Rare Finds & Hidden Treasures: Estate Sale Vinyl Records

Holiday music is undoubtedly a cherished part of the festive season, evoking the warmth and joy of the holidays. However, even the most beloved tunes can lose their charm when played on a relentless loop. This is where the magic of vinyl records from estate sales comes into play. These records offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children and grandchildren to the music and artists that once formed the soundtrack of your own youth.

Whether it’s the soothing melodies of classic rock, the infectious beats of Motown, or the timeless tunes of jazz legends, vinyl records allow you to discover a newfound appreciation for music throughout the ages. At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we provide unique treasures, including vintage and modern vinyl records, to create fun-filled memories that will last a lifetime.

The Record Grading Scale

Just like any other collector's item, vinyl records are sorted into categories or grading scales to determine their value. While Blue Moon Estate Sale hosts don’t take the liberty to grade each vinyl record they come across, understanding this information could be paramount for those looking to secure a rare or valuable record from the past at an estate sale.

• Mint (M): The highest level a record can receive and an all-around rarity. These records have never been played and are still sealed.
• Near Mint (NM or M-): These LPs will be in near-perfect condition but may have been played a few times.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): These vinyl records show minimal wear and tear to the jacket and the vinyl itself.
• Very Good (VG): Vinyl records with this rating have noticeable imperfections, including audible scratches, scuffs, spindle marks, and more.
• Good (G): These records contain significant ring wear, groove wear, and various markings that may impact the sound quality. 
• Poor (P) or Fair (F): Vinyl records with a poor or fair grading have the most damage. You may find they are visibly warped or cracked, have significant discoloration, and often skip or repeat when played.

What to Look For in Used Vinyl Records

Check the Condition

Inspecting the vinyl record is crucial to ensure it will properly spin and play on the turntable once you’re ready to listen to nostalgic songs. First and foremost, it’s important to know that the sleeve a record comes in may add value to a record but isn’t an indicator of the condition of the vinyl. There are a lot of pristine vinyl records housed in frayed sleeves, as the sleeves are only made of paper and often take the brunt of the damage.

When vinyl records are scratched or scuffed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the sound quality will be compromised. Deep scratches will impact the playability, while surface scratches may not. You’ll have to use your best judgment to determine whether or not the vinyl you’ve found at a Blue Moon Estate Sale is worth purchasing. On the other hand, warped vinyl records will not sit on the turntable correctly, almost always ensuring the needle will bounce, and it will skip.

Look at the Year It Was Pressed

Knowing when your LP was pressed could be the determining factor between adding it to your collection and gifting it to someone close to you. To start, examine the spine of the record sleeve. If your vinyl record is an original pressing, which means it was produced when the album was first released, it will display a four-letter and number combination, such as ABCD-1234. 

Second or third pressings, on the other hand, usually feature two letters and a five-digit number combination. When the sleeve contains a barcode, you can know for certain that the vinyl was manufactured after the 1980s. Additionally, promotional copies released by record labels are more valuable as they are rare—making them an ideal find at an estate sale.

Sound Quality

If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon a Blue Moon Estate Sale that not only has vinyl records for sale but a turntable as well, you may be able to check the sound quality. However, it’s worth noting that not every estate sale will offer both items. In such instances, we suggest thoroughly inspecting the vinyl record itself, paying close attention to scuff marks, cracks, warps, and other irregularities that could potentially affect its playability.

Just because a record doesn’t look to be in the best condition from a sound quality perspective doesn’t mean it isn’t worth purchasing. Vinyl records have the ability to bring back nostalgic feelings—taking you right back to the time and place you were when you first heard the song. Having a Michael Jackson LP or The Beatles vinyl in your collection can be a cherished and sentimental addition. 

Colored Vinyl vs. Traditional Black Records

The main difference between traditional vinyl and colored vinyl records is in their appearance and, to some extent, the manufacturing process. Traditional vinyl records, commonly seen in classic black, are crafted from PVC, while colored vinyl comes in red, blue, green, and more.

Notably, colored vinyl is often considered more collectible due to its distinctive appearance and limited availability, frequently featured in special editions and limited runs. As a music lover, record collector, or just a fan of a certain artist, finding an album released in color vinyl at your local Blue Moon Estate Sale is a great addition to any collection.

Find Vinyl Records at a Blue Moon Estate Sale

The treasure trove of vinyl records waiting to be discovered at Blue Moon Estate Sales offers a journey into the world of music and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the vinyl record industry, these estate sales provide a unique opportunity to find all the classics you grew up listening to.

Blue Moon Estate Sales provides residential and commercial liquidation services throughout the country and is committed to providing the best service possible. Whether you’re in search of a collectors edition vinyl of The Beatles “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” or a classic such as Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland,” the possibilities are endless at a Blue Moon Estate Sale. Take a look at our current estate sales in your area and set the tone for your next date night, family gathering, or afternoon dance party.