4 comments about Goldmine Record Album Price Guide.

1. If you don't have an older edition it's great, however changes from the 4th or 5th editions are minimal.



2. Goldmine's record price guides are notorious for their inaccuracy, especially when it comes to values. Most of the prices in the guide are wrong, but that has never stopped me from owning the Record Album Price Guides, because they include some invaluable info re pressing dates, label styles, catalog numbers, etc. However, the latest edition seems to have been slapped together lazily (with little or no research), and offers no improvement over previous editions.
   
   For example, the Label Identification Guide still omits key collectible labels, including Blue Note and Prestige - two of the most desirable jazz labels, where a difference in the address on the label can be the difference between a $20 LP and a $500 original pressing. The guide also still includes artists like Bing Crosby and Perry Como, even though it is impossible to find a collector who will pay $1 for any one of their LPs. The omissions are glaring, especially considering the popularity of vinyl records by bands {like White Stripes, for one example) whose LPs regularly bring high prices.
   
   Worst of all, Martin Popoff's articles are inaccurate at best, especially his essay on record hunting, "A Cabbagetown Excursion: My 16 LPs for $30." In that article, he claims that Julie Driscoll's "1969" is worth $95 for a "very rare" Canadian copy. Not only is that a spurious claim, but the LP's U.S. pressing is not even included in the price guide. That kind of inconsistency is unforgivable.
   
   As for the listings themselves, over 90% are simply reprints from previous editions, with no changes in data, no change in value. This is simply unrealistic and does not reflect the actual trends in record collecting.
   
   Unfortunately, Goldmine's Record Album Price Guide is the best book of its kind on today's market. However, my 4th edition is every bit as useful as the 6th, and copies of the 4th & 5th editions are widely available at half the price.



3. It's required reading for both the novice and seasoned vinyl record collector. An invaluable tool for identifying record pressing dates, suggested but very subjective values, and rules of the trade. Highly recommended for anyone interested in collecting or wanting to sell their prized vinyl LP collection. 3 thumbs up!



4. This guide is just what I needed to find out what I have is worth !!!THANKS

5 comments about Goldmine Record Album Price Guide.

1. I was more than pleased with this guide. It's amazing what I learned about record albums and what to look for. While the appraisals are interesting, I question the ability to garnish these prices in the open market. However, they do give you a reference point of relative value.



2. I requested information from Seller as to which Edition they were selling and never got response. It turned out to be the 3rd Edition and the 5th is already out. Buyers beware: If a seller doesn't give you proper information---DON"T BUY FROM THEM!!!!!!



3. I am a record collector and I find this book very helpful in determining the value of my collection.



4. The book itself did come apart in 3 days at center near K a few pages came loose. However the info was super on variations and they included some nice organist this time. Very positive on info given, where can we send info on 30 to 40 question mark answers on Release dates i have the answers!!!



5. Purchased this for my 42-year old son. We absolutely loved it and spent three days looking through it. Worthwhile purchase.

5 comments about Goldmine Price Guide to 45 RPM Records.

1. Goldmine Price Guide to 45 RPM RecordsThis was an older edition, but was in like new condition.



2. All I will say is if you're looking for any obscure stuff from the 70's 80's it's not in there. You're better off check websites that sell 45's.



3. I BOUGHT THIS ITEM AFTER BUYING THE BOOK GOLDMINE RECORD ALBUM PRICE GUIDE. I GOT IT PRIMARILY BECAUSE I WANTED TO SEE HOW MUCH SOME OF MY 45 RECORDS ARE WORTH AFTER LOOKING AT THE ALBUM PRICE GUIDE AND FINDING THAT SOME OF MY ALBUMS WERE WORTH MORE THAN I THOUGHT. I ALSO CHECKED THIS AGAINST AN ONLINE SERVICE THAT SELLS ALBUMS AND 45'S AND FOUND THAT THE PRICES ON SOME OF MY MORE EXPENSIVE ALBUMS WERE PRETTY CLOSE TO WHAT THEY WERE SELLING FOR ON THE ONLINE SERVICE. ON SOME OF THE 45 RECORDS THAT I HAVE CHECKED THE PRICES IN THE BOOK ARE HIGHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE SELLING FOR ON THE COMPUTER. BUT THIS MAY BE BECAUSE THE PRICE GUIDE LISTS PRICES FOR RECORDS IN MINT CONDITION. FINDING OLD RECORDS IN MINT CONDITION IS VERY HARD BUT THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE PAYING TO MUCH FOR A RECORD AND I FOUND IT ALSO HELPS YOU REMEMBER OLD RECORDS THAT YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT WHEN YOU WERE A KID. I HAVE SEVERAL BOOKS ON RECORDS THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR BUT THEY ONLY LIST THE TOP 100, THIS BOOK MAY NOT LIST ALL RECORDS BUT IT LISTS RECORDS THAT I HAD FORGOTTEN OVER THE YEARS THAT DID NOT MAKE THE TOP 100 LISTS. I WILL REFER TO IT OFTEN AS I CONTINUE TO INCREASE MY RECORD COLLECTION.



