One man's Jewels; another man's Junk or Load

[Iving]

A few preliminaries:
1. Title bait? You got me.
2. No sexist (or reductionist) interpretations permitted. Women welcome.
3. afaik we haven't done this before as a Forum Topic at CA/AS.
4. No squabbling.

 

Summary: We all own music reproduction equipment and physical media (records, CDs, tapes etc). Audiophilia as a disease (malaise issues are *On* Topic!) is implicitly avid: in other words, some of us might have enormously swollen assets attributable to the undeniable inner imperative. Having spent so much energy, enthusiasm - and of course money - on our pride and joy, what will happen to our stuff when we die? Some of us may be too young to consider the matter relevant. You'll get there I promise you, and it's never too early to prepare for the eventuality.

 

Even though we have something in common (we do right?), we vary enormously as people - biographically and in our personalities. What a great thing is human diversity!

 

Perhaps a primary variable is the active or latent interest of our children. A daughter or son who just can't wait to inherit the record collection solves the dilemma in one swoop. If we don't have children - or anybody else in the family who's interested - what then?

 

The equipment angle is relatively straightforward, in the sense that the number of assets is modest, the item-wise worth relatively high - and the ease with which boxes etc can be liquidated financially fairly apparent. We might be realistic or deluded (whilst we are still living, naturally) about realisable value.

 

Records etc present a greater challenge. The main quandary is that it is impossible to obtain anything like retail value for instances of a collection without selling piecemeal. Not many of us will have progeny willing to spend countless hours recovering our (now their) cash via eBay, Discogs etc. Selling in bulk presents other concerns. Will those who survive us know how (or be inclined) to present an auction house with attractive lots. If not, will some scallywag in a rusty van get everything for barely the price of a Sinatra CD - just so that our nearest and dearest can be relieved of the burden we inadvertently bestowed.

 

I do emphasise one consideration especially. Are we being selfish, deluded people - telling ourselves that we are leaving our families something wonderfully more than sweet memories - when, in the final analysis, only aspirin will help them. To the extent that the latter may be true, how can we mitigate their problem whilst we still draw air?

 

Me? I have two living sons and two step-daughters. If my wife survives me (more than possible), probably she would ask the kids what they want - apart from which I doubt she would have the inclination (or expertise) to recover financially what I had built. She wouldn't even know how to reset the BIOS of my music PC - she'd discard it altogether considering it unfit for a grandchild's homework duties. Circumstances determined that all the records I bought as a young man - and which I looked after meticulously - were lost to me about 20 years ago. Since then I became an online dealer, and now have just thousands upon thousands of records and CDs - more music than I could listen to in several lifetimes - much of it painstakingly archived. Interspersed in what I have now - and I am not done yet - are individual records (even the odd CD) of significant value (not to mention unsold trading stock). At present I don't have a better solution than to prepare "hints and tips" notes which I hope get found beside my will.

 

imo this is a GREAT Forum. Thank you CC and everybody here. I learn a lot. My main motives are to milk you all for inspiration - and to have a lot of fun doing so. TIA for any interest.

[4est]

I've always looked at it somewhat selfishly. It is my hobby. I don't feel the need to justify it. Anything I might sell it for later is a bonus for me or whomever. I feel that I must add it seems you are underestimating the effort it takes to sell things. It's work.

[Iving]

If I read you right, I agree it takes a lot of time-consuming work to sell records etc online. Sifting, research, valuation, cleaning and restoration, photographing, accurate listing speaking the buyers' language, dealing courteously with enquiries, negotiating, packing (shellac demands particular care), prompt shipping, feedback etc. 

 

All of this is a barrier to liquidating our media assets.

 

And even more so if what we own is inherited by others without the same passion and experience.

[ShawnC]

I sold off most of my vinyl collection to 2 close friends who find records more enjoyable then digital music. I saved 17 albums which are all valued between $35-500 a piece.  Those are more keepsakes to talk about when my friends are over.  My CD's (2,000ish) are all stored in plastic bins and will probably either go to a family member or I'll donate them to the local library.   

 

I have a list of the albums and their value (circa 2018) on a spreadsheet for my family to sell If I was to pass, so they can get some sort of cash for them.  My buddies would probably buy those up too for a reasonable price.

[Iving]

4 hours ago, ShawnC said:

I sold off most of my vinyl collection to 2 close friends who find records more enjoyable then digital music. I saved 17 albums which are all valued between $35-500 a piece.  Those are more keepsakes to talk about when my friends are over.  My CD's (2,000ish) are all stored in plastic bins and will probably either go to a family member or I'll donate them to the local library.   

 

I have a list of the albums and their value (circa 2018) on a spreadsheet for my family to sell If I was to pass, so they can get some sort of cash for them.  My buddies would probably buy those up too for a reasonable price.

