A record’s demand may spike if the artist experiences a popularity boost or becomes topical.

Popularityĭemand and popularity go hand in hand, but they also fluctuate. Since there are fewer original pressings and promotional copies than re-releases or standard editions, the former are more exclusive and worth more. A rare record could be an original pressing of a cult classic or an uncommon promotional edition. The greatest value is in rare records with minimal pressings. Supply and demand fluctuate with a few common factors: Quantity Like any commodity, records are subject to supply and demand, with the most valuable records being highly desirable and hard to find. Unless you have something particularly special and a motivated buyer, you’ll find 12-inch records and 45s are the most valuable. Most consumers are interested in 12-inch records, but a modest market exists for 45s. Last, we have less popular 10-inch records that run at 78 RPM. The next most common are 7-inch records - otherwise known as 45s - that run at 45 RPM and hold two songs per side. These match up best with the typical album’s length, holding 22 minutes per side. The most common records are 12-inch albums that run at 33 ⅓ RPM. Vinyl records come in a few different formats, each with different sizes and speeds. So, how do you know if a record is valuable? Three main factors contribute to whether a record is worth anything more than the original price - the type of record, the supply and demand for that record, and its condition. Some records have sold for tens of thousands of dollars to eager collectors, while others are available for just a few bucks. Audiophiles, rejoice - vinyl records are making a major comeback in the 2020s! There’s never been a better time to start or sell your collection.

Value of 33 rpm records