4. This book is a fantastic resource for any collector, especially an amateur like me. After I learned how to "read" the entries, it was very easy to get the information I needed, and I learned quite a lot about the valueof the records I grew up with, as well as the picture sleeves which are often worth far more than the vinyl!



5. over and over,neelys guides come out faithfully showing all the wonderfull records you would love to own,stating decent prices anyone would wanna pay for them ..and then hits you in ther gutt by telling you they arent worth a third of that amount to dealers.
   when it comes to books like these everyone suddenly becomes a dealer.
   or else the near mint pricing is all anyone looks at.
   its a good book but its repetitive of all the other books hes done.and in fairness,all the other writers books too who do yearly record guides.
   and when it comes to showing scans of rare records..welp..it looks good but it doesnt make me wanna run out and buy them.
   in other words a collector can own one of these..preferably this book..and never buy another one because the info will not change much.
   just the packing and covers.
   still..a good xamas gift ands hard work involved.

5 comments about Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting.

1. This book works two ways. It interviews guys from big bands like REM and Sonic Youth about their collecting habits, and collectors who accumulate 78s, punk, old industrial records, any fetish you can name.
   
   An ok concept for a book, but not a great one. Vynal Junkies comes across more as an attempt to explain the fetish--which I am happily afflicted with--to the non-infected then a book for insiders. A carrier, i can tell you no one who does not enjoy this passion cares to understand it.
   
   The book's focus on vynal was also a letdown. I collect music, not records. Some people may hone in on records as an end, but most hardcore music heads go for all kinds of music, regardless of format. Albums, I got em'. CDs, 1000s. Reel to Reel, a few. If they find a way to put music into hamburger meat, I will be buying that, too. I would rather buy fifteen great records for $75 dollars than blow my wad on a 1970 Bulgarian mono pressing of Magical Mystery Tour on yellow delicious Apple vynal. It's the music, stupid, not the hen's tooth.
   
   Vynal Junkies narrows the scope by making it seem more about a fixation on the black disc than what collectors really want; orgasmic never ending tidal waves of great music.
   
   i also expected to come away from this overwhelmed, with 100s of new titles i did not know and had to get. Where to begin? The book does not do this.
   
   Still, it is worth a read if you like music, as the writting is good and there are some very funny moments, and very eccentric characters.



2. I ordered this book, Vinyl Junkie, after attending a vinyl convention at a local hotel. It was fascinating talking to the collectors, sellers and voyeurs like me. I've only randomly viewed the text of the book, but I will certainly vouch for the condition and promptness in which it arrived, just as promised. And the price was very reasonable.



3. This book read like a newspaper article, never slowing down, always keeping you interested. Be careful though, after I read it I immediately got the urge to go out search for that ever elusive copy of my latest must have... Darn you gemm.com and your great marketplace pricing... If you are a vinyl junkie like me beware, you may just head over to gemm as well... Great read and a fascinating look at what makes the junkie inside all of us tick.



4. Everything you wanted to know about those with the urge to collect pre-CD recordings. Lots of fun to read. Don't be surprised if many of the characters in the book hit close to home. Nostalgia abounds. If you are reading this review -- you are already pegged as a collector. Just wear the label, smile, and read the book.



5. This book made me break into a grin-and-nod combo more than once in recognition (frequently scaring other subway passengers). No matter. Reading about others chasing the elusive high of the vinyl dragon was comforting - and totally entertaining.
   
