Powerhouse Radio Newsletter
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How to Sell Old Records
January 19, 2005
This issue includes...
1) Win a New Portable Wireless FM Transmitter
2) Last Chance to Vote
3) Ringtones, iPods, and me
4) How and Where To Sell Old Phonograph Records
5) Music News: Tsunami Aid, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx
6) Concert Dates: Who's on Tour?
7) Chaka Khan Lights Up the A.C.
8) Your Feedback via email to King at Powerhouse Radio
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1) Win a New Portable Wireless FM Transmitter
Portable wireless FM transmitters are used to send audio to any FM radio from another device. The transmitter plugs into the audio output of your computer, iPod, MP3 player, satellite radio, or any other audio unit.
Your audio is then transmitted to a car radio, a radio in your home...any radio you choose using a local FM frequency (not occupied by a local radio station).
Using a wireless FM transmitter is a great way to send online music via the Internet to a home stereo system, without using wires.
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Want to use wires?
See the article I (King) wrote in 2002...
"How to Listen to Internet Radio on your Home Stereo"
https://powerhouseradio.com/newsletters/jul2002.html
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Three years ago, these transmitters were expensive. Now you can find reasonably priced units at most electronic retailers.
I recently obtained a pretty good unit that works well. It's no bigger than a deck of cards, and, it's ready to go out of the box. Put in some batteries, (not included), or use the bundled AC adapter.
Turn the unit on, plug it into a headphone or output jack of your audio device, select an unused local FM frequency on the wireless FM transmitter, then go turn on your radio. Tune the radio to the same frequency.
It works! I tried it with both a laptop computer and a satellite radio. My observation, the higher you locate the wireless FM transmitter, the better.
I love mine, so now, how would you like to win a brand new one for yourself?
Powerhouse Radio is giving a brand new one away, but of course, there's always a catch, so here it is...
We'd like you to complete a very brief survey for us that will take about 30 seconds. It's located on the following web page:
(removed by editor. Thank you for your suggestions! We have a winner).
Complete the survey, then enter the contest. It's that easy.
Thank you, and good luck!
King from Powerhouse Radio
2) Last Chance to Vote
Thanks for all of your votes on the 50 songs we selected in December, 2004.
If you didn't have time to vote, or if you are a new Powerhouse Radio Newsletter subscriber, there's still time for you to participate.
Cast your votes by going to:
(removed by editor. Thank you for voting!)
Rate as few or as many songs as you like on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 the lowest rating, and 5 the highest.
Tip: No need to close the little voting window after you rate the song, just click on the next "rate it" button of your choice.
Have fun!
3) Ringtones, iPods, and me
The little kid in me is fascinated by those silly ring tones coming out of cell phones all over the world.
I ain't no teenager any more, but I gave into temptation and hit one of those websites that feature current songs recorded in ringtone style.
My cell phone is an older unit that won't accommodate more ringtones, (plus, there are several ringtones built into the phone, and they all work for me).
I've downloaded several ringtones to my computer, and there they sit, waiting for me to play them and drive myself crazy with glee.
Current fav ringtone: "Lose My Breath" by Destiny's Child.
Have a teenager? What's their favorite ringtone? What's yours?
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Has iPod mania grabbed you? These MP3 devices are being used today the way radio was back in the day. The difference, you do all of the work downloading the songs to your iPod player.
No, I don't have one yet.
From where I sit, I'd rather contribute to this phenomenon as a producer making the content, so who knows, there may be a Podcast in my future?
To learn more about iPods and Podcasting, go to:
2021 Update: link removed, website sunset.
4) How and Where To Sell Old Phonograph Records
This article is written by Howard Fischer, a collector and part-time dealer of old records, for over 30 years. Here's a shortened version. See the end of the article for a link to the full article.
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Have you studied your ABCs lately--that is Attics, Basements and Closets? They could yield up some extra money and free up some valuable space in your home for other uses.
LPs(long-playing 10 and 12 inch discs, playing at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute), 78's (easily breakable discs, playing at 78 revolutions per minute with one tune on each side) and 45's (7 inch discs playing at 45 revolutions per minute) may be valuable.
Record collecting as a hobby is just beginning to grow after many other collectibles have been prominently featured in antique stores and the media. It is not an expensive hobby to establish, but disposing of them can be expensive in many ways.
How Do You Recognize Value?
Many people think that just because a record is old that it has great value. Very few records have any real value to collectors or dealers. Value is based on a combination of three factors -
(1) Supply and demand. How available is the record? If millions were initially sold it is likely that many will turn up in thrift shops, used record stores and in many homes. The scarcity factor must be present.
