I am sorry to read about your health crisis...
i never think about what my wife will do with my audio gear (not very valuable in money anyway). I had a big collection of minerals and it makes me laugh when she said that after my death she will use them as rocks of colors for the walking entrance..
Dont bother with audio gear, think about yourself not about what you wife will do with the gear pieces...
Gives them to some friends...
I wish you the best anyway, often doctors are contradicted by life itself...
The body touch ground not consciousness...
My best thoughts and prayer for you and family...
|
Sorry to hear about your health challenges.
I suggest preparing sending your components to TMR who would resell them.
|
TMR is an option or reach out to some of the higher end shops in Chicago area if they can help. A few sell here at AG.
God Bless and I hope the doctors are wrong.
|
Sorry to hear this. I to am long past the days when I was 6ft tall and bullet proof, If I make it 3 more years, I will become the longest lived member of the male line in my family. All that aside. I have had the same thoughts as you. I have a modest audio system and some Martin guitars that are probably worth more than my electronics.
Unfortunately, my wife cares little about either of my passions. I have no offspring to pass anything down to. If I had any other relatives that deserved or showed any interest, I would consider leaving something to them. So, when I assume room temp, I suppose she will sell everything and enjoy the proceeds (not the she will need it). I'm leaning toward the attitude of what will be will be, Once I'm gone, it really won't matter.
|
I’m sorry to hear about your health issues, and pray for your recovery. I live alone and my two adult daughters Neither know anything about Audio gear or care to learn. i’ve instructed them to contact my dealer who I trust to give them good advice for it’s disposal when the time comes. I think TMR is another good option. While their commission is not cheap, they help with everything and will turn your equipment into cash with absolutely no possibility of having to deal with unhappy or unscrupulous buyers. They are good at what they do and I think they would try to make this as easy as possible for your family if that becomes necessary.
it is so good of you to think of taking care of this now now, but if your system brings you joy, I suspect your family would want you to hang onto it and with clear instructions, they can deal with it without undue stress. Just a thought.
God bless you
|
As so many others on this forum I am not a spring chicken and also face the consequences of age.
My thoughts and prayers to your future.
That said… if your affairs are in order and the wife is not in need of the full value of your toys consider simply giving away stuff. Not necessarily with zero renumeration but priced to be gone.
Maybe give some of it away to a sorority or fraternity house. Let it get used.
Hold an auction with the proceeds to go to the folks of your choice.
I walk around my house looking at the tools, nuts, bolts, and bull crap I have accumulated and start chuckling.
I am currently in the process of dispersing my collection of superfluous bull feces. Easier said than done.
|
I have thinking about this stuff, too. My hobby is going to a computer museum. My guns are going to a younger new friend. My late 70s/80s era audio system is going to an audio store that repairs and sells said stuff.
After everything else is sold the cash will be spread across a few animal aid organizations.
|
It's very charitable if they were to get sold or donated to audio folks of any level, who will enjoy all of it for what it was intended for. My hope is that my lifetime of specialized knick knacks "will reach the right people". Thats good enough for me!
|
@williamjohnston
I am sorry to learn about your situation. You’ve articulated something that many people in our community quietly think about but rarely give voice to: what happens to the things we’ve poured decades of passion, care, and money into—especially when those things hold meaning for us but may feel like a burden to our loved ones.
I will speak to the steps I’ve taken in case my spouse end up disposing my system. Took me a while but knowing my wife has no interest in my main system, I’ve put together a spreadsheet outlining all of my gear, purchase price and media collection (CLZ Music software) that would help her dispose off my treasured possessions into the hands of people or places that will fetch a decent value.
A spreadsheet or thinning some of your gear now is all about how to leave traces of possessions you’ve enjoyed and treasured. Your dog will be loved by your wife; your music legacy can be loved by friends, younger enthusiasts, or even institutions. What matters is that you’ve thought about it—and that is already a great kindness to those you love.
Take care and enjoy music!
|
I know what you guys,are taking about.I have to one of these days start down sizing,alot.I sold all my albums in 2015...1,100.....I k ow have bought 1,500...omg...and for get about cheap cds Thousands....I only have my daughter.
|
|
@williamjohnston My deepest sympathies. Do you live near a major cancer center? There are many new treatments with remarkable results. A colleague whose stage 4 illness was diagnosed about a decade ago is still doing well (he was treated at Stanford). And I can personally vouch for MSK in NY; my daughter just beat breast cancer thanks to their expert care. But surely you've been through that roller coaster of hope and despair already. In any case, it's not what you asked about.
Others have recommended organizations that can help find new homes for your gear. I just looked at your virtual system, and it is certainly a treasure. But let me take a different approach to your plea.
The pleasure we get from audio, and from music, is deeply personal and, as such, is not really transferable. Most people, in my experience, don't care very much for sound quality anyway; even musicians rarely own fine equipment. There is an element of creativity in assembling a great audio system over many years, but just as the neurophysiology of hearing is very idiosyncratic, so is musical taste: the results of your efforts are, in total, something only you will ever properly appreciate.