   I also liked the fact that this book that this book bemoaned the rarity of female collectors (Crumb's quote, "it never gets them hot," is hilarious). I'm one of those rarities myself (26 and trolling flea markets for records since I was 9 or 10), so it was interesting -if not really particularly surprising - to find out there's not a lot of us out there. "There's not many women who want to sit around and debate the best Elvis Costello album" line made me laugh, too - `cause I do!
   
   I'd recommend this for anyone who's ever collected anything - you're likely to find kindred spirits within these covers.

5 comments about Price Guide for the Beatles American Records.

1. Long time casual Beatle collector and recently slowly moving into the Bealte-collecting world deeper. For several months I struggled to find information, questions i should be asking, values - I am fortunate it doesn't come as an App or PDA version or i'd simply look at it too much. The layout, photos, detail are wonderful. The intro is nicely unpatronizing. As said well abouve - I can't say enough about the Herculean task these guys keep 'once more onto the breach' doing with each new edition but...if I had a a humble wish list....in this digital priting and online age I'd love lots more written on counterfeits and repros (with detailed photos and recs for how to avoid) and more breakdown if possible on certain items in that dynamic of the gps from VG to NM pending on availability, etc - something to address the collapse of the VG=50%, G=10% etc. But, man, this book is so fantastic I can't complain and i'm sure it's getting better all the time....



2. I'm new to record collecting, and this is my first ever record price guide, so I found the learning curve to be just a little bit steep. But now that I've gotten the hang of the terminology and the book's layout, this guide has proven to be invaluable, not only ensuring that I know exactly what I'm looking at, but also that I stay away from bad deals. The decision to include solo Beatles records and other Apple releases was also brilliant and greatly appreciated.



3. This book is a must have for any serious Beatles Fan who wants to know correct values of their Beatles' items. The only thing this book did not have was the Love album information - I do think the book came out just a month too early for that release. The book contains numerous collectible values, and in the back has a dedicated section for each individual Beatle with their solo releases after the band broke up. It also has various other artists and their albums for collectors. Great book and highly recommended.



4. ...it's a great book to have. Lots of pictures. Tons of detailed information. A helpful resource for any fan, collector or not.



5. This is by far the best edition of the Beatle record price guide to date. The collaboration of Perry Cox, Frank Daniels, and Bruce Spizer is a home run. It's very well organized with many photos. If you're a collector or a seller you need this book!

5 comments about 1000 Record Covers (Taschen 25).

1. Like all Taschen books, this one does not disappoint. Taschen is famous for their great curation, and this is no exception. This book has a lot of classic covers, and is beautifully put together. If you have not purchased a Taschen book before, you will really enjoy this!



2. There is entirely too much nudity. I feel like a scum-bag for buying it.



3. I bought this book as a gift to my dad, an avid record collector. The book was in good condition, and arrived sooner than I anticipated. My dad and I were both very pleased, thank you!



4. As the son of an Old School Disc Jockey my family received Albums in the mail every month from all the major labels. Between that and digging thru record bins at shops as a kid I think I've seen 60 to 75% of the art in this book. I really miss the size of those albums.
   
   It makes me think of my first trip to Europe. Seeing the scale the masters used when creating art that we only saw in text books. It can be overwhelming. Maybe thats why most CD art "under-whelms me to this day. 4 and 3/4 square does not an impression make.
   
   I would hope that they would create a volume two. As opposed to purchasing a competing book with some of the same artwork. Its no accident that I design covers for a living now. And yes, I design on a 12 inch spec and shrink down. The art demands it.



5. I wish it were more descriptive but the images of the covers make the purchase worthwile for the collector. It have does have some great images of hard to find covers from the 40's 50's and 60's.

4 comments about Country Music Records: A Discography, 1921-1942.

1. This book is exactly what I've been looking for for some time, a discography for every Country record from 1921-1942, with session dates, accompanists, if any, with what instruments played, matrix numbers and catalog numbers of records actually issued and on what labels. A collectors' dream. Same format as Dixon & Godrich's Blues & Gospel Records 1890-1943, and Brian Rust's Jazz Records 1897-1942. I was interested in Cajun reecords, which, until this volume, were not well covered.



