Jump to content

to unseal, or not to unseal? that is the question!


Recommended Posts

hi guys, first time here.
I've got a mint (factory shrink-wrapped, unopened) copy of Decca's 1969 release of The Who's "Tommy". Only thing is, I can't get the pressing data off of the records with out opening the package? And, of course, I can't inspect the condition of the records?

So, do I open the package, get the info and reduce the price to "near mint"?

Or do I leave it sealed - mint - and offer it "as is - no returns"  to collectors?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, williemyers said:

ah, that's great! thanks for the replies

Few things make me more proud than seeing the community band together to enlighten someone that records should be opened if they're going to be played, and sealed if they're intended to sell. 🥹 You came to the right place.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, Derek™ said:

Few things make me more proud than seeing the community band together to enlighten someone that records should be opened if they're going to be played, and sealed if they're intended to sell. 🥹 You came to the right place.

I’ve been doing it the other way around and it seems to work just as well. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you don't open to make sure it's mint, you should say it's "presumed mint". There could be damage in shipping that you can't see unless you open.

 

I don't think opening is going to scare away anyone who is serious about owning the record

Edited by HardlineKid
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's the thing, if you don't open it, you don't actually know anything about the state of the record. Sure its sealed. But so what? The record could still be pressed off centre due to a mistake at the pressing plant. The wrong music could have been recorded onto the disc. It could have two A sides or two B sides. There could be residue stuck to the disc that no one noticed before they put it in the sleeve and sealed it with the shrink wrap. Sealed doesn't necessarily mean "mint". 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

38 minutes ago, Han Solo said:

Here's the thing, if you don't open it, you don't actually know anything about the state of the record. Sure its sealed. But so what? The record could still be pressed off centre due to a mistake at the pressing plant. The wrong music could have been recorded onto the disc. It could have two A sides or two B sides. There could be residue stuck to the disc that no one noticed before they put it in the sleeve and sealed it with the shrink wrap. Sealed doesn't necessarily mean "mint". 

Yup. The listing definitely would need to indicate that the album is "presumed mint" and no returns/refunds. But still expect to have issues with the seller (bad feedback, probable PayPal dispute) if they chose to open it, and there is an issue. Especially if you list it as one pressing based off the limited information you have from the outer sleeve, and it turns out to be a different pressing entirely. With these mass produced major label releases from the 60s-80s, it can sometimes be incredibly difficult to determine the exact pressing with the outer info alone, and you need to verify matrix numbers, center label designs, etc to really be sure.

Also, I don't know if this has been debunked as finicky vinyl dude pseudo-science yet, but wasn't the general consensus that decades in shrink poses concerns serious for warping?

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, mitchard said:

Also, I don't know if this has been debunked as finicky vinyl dude pseudo-science yet, but wasn't the general consensus that decades in shrink poses concerns serious for warping?

 

 

It depends on the shrink. There’s more than one kind used, and the more “plastic wrap” kind definitely gets snug around the corners over time and starts bowing the jacket, especially on single LP or non-gatefold releases. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×

AdBlock Detected

spacer.png

We noticed that you're using an adBlocker

Yes, I'll whitelist