There is something special about putting the vinyl on the turntable, hearing the crunch, seeing the spinning record, and hearing the notes flow into the room. The vinyl record and the cover are a whole that provides more than just music. Even the crinkles, wine stains and wear and tear add to the experience. For some, the wear and tear is part of the charm. But for collectors, it’s often about the feeling of traveling back in time and getting close to the experience of the record when it was released. That’s why the right LP in the right condition is often a treasure. A rare record in perfect condition is almost priceless.
– The reason why some records become collector’s items is because they are produced in small numbers and are rare. If the records are also numbered, there is only one copy of that particular record, which also contributes to a higher collector’s value,” says Stefan Jacobsson.
Having worked with music and vinyl for most of his life, he also explains that there are many more factors that play a role in the value and demand of records.
– The pressing also plays an important role in the value of the product, preferably from the country of origin of the artist or group.
Then of course the condition plays a big role. Often when assessing records, there are different grades that characterize the quality of the vinyl, where mint is the best grade on an opened and played vinyl. In this grading, it is important, for example, that the envelope is also in the best condition. However, flawless records are hard to find. Most older records are well-played and have both creases and some major tears.
– “The records that are valued at a thousand kronor in mint condition can be completely worthless in poor condition,” he says.
Which music genres are most popular on vinyl?
– Given that pop-rock records have been around since the mid-1950s, that genre is big and popular. Hip hop and reggae are also popular genres, but mostly because some of those records are made in small editions,” says Stefan Jacobsson.
Many popular contemporary artists such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga or Swedish Mando Diao release their music in vinyl format, although the range is greatest in certain genres. Trying to predict which records or genres will be in demand in the future is difficult, but most likely it will be the records that are currently released in smaller quantities.
Popular and well-liked vinyl records:
- Beatles – Please Please Me: this is the group’s first album (1963). Here it is important that you find the first UK pressing if you want to be sure to invest in the right record. However, it can be difficult to find it in good condition as it has often been played on poor quality early vinyl players.
- Pink Floyd – Dark side of The Moon: classic album from 1973 of which there are many different versions. It is usually in high demand and the original edition, which has a light blue triangle on the envelope, is usually the most sought after.
- Rolling Stones – Sticky fingers: With a trouser sleeve that pulls down on the envelope, this Andy Warhol cover is half the story of the record. Although the Rolling Stones have released many albums, this one from 1971 is still considered a sought-after variant thanks to the special cover.
- Abba – Waterloo: the group’s first album, released in 1974, was a huge success when it came out and has enjoyed a revival in recent years. As it has been released in many versions and editions, it is important to look for the first pressing.
- Metallica: the album known as the ‘Black Album’ (1991) is one of the Metallica albums that is sought after by many. It’s a record that brought hard rock to a wider audience with big hits like Nothing Else Matters.
- Kent: when it comes to the group Kent, it is mainly the early albums that are interesting and unusual – for example Verkligen (1996), Isola (1997) and Hagnesta Hill (1999). They came out at a time when records were not usually released on vinyl, which adds to their greatness.
Text: Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