2. Very thorough, beautifully laid out, with guide words at the top, a nice introduction and user's guide, and perhaps as important as any feature, a terrific title and performer index in the back. If a title was done by multiple performers, this index even breaks this down with the appropriate page numbers. It is astonishing how many otherwise wonderful discographies have been written, only to have left out the all-important title index. Not so here! It is user-friendly, and you will love it if you are interested in early country music.
   Warren Hodgdon (warrensdiscs)



3. The long-awaited labor of love by respected discographers and country music experts Tony Russell and the late Bob Pinson has finally been published -- and it's been well worth the wait. The comprehensive discography is everything and more a collector of old-time country music could ask for. As well as being THE reference book on old-time country recordings, this magnum opus makes fascinating recreational reading. The sheer depth of scholarship is astounding, with collectors and discographers from around the world contributing. As Tony Russell says, though, it is regrettable that Bob Pinson didn't live to see the finished book. I have no hesitation in recommending this book. If Amazon allowed it, I'd award it a 10-star rating.



4. After a long wait, Tony Russell and Bob Pinson's massive discography of pre-war Country Music records has finally been published. The discography lists all known country recordings before 1943 by artist and includes full recording and release information. They are all here from the famous (Acuff, Davis, Rodgers, Wills) to the lesser known (Hartman's Heartbreakers, the Alley Boys From Abbeville). The book is well organized and easy to use with two indices--one for song titles and another for session players. There is not enough praise for this labor of love, which belongs in every serious student of country music's library.

5 comments about The Official Price Guide to Records, 18th Edition.

1. I Have been reading Mr Osbornes price Guides For Years ,But I Must Say He Must Have Asked Dealers Who Had Stock On A Lot Of These Items..Jerry get Real !! . These Prices Will never Be Realized. A Lot Of Northern Soul at Crazy Prices .. Like Dance Dance Dance by The Casuleers for $700..I will be Happy To Sell You a few For a Third Of That Price There are Way Too many To Mention . In This World Of Vinyl Collecting It seems That There Are No New Collectors To take The Place Of The Old Ones Who have Bought Everything They Need by Now. I Mean How many New Doo Wop Collectors Are There ? I Think Not.Makes it Hard For Dealers Who try To Still Buy Records . When Someone Whips Out The Guide and Then Thinks Your trying To Rob Them..But I guess It Makes the Collector Feel Good To Think He Has Something he Bought On Ebay For $10.00 Worth $200
   All My Bass To you
   Steve Horn
   The Legends Of Doo Wop



2. I originally purchased Jerry Osborne's eighth edition in 1988. I was hoping to sell some of my vinyl, but most of my albums are not even listed in this 18th edition - A rip-off for me!



3. Hard to read - small type.
   Not as comprehensive as Tim Neely's guide.
   I found a lot of lp's that I wanted to find prices for were not in this guide.



4. Several years ago I bought Osbourne's 2001 guide to records and I couldn't have been more pleased. So when it was time to update the guide I was a loyal consumer and bought the newest edition. Too my suprise, many of the listings in the 2001 guide are missing and a lot of popular and valuable records aren't in the new guide at all. You've heard the phrase 'less is more'? Well in this case less is less. I can't recommend anyone buy this guide since even novice collectors will find huge gaps in 18th edition of 'Offical Price Guide to Records'.



5. This book is by one of the best music collectors in the business. I bought it as a reference guide for a future music store I want to start, as well as a general guide for my personal collection. Their are more detailed guides, at much greater prices, so this is great for the beginner and just general information. Highly recommend.

No comments about Doing Cultural Studies: The Story of the Sony Walkman (Culture, Media & Identities, Vol. 1) (Culture, Media and Identities series).

5 comments about Goldmine Jazz Album Price Guide, 2nd Edition.

1. Just a few examples of overpriced listings: Eddie Heywood, the Hi-Lo's, Harry James Columbia recordings, Ramsey Lewis Argo recordings, Ella Fitzgerald recordings in general (very few of her records are still sought after by collectors).
   
   On the other side of the spectrum, Pharoah Sanders' records are priced about the same as a typical Barry Manilow record would be (Sanders' records are collectible), Helen Merrill's Emarcy records are priced to about 1/10th of what they should be (they routinely hit around the $500-$800 range, not the $20-$80 range the author says), and in perhaps the most glaring underpricing, Reg Wilson's "All By Himself" (released in 1956 on the Herald label) is valued by the book as between $15-$50. In truth, an individual would be more likely to be struck by lightning - twice - than to ever stumble across a copy of that Wilson LP in his or her lifetime.
   