(2) Condition of the record. Those with surface noises and scratches will be of little or no value. If it is in "mint" condition(perfect) or "near mint" condition it will have the highest possible value.
A record in "very good" condition should not have any distorted sounds or loss of sound quality. "Good" means it may have some imperfections, but can be readily enjoyed. "Fair" means it can play, but will have obvious sound impairment and detract from your enjoyment and the value of the record.
(3) Content of the recording. Generally speaking there is more interest in music than in spoken word or comedy records and the value therefore would be greater. Certain kinds of musical recordings bring higher sales prices than others.
Jazz, original Broadway cast and movie soundtracks tend to provide a more active market and greater value. Also early rhythm and blues records and the dowop sound are also highly valued and collectible.
Among classical records the most valuable are orchestral performances, then solo instrumental, chamber music and concertos and solo vocal and operatic arias and finally complete operas.
To some collectors, whether a record is mono or stereo affects the value. Recently a market began developing for rock records of early vintage, especially those of deceased cult figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison.
Brisk trading now occurs among collectors of 45's, especially among the 1950s rhythm and blues and early rock artists. Great interest maintains in rare and unusual(foreign issues, etc.) in Elvis and the Beatles.
However, most of their records have little value because so many were produced without any distinguishing characteristics. In other words they were all the same.
Who Will Buy Your Records?
Records are purchased by collectors, mail order dealers, used records stores and the general public, sometimes on a nostalgic impulse or because of a favorite artist.
For truly rare records the best prices will come from dealers who know the market and for how much they can resell them. Collectors are emotional and sometimes fanatical collecting their specialties. They may pay top prices for particular idiosyncrasies.
What Will They Pay?
Most records that are not "rare" can bring only pennies - 25 cents to a dollar - from dealers. The "general public" may pay $1 or $2. Rare records can bring from $25 to the thousands.
There are a number of price guides published, but values indicated are generally highly inflated or based on an isolated sale. Obviously, collectors and dealers want to read that records can bring high prices. Remember, value rests in the mind of the buyer.
How Do You Find A Buyer?
A buyer for every record you wish to sell probably exists somewhere in the world. How to find that person is a big problem. It is not uncommon for people to discover old records in their homes and proceed to spend many dollars (far in excess of the eventual value of the record) and untold hours in pursuit of a buyer.
It can become very frustrating and sometimes obsessive. Expectations almost always exceed reality.
Records can be sold by advertising - in local classifieds or collectors' publications, by selling to local used record stores, selling at flea markets or bazaars or by promoting a garage sale.
Start by cataloging the records. List the artist, the title of the record, LP, 45 or 78rpm, the record catalog number and its condition. Take the list to a record librarian and some used record stores for offers and indications as to rarity. Talk to friends and associates.
Selling involves prospective buyers visiting your home. Or, you may have to pack and cart the records to a store for a price quote and no sale.
Damage in transit can make them worthless. Out-of-town prospects require mail correspondence, packing, insurance, carting to the post office, placing postage and sending C.O.D. The buyer may refuse to accept upon receipt.
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Records - Grading Scale (Visual)
SS = still sealed
M = Mint - probably never played
NM = near mint - looks like it has no scratches
VG+ = very good plus - few scratches- not deep. Should play with minor distraction.
VG = very good - some scratches- will probably play with some interference.
VG - = very good minus - will play with much interference. Background may be somewhat irregular and cracking.
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Written by Howard Fischer from MusicCollecting.com Here's the link to the complete article:
2021 Update: The MusicCollecting.com website has been sunset.
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Editor's note: eBay, Half.com, and many other websites are good places to showcase rare recordings for sellers and buyers.
For CD's, eBay.com and their companion site, Half.com (now sunset), are great places to start.
5) Music News: Tsunami Aid, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx
Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope
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The Tsunami Aid Telethon, airing on most of the NBC cable networks, Saturday evening, January 15, 2005, raised a ton of money for the American Red Cross, (their fund for South Asian Tsunami relief).
Diana Ross closed the show with a sentimental rendition of "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand."
Mary J. Blige offered a sweet interpretation of Stevie Wonder's "Loves In Need of Love Today."
Speaking of Motown Stevie, he and India.Arie teamed up to sing a very soulful and emotional duet.
I was waiting to see how many hip hop artists would be given a spot.