 

Some folks deeply regretted disposing of their vinyl - you don't seem to be one of them.

 

Your CDs are in plastic bins and you're willing to give them away - another healthy detachment! I'm still archiving mine like an anorak. I still wonder whether there'll be a market for CDs in the future - good reasons for owning them.

 

If ever you'd like to consider me a buddy I'd be happy to see your vinyl list via PM. 🙂

[firedog]

I've thought about this and would love to find some younger person to leave my system to - but only someone who would appreciate it. 

I fortunately don't have a lot of LPs and CDs - I moved from LP to CD fairly quickly, and then to computer based playback - so LP and CD collections aren't large. But again, I'd like to find someone to leave the LPs to who will appreciate them, and not just sell them off. I do have quite a few from back in the day that would be coveted. 

 

One thing that might be a good idea: make a separate list of the valuable LPs and their price and of the resale value of the equipment and include it with your will, with instructions that those specific items need to be sold for something close to market value, and not to a liquidator. That's assuming, of course, you don't find a friend or relative to leave your stuff to. 

[Iving]

2 hours ago, firedog said:

I've thought about this and would love to find some younger person to leave my system to - but only someone who would appreciate it. 

I fortunately don't have a lot of LPs and CDs - I moved from LP to CD fairly quickly, and then to computer based playback - so LP and CD collections aren't large. But again, I'd like to find someone to leave the LPs to who will appreciate them, and not just sell them off. I do have quite a few from back in the day that would be coveted. 

 

One thing that might be a good idea: make a separate list of the valuable LPs and their price and of the resale value of the equipment and include it with your will, with instructions that those specific items need to be sold for something close to market value, and not to a liquidator. That's assuming, of course, you don't find a friend or relative to leave your stuff to. 

 

For me that's dream territory - that someone might appreciate what I have appreciated.

 

I hope not in a vain way i.e. imagining that they imagine me in any way.

 

Just that there is a leg up to amazing music for someone somewhere.

 

When I acquire new stock, often from estates, it's natural to think about the previous owner.

 

I consider that putting stuff back into circulation is a positive thing even if I'm making a little money.

 

I guess a lot gets thrown away when people die.

 

I'm not afraid of that so much - more tbh that someone less deserving than my kids gets all my hard work for next to nothing. 

 

Yes I already thought of leaving notes with my will.

 

I don't fret too much. I have faith in a meaningful universe even if it doesn't feel like that sometimes. 

 

When I'm dead I'm dead. Anyway - I hear they are way ahead of us in heaven. Amazing SQ I hear. And no-one bickering. Can you imagine.

[ShawnC]

8 hours ago, Iving said:

 

Some folks deeply regretted disposing of their vinyl - you don't seem to be one of them.

 

Your CDs are in plastic bins and you're willing to give them away - another healthy detachment! I'm still archiving mine like an anorak. I still wonder whether there'll be a market for CDs in the future - good reasons for owning them.

 

If ever you'd like to consider me a buddy I'd be happy to see your vinyl list via PM. 🙂

Not afraid to list here, but not for sale in the near future.  Most my collection started early and was rock orientated.  My older sister dated a guitar player and his brother worked for Asia security.  So I had a lot of insight on how to meet bands and if your going to collect stuff buy two copies.  Once CD's came around, If I could afford it I'd buy the CD and Vinyl versions.  I either bought these albums new or within a year of their release.  I'd consider most as Very Good Plus value.  What's left is mostly sentimental and most are signed by all the band members or the lead singer, thus altering the actual value of the album.

 

AC/DC - Back in Black - unopened

Alice N Chains - Facelift - signed 

Beatles - White Album - Red vinyl Japanese

Blind Melon - Blind Melon - signed

Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - signed

Candlebox - Lucy - unopened

Guns N Roses - Appetite for Destruction - uncensored cover

Iron Maiden - Powerslave - signed

                    - Piece Of Mind - signed

Megadeth - Rust In Peace - signed

Metallica - Kill Em All - Original Megaforce release 

Nirvana - Nevermind - unopened   

Ozzy Osbourne - Ultimate Sin - signed

Poison - Look What The Cat Dragged In - signed

Smashing Pumpkins - Gish - signed

                                  - Siamese Dreams - signed

Skid Row - Skid Row - signed 

 

 

 

[Iving]

5 minutes ago, ShawnC said:

Not afraid to list here, but not for sale in the near future.  Most my collection started early and was rock orientated.  My older sister dated a guitar player and his brother worked for Asia security.  So I had a lot of insight on how to meet bands and if your going to collect stuff buy two copies.  Once CD's came around, If I could afford it I'd buy the CD and Vinyl versions.  I either bought these albums new or within a year of their release.  I'd consider most as Very Good Plus value.  What's left is mostly sentimental and most are signed by all the band members or the lead singer, thus altering the actual value of the album.