   This guide can serve as a general jazz LP discography, but it's a mistake to rely on its book values.



2. These people are missing the point. Where else can you get such a complete jazz artist LP - DISCOGRAPHY - for CD reissue purposes. There are multiple entrys for each edition of the old LPs but it's worth the minor inconvience. They give the label that it was recorded on and the date of it's first release as well as subsequent editions released every couple of years.---- But be advised that Savoy Jazz listings 197- or 198- are name change reissues of Savoy from the mid to late 50's. He mentions this when discussing the record labels, but not in the individual artists listings.



3. ...Goldmine is still holding sadly to the olden days of flea market and record shop values, instead of realizing that ebay values are the only true ones these days for collectibles. With that in mind, the guide is useful only because it's really the only one published recently. Ebay prices are generally 1/3 of those quoted here, with a few exceptions spurred by trends online that bump prices to 1/3 or so above the prices quoted in this book. If you carry this book with you as you shop at garage sales or flea markets, make sure to adjust the values in your mind accordingly so you don't pay too much in the real world for something you want to sell in the virtual one.



4. I bought this in order to estimate the vaule of my collection for insurance puposes and wasted my money. The guide claims that, for example, my mono Jackie McLean "Destination Out" is worth $30. If I were to lose my copy due to fire or some other reason would I be able to find another copy for $30? Absolutely not. More like $60. Several listings are completely out of touch with the current market and subsequent repressings of older recordings are overpriced. If you really had no idea about the jazz LP market then this book will be of at least some help. You might be cheating yourself, however, if you are looking to appraise a jazz collection about which are are unfamiliar.



5. I ordered this book even after I read the sparse not-so-favorable reviews, because my experience with jazz officionados (sic) is that they are whining nitpickers (example: sniveling over Ken Burns Jazz documentary). I have the old 1992 Umphred book, missed the 1994 edition and thought it was time to update. I screwed up.

   Pluses: *listings beyond 1969--though who really cares unless you like to have a checklist for all your albums. They're pretty much all the same price and overpriced at that.

   *Frank Zappa listings. Though I don't agree with including this in a jazz book it is kind of cool to see the state of my Zappa collection being addressed.

   *Updated prices. Sad to see my mono pressing devalue, but I kind of agree with some of the listings here, though how dime-a-dozen Brubeck albums on Columbia can bring more than early '60's Blue Notes is totally beyond me! Tim, what are you thinking?!

   *Label info in the actual listings rather than in the intro--but sparse (see below)

   *Cool little checklist boxes to mark off the stock

   Minuses:

   *WHat I've already mentioned above

   *biggest minus: this book is for collectors--what we need more than anything, more than even a "new and improved" price list is "new and improved" label information bordering on the factual. Buyer beware: there is nothing regarding labels except for some Blue Note info and Columbia. I was looking for reliable info on Riverside which is sorely lacking in the '92. I couldn't believe that this vital information was tossed. A real disservice. Is there reliable info in the '94 Umphred? Could someone fax me copies of that so I can paste onto my inside cover. Jeeeezzzz!

   *Stupid numerical listing system that separates Mono from Stereo copies. But on the plus side it is divided by labels rather than years. Preferable though I don't really know why myself

   I really hope this helps. I should have bought the '94 instead but felt that it didn't address my concerns from the '92. I don't know how hard this can really be if you are steeped in the industry. I do this for s**ts and giggles and know things not in any of the books. A half-assed product, I'm sorry to say. If you are going to do it, do it right or not at all. Where was Neil? He at least has a particular interest in Jazz. WHen you read the forward Tim comes right out and confesses that jazz is not his cup of tea. He therefore has no business getting involved in such a delicate matter as jazz collecting. Sorry Tim, but I suspect I speak for all of those who will purchase this book AFTER have owned an Umphred. Newcomers to the arena will find themselves buried in unwanted reissues in no time.

   P.S. Why did my Colpix stereo copy of Jimmy Rushing's "Five Feet of Soul" disappear? Is it even rare? Saw a VG+ copy selling for $25 at a show couple years ago. I already had it.