what you heard on Chesky, you will be totally blown away by really good Decca or EMI reissues.
rdr4b
81 posts
 
I am not sure if you really love those records, but you sounded pretty sour to me.

No one bought your albums for a very simple reason - they are over-priced. $20/LP is only fair if someone can pick. And evan that is debatable based on your list.

These records only have values to the stereophile, not collectors. Chesky, for one, has very little resale value due to the poor remastering job and normally can be bought for $5-8 easily on eBay.

The way to find out true value of your collection is to run a zero start, no reserve auction. If your merchandize is desirable, someone will bid. You may not like the price, but that is how market economy works.
rdr4b
81 posts
 
Bach's unaccompanied cello suite is highly sought after by everyone but none of the audiophile labels ever reissued any. The most sought after performer is Jano Starker.

Unfortunately, chamber music is not popular among audiophile labels. 90% of the audiophile labels reissues works of orchestra. Even opera is rare.
rdr4b
81 posts
 
Frank, you're 90% right. The Mercury Golden Import is nice indeed which I also have. However, the original works is much much better when I heard it at my friend's house. I first saw a copy at Tower Records in 1980 which I unfortunately couldn't afford. $25.00 at the time was half week's meal money for a poor graduate student. Two months ago I saw a mint copy went for $350 and still did not meet the reserve. Although I suppose I could afford it, I figure the money could be better spent elsewhere.

You're also right about Starker being great in Stero and all. However, if you don't mind listening to mono, Fournier and Casal are much deeper.
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