 

AC/DC - Back in Black - unopened

Alice N Chains - Facelift - signed 

Beatles - White Album - Red vinyl Japanese

Blind Melon - Blind Melon - signed

Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi - signed

Candlebox - Lucy - unopened

Guns N Roses - Appetite for Destruction - uncensored cover

Iron Maiden - Powerslave - signed

                    - Piece Of Mind - signed

Megadeth - Rust In Peace - signed

Metallica - Kill Em All - Original Megaforce release 

Nirvana - Nevermind - unopened   

Ozzy Osbourne - Ultimate Sin - signed

Poison - Look What The Cat Dragged In - signed

Smashing Pumpkins - Gish - signed

                                  - Siamese Dreams - signed

Skid Row - Skid Row - signed 

 

 

 

 

Nice story and nice list.

That sort of vinyl is a far better financial investment  than money in the bank.

Thanks for sharing.

[Foggie]

18 hours ago, Iving said:

Since then I became an online dealer, and now have just thousands upon thousands of records and CDs - more music than I could listen to in several lifetimes

So does this explain your signature, or is it for other reasons?  Sorry if its OT.

[Iving]

18 minutes ago, Foggie said:

So does this explain your signature, or is it for other reasons?  Sorry if its OT.

 

Partly

 

So I already have all I need or I can top up what's missing inexpensively.

 

But tbh it's mainly that I hate commercial environments around my personal listening. At its best music is transcendent - not to do with money.

 

My personality explains all my habits tho'!

 

Edit: I should say by commercial environments I mean mainly online subscription services or anything that tries to do my thinking for me.

[Foggie]

21 minutes ago, Iving said:

 

Partly

 

So I already have all I need or I can top up what's missing inexpensively.

 

But tbh it's mainly that I hate commercial environments around my personal listening. At its best music is transcendent - not to do with money.

 

My personality explains all my habits tho'!

 

Edit: I should say by commercial environments I mean mainly online subscription services or anything that tries to do my thinking for me.

Interesting.  I don't either (in main rig) but its mainly do to supporting the artist as much as possible.  Anyway I don't want to side track this topic.

[STC]

On 2/22/2020 at 4:08 AM, Iving said:

Me? I have two living sons and two step-daughters. If my wife survives me (more than possible), probably she would ask the kids what they want - apart from which I doubt she would have the inclination (or expertise) to recover financially what I had built. She wouldn't even know how to reset the BIOS of my music PC

Same here. My wife would’ve even know how to turn on and not to mention more switches than the cockpit. 
 

I have ripped most of the collection to the server and have 4 copies of the same in case something happens. Unfortunately, my children doesn’t access the server or to my collection except for some tracks. I don’t think they will dispose them but I doubt they would appreciate them. I didn’t appreciate my family’s collection because when grow up we look for new music and hardly play a song after the initial euphoria. Some of the oldies were just thrown away but now I am looking for them and appreciate the music. Who knows...

 

The only bright spot is my daughter brought a note book and asked me to explain everything about the equipment and what they do. She has written down everything and supposed to update with the software part. For now she is the only one could turn on the system and control the playback.  I think my son probably could figure it out himself. But you know teenage boys not going to let an old man to teach them about electronic gadgets.  
 

I think my system will survive as a show piece rather than as a remembrance. 

 

 

 

 

[4est]

On 2/21/2020 at 7:21 PM, Iving said:

If I read you right, I agree it takes a lot of time-consuming work to sell records etc online. Sifting, research, valuation, cleaning and restoration, photographing, accurate listing speaking the buyers' language, dealing courteously with enquiries, negotiating, packing (shellac demands particular care), prompt shipping, feedback etc. 

 

All of this is a barrier to liquidating our media assets.

 

And even more so if what we own is inherited by others without the same passion and experience.

No, I think you missed that I do not feel that selling the equipment will be as easy as you indicated either. I happen to have A LOT of excess equipment in part because of this. Selling an item to a hobbyist is much more time consuming than to a business or lay person. I am a bit amazed by some of the questions and concerns I have encountered not to mention deals gone awry for something silly or stupid.

[Iving]

OK ... Gotcha

 

Yes - if I want to sell a record or CD, I have ready access to a world-wide market - and shipping is both feasible and affordable, even for shellac.

 

Having taken the pair to the yard on a bright day to photograph them, I put QUAD ESL 57s on eBay clearly expressing "collection only". People still asked whether I will ship. I'm still a little fascinated that someone asked, "Are they kept outside?"