The only one, Nelly, didn't appear until more than an hour into the production. Ironically, his song, "N Dey Sey," (featuring a musical sample of "True," by the 1980's British rock group Spandau Ballet), had to "represent" for today's hip hop.
Hats off to Elton John for singing a classy version of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me," while playing his grand piano.
All of the songs performed by over 15 different artists, (with the exception of Stevie & India's track, and Madonna's version of "Imagine"), can be downloaded from Sony's Connect.com website (to support the Tsunami relief effort).
Alicia Keys
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Her "Diary Tour" will hit 34 U.S. cities in 2005. Catch her perform during the pre-game show, February 6th, at the Super Bowl.
Jamie Foxx
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Congrats to Jamie Foxx, 2005 Golden Globe Award winner, for best actor in a musical/comedy for Ray, the biopic movie about Ray Charles.
6) Concert Dates: Who's on Tour?
Jill Scott
Wednesday, February 9, 2005
Memorial Hall
Sacramento, CA
8:00pm
Al Jarreau
Friday, February 11, 2005
Benaroya Hall
Seattle, WA
8:00pm
O'Jays
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Star Plaza Theatre
Merrillville, IN
8:00pm
Natalie Cole
Monday, February 14, 2005
WVU Concert Theatre
Morgantown, WV
7:30pm
Four Tops
Monday, February 14, 2005
Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, ON, Canada
8:00pm
Temptations
Sunday, March 6, 2005
Palace Theatre Columbus
Columbus, OH
7:00pm
Jill Scott
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Constitution Hall
Washington, DC
Alicia Keys
Wednesday - Thursday, April 6 - 7, 2005
Fox Theatre
Atlanta, GA
Alicia Keys
Friday - Saturday, April 22 - 23, 2005
Radio City Music Hall
New York City, NY
Al Green
Friday, May 6, 2005
House of Blues
Chicago, IL
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We'll be expanding the concert section in an exciting new separate publication coming soon.
Concert listing highlights will still be a part of the Powerhouse Radio Newsletter.
More details coming soon!
7) Chaka Khan Lights Up the A.C.
Saturday, January 15, 2005: Chaka Khan live at the Resorts Superstar Theater, Atlantic City, NJ
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Walking into the theater, mellow tracks from her new CD Classikhan filled the room. The song, "I'm In the Mood for Love," touched my ear, a tease of an intimate evening yet to come.
The 18 song 90 minute set was electrifying. Chaka is touring with a 9 member band, (2 keyboard players, guitarist, bass, drums, and 4 excellent background singers).
There was notably more choreography, although it was subdued, compared to past shows, throughout her set. As one woman in the audience put it, "Chaka has gone theatrical."
Folks probably aren't used to seeing Chaka integrate her singers and band more creatively into her performance.
"I Feel for You" opened the evening exciting the crowd. Chaka, dressed in a dark, casual outfit, complemented her band's basically black attire.
Compared to the numerous times I've seen her before, she was in excellent voice, appeared happy, and put a new spin on most of her old hits.
She's slowed down the tempo of many of her hits just a tad, and this approach matches her new jazzy material very well.
An extended version of "What's Going On," allowed her band to take center stage. Her musical director and keyboard player improvised the crowd into a frenzy. Each background singer was allowed to vocally strut his and her stuff.
The audience had a ball singing along to "Sweet Thing," as Chaka encouraged the interaction.
Most people came to hear the Chaka Khan hits. We've known for years that this diva can sing any genre, and a fun part of the show is Chaka's transition into her newest material.
Changing into a classy red outfit, the jazz portion of the show featured standards that have stood the test of time, including "My Funny Valentine."
I rate the evening's performance as top notch. Probably the best of all of the live Chaka Khan performances I've seen. Her current band is excellent.
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Review written by King
For the Powerhouse Radio Newsletter
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Read King's review of the September 1, 2001 Rufus and Chaka Khan 30th anniversary reunion concert (with Earth Wind & Fire) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida...
https://powerhouseradio.com/archive/EWFandRufus-ChakaKhan2001.html
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Read King's review of Chaka Khan's autobiography: "Chaka! Through The Fire..."
https://powerhouseradio.com/newsletters/mar2004.html
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Chaka Khan's set from Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Resorts Superstar theater:
1) I Feel For You
2) What'cha Gonna Do For Me
3) "I Want To Be With You Everyday"*
4) Ain't Nobody
5) Everlasting Love
6) You Got The Love
7) Tell Me Something Good
8) Sweet Thing
9) What's Going On
10) My Funny Valentine
11) To Sir with