When it comes down to it, this life lesson is true for every human value, even the highest of accomplishments. I'm sure others will have a different interpretation, but the final scenes in Lars von Trier's film "Melancholia" seem to me to speak to the futility of hoping to immortalize anything: as an errant planet speeds through space on a collision course with Earth, Beethoven's music is the soundtrack to the anticipation of total annihilation. Even the "immortal" Beethoven will ultimately be silenced, and it will be as if nothing ever happened. This may seem bleak, but it is also a consolation.
So tend to your own self, and to your wife, and to your dog, and to your friends. Don't worry about your things. They are meaningful only to you—but YOU are meaningful to them.
|
I have two best friends dealing with similar health situations. I hate that people have to deal with situations like that.
I have a spreadsheet for my guitars and firearms. I list the price paid and current estimated value. My plan is to divest of some of them when I retire in a few years. Just for fun more than anything.
I'm fortunate to have a son that is really into firearms and guitars. He knows what everything is worth and how to sell the items that they don't want.
The boys would know how to sell the audio gear if none of them want it.
My wife would be clueless about all of it.
|
|
@williamjohnston
I am saddened to hear of your illness. My wife has been in a similar position with Stage IV Breast Cancer for the past year and a half. She has been remarkably positive about making the most of life while she can. It sounds like you are the same. She has said her diagnosis made her realise that the two important things in her life are family and her career as a nurse. Her ambition is to see her first grandchild before her time is up. I hope you can find some solace in music and whatever else is important to you. Don't sell all your gear while you can still enjoy it. My very best wishes to you.
|
@foggyus91 Plus one ... Thank you for sharing! Hang in there ...
|
I have one more year to go before I can call myself a survivor. 4 years in remission and not a day goes by I don't think of it. It is a very lonely and introspective road that has changed the way I approach life. I no longer waste time. As other have said here...... clinical drugs and therapies have allowed cancer patients to live many years after this absolutely awful disease. God does listen , prayers are very powerful but I am sure in one way or another you already know that.
Like ; foggyus91 has mentioned and I will second his recommendation ; contact TMR / The Music Room and speak with Simon or Raymond as they are great to work with. I have used them the past few times I have had something to sell here in order to avoid some of the nonsense and fees of selling something here. Yes their charge is steep but they will pick it up for you for free using Fed-Ex and in a couple of weeks send you a check. Easy and no hassles.
I kept the receipts of my purchases and wrote down the cost of my system in the event of death as well as fire , flood etc.....I sealed the envelope ( after each new purchase ) and told my wife in the note in the envelope that in event I am gone this is what the system is worth. She will at least have an idea and knows about TMR.....
I do understand but just a little of where you are in life as it such a lonely road but one that you are always constantly reminded of. However, as other have said make few calls and enjoy your life e and your friends and family and hopefully with the Grace of God ......we all here will be talking to you in the years to come. Peace ....
|
My thoughts are with you. A good audio dealer relationship can help your spouse with fair and easy relocation of your equipment. We should all know someone we trust by now. Best of luck. Don’t get rid of what you love. TMR requires a bit of work packing and sending.
|
Sorry to hear about your health issues. Hope all goes well. As far as your equipment I’ve had similar thoughts as I prepare for the inevitable. I told my wife and kids to not just have a yard sale to get rid of all of my equipment and physical music. Not sure they will follow through so I asked my friend that is into eBay and FB Marketplace to help sell the more expensive stuff so at least the family get something back. The hobby will pass with me. Such is life. One of my kids will take my boat and the other my Pats tickets so my other two hobbies are in good hands. Be well and rock on.
|
My thoughts are with you as well. Over the years I worked with many patients who were facing end of life decisions. I learned it is prudent to make plans while you can; but to still hold onto the things that bring you joy and comfort while you are still here. I think a spread sheet such as lalitk suggested is a great start. You might want to include instructions as to which friends you would like to bequeath your treasures to, once you are gone. That will create a legacy of joyful memories amongst your friends, provide you with some comfort while you battle your illness and lessen the work your survivors will have left to do. I also learned in my work that your doctors and nurses have no way of predicting the future. One never knows how each individual will respond to treatment. That and the advent of newer immunologically based treatments can greatly impact your near future. So enjoy your treasures while you have them and don't give up the fight. And thanks for sharing your thoughts with your electronic community. Your comments may help many others ( and all of us at some point ) deal with the issues of living.
|
I'm so sorry to hear this, my thoughts are with you.
I am on the other side of your situation, having lost a relative with a lot of high end equipment and a lot of media, and me trying to dispose of it in the best way possible. In fact, it's why I've joined here in the first place.
He was a music lover and had a high quality vinyl collection of over 10k albums that he planned to leave to my wife and I. We were able to persuade him a few years before he passed to sell that, as we had no place to keep it or the knowledge to sell it (you can see the story of it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Y1RGtG5I4&pp=ygUXdG9wcGVyIHZpbnlsIGNvbGxlY3Rpb24%3D and here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4Y1RGtG5I4&pp=ygUXdG9wcGVyIHZpbnlsIGNvbGxlY3Rpb24%3D)
When he did pass last year, I inherited a large amount of equipment that I have been selling over the past year on various platforms. It is time (and space) consuming. While I love and will keep some equipment, I do not consider myself an audiophile. Finding the value of much of this equipment is difficult for someone who is not a hobbyist/pro. I was fortunate enough to be able to sell off the entire Kaleidescape system to a single dealer who was a great help (more than a pallet of boxes). I'm still working on selling speakers, amps, and cables which are heavy and bulky to package/ship. While I've recently discovered TMR and would be willing to take a lower price, they aren't interested in the amps/processors as they are focused on 2 channel.
This experience is forcing me to look at all of my own "stuff", and part with much of what is more sentimental than actually used. As I don't actually want most of my parent's prized possessions, I'm sure my daughter will not want mine. I don't want to burden those left behind with the process that I am currently experiencing. I will at some point reach out to a local dealer and try to sell the whole package, but even getting to that point has taken time and effort. It's a difficult and emotional process.
|
|
To the OP...very sorry to hear. Hope all goes as well as it can.
I'm not in exactly the same boat...my health challenges have mostly affected quality of life. But I'm not getting younger. I'm thinking of thinning things down so that my wife won't get overwhelmed if I drop dead. Also I'd hate to see her taken advantage of if she tried to sell things.
|
You seem upbeat and thinking clearly about your situation, it is hard to read and my best wishes to you.
Although morbid the Swiss practice the "Swedish Death Cleaning" starting around 65 years old. I have begun this process while I still can move heavy stuff around. I have three Corvettes and two Harleys to deal with. The Harleys are going, but the vettes are staying. I enjoy them too much and they could easily be sold at the appropriate time.
I also have the other side of the coin going in my household, without giving up to much my wife has been diagnosed with a rather severe neurological disorder. And she has quite a bit of very nice "things" that she holds dear. No way can I expect her to give them up.
Which brings me to my 2 cents...prioritize all of your audio holdings and keep what gives you the most joy and solace. Create a detailed plan to dispose of whatever it is you decide to keep. And do the Swedish thing on what you decide not to keep.
My kids don't want any of my audio gear which sort of pains me because they grew up in a house where music was a near constant. And so it goes.
I'm very sorry to hear of your troubles and I will send some thoughts up to the big man.
Regards,
barts
|
Sorry to read of your health, I think this is something we all have to face and you are right, leaving it to a spouse or partner puts a greater burden on them. I bought pieces from a friend’s estate after he passed, in part to help out his widow.
Maximizing return, for the sake of your estate, would require far more effort than "one stop" deals, like working with TMR or Sky-Fi. I also have Avantgardes (Duos) and they are a bargain today used, compared to the current new market prices.
Same with records, you can either try to maximize which involves more effort (or finding someone like I did, who was willing to take unwanted LPs (about 12 thousand at the time, leaving me with around 5k LPs)), removing them from my place, listing them, selling, shipping, and sending me 50% of the net.
Yes, any dealer is going to give you far less than market, but the one key thing is to get them to take all of it (if that is what you want).
Other alternatives, with physical media and possibly gear- donate to a music school or library if they have the facilities to actually support such a gift.
I appreciate that part of this is peace of mind and not introducing more stress into your life.
I wish you the best,
|
I also extend my concerns for your health and second the idea to find a major cancer center. In Ohio, The James does amazing work. There are also many experimental therapies you may qualify for that could really extend your life.
But to your question:
My other hobby is astronomy and people accumulate a lot of stuff in that hobby. I have taken to helping widows liquidate their husband's stuff. I agree with your plan of bequeathing items. Since your friends won't talk about it, and it sounds like they don't need anything, how about a local club/group? I know these are harder to find, but they do exist. If you reach out to a few and communicate with their leader you may find someone you would trust to move your equipment on to people who would really enjoy it. I suspect media will be the hardest thing to sell. When I helped liquidate media in the past I went to a record fair and talked to each vendor. In the end I sold the vast majority of the media and got the family about $1,200. Sure, full retail was probably $4,000, but it was gone. I find most widows just want it gone. It brings back memories and sadness.
Take care and don't give up.
|
@williamjohnston be strong and hold fast…
Our (loosely described) local vinyl club is populated by mostly retirement aged men, but in recent years (since Covid) we have added some new blood, a few in their 30’s,40’s and 50’s. Several listening sessions recently have included discussions amongst those present, regarding the eventual dispersal of certain aging members’ audio possessions, both media (CDs, vinyl, tape…) and stereos (from modest to elaborate). Few have spouses or relatives that are even remotely interested in owning, selling or finding new homes for such… it has become increasingly obvious that the younger ones in our little hobby group will benefit greatly.
It does make you wonder…
|