 

On my commercial account for records and CDs, I'm happy with the long game. That means I don't rush to sell by Auction to anyone. I list with an "optimistic" price inviting Best Offer. That way you get to review a potential Buyer's personality under their "Feedback Left" tab before you start to negotiate. I am a very reasonable person btw! Anyway - better keep it brief lest I surrender all my best trading secrets 😉

 

[fas42]

For anyone who is unaware, this is another option, especially if the collection is quite specialised, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Freitas.

[MetalNuts]

I would not bother to worry like a living person would at the end of my day.  😀

[Audiophile Neuroscience]

 

On 2/22/2020 at 7:59 PM, Iving said:

 I hear they are way ahead of us in heaven. Amazing SQ I hear.

 

You have to be into harp music I think

 

On 2/22/2020 at 7:08 AM, Iving said:

what will happen to our stuff when we die?

 

Sadly, last April I lost my best friend of 40 years.

 

He was also an audiophile and learning of his impending fate he made a list of all his gear inclusive of exact name/make /model, age, purchase price, condition, links to reviews and suggested advertising price and minimum price to accept. In the event that things did not sell he recommended the names of professional retailers to either do a valuation or to take the gear on consignment.

 

He arranged for me to assist his wife in all things to do with the sale.

 

In Australia there is an online forum that also specializes in second hand sales of high end gear. People buying and selling are typically well known to everyone, at least by their online reputation (as you now 'know' me). There is also reviews posted by both sellers and purchasers about their previous experiences and "reputation" points earned.

 

Virtually all the gear sold within a couple of weeks and in some cases for the full asking price. There was little haggling as people knew the circumstances and presumably had some measure of trust in me.The majority of the gear was bought sight unseen (and unheard) and that included a Gryphon amplifier for $14,000 !

Cheers

David

 

Edit - I was able to cobble together a whole second more modest system from 'left-overs' - spare gear so the widow could still listen to music. She was able to play all of the favourite music and playlists as they were ripped to hard disc.

[Iving]

6 hours ago, fas42 said:

For anyone who is unaware, this is another option, especially if the collection is quite specialised, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Freitas.

 

Which bit is the "option"?

"I’ve gone to therapy for 40 years to try to explain this to myself".

?

:-)

[Iving]

59 minutes ago, Audiophile Neuroscience said:

You have to be into harp music I think

 

lol nice

 

1 hour ago, Audiophile Neuroscience said:

Sadly, last April I lost my best friend of 40 years.

 

He arranged for me to assist his wife in all things to do with the sale.

 

Edit - I was able to cobble together a whole second more modest system from 'left-overs' - spare gear so the widow could still listen to music.

 

Your best friend (and his wife) was very lucky to know someone as generous as you.

 

Is everyone in Australia as nice? ;-) I've never been.

[Audiophile Neuroscience]

3 minutes ago, Iving said:

Is everyone in Australia as nice? 😉 I've never been.

Oh yeah, sure, in fact I'm considered bad downunder....hmm, I just heard how that sounds.I think I violated "rule 2" of the OP 🤣

[fas42]

17 minutes ago, Iving said:

 

Which bit is the "option"?

"I’ve gone to therapy for 40 years to try to explain this to myself".

?

🙂

 

I have a neighbour who has a comprehensive collection of opera recordings, and he is concerned with the very premise of your thread - I tracked down this Brazillian chap for him; seems to be the right place to send it off to, as he has no-one in the family sense who is interested, it seems.

[Iving]

1 minute ago, fas42 said:

 

I have a neighbour who has a comprehensive collection of opera recordings, and he is concerned with the very premise of your thread - I tracked down this Brazillian chap for him; seems to be the right place to send it off to, as he has no-one in the family sense who is interested, it seems.

 

Got it.

 

Does this guy Zero accept allcomers I wonder.

 

Shipping freight costs alone could be substantial - and packing might require expert attention, especially for shellac.

[fas42]

Allcomers ... he's well organised to have people pick them up from wherever, and ship them, I believe.

 

This gives a feeling of what's going on,

 

 

[Iving]

10 minutes ago, fas42 said:

This gives a feeling of what's going on,

 

Of interest to me:

 

He doesn't want (too much) American Country music!

 

He'll have to watch those plastic sleeves (when archiving) - they look a bit sticky to me - after a few years they'll be stuck to the Cover - the issue with inner sleeves is even more serious - NEVER store vinyl in poly or poly-lined inners ESPECIALLY AFTER CLEANING - there's a high risk of scarring arising from chemical interaction - always use paper inners - the risk of scratching that you'll never see or hear is way less significant than the disappointment you may experience retrieving something treasured after years and finding it trash-worthy.

 

Probably I missed the bit about his willingness to collect. I don't doubt you at all - but I bet he's just a little selective 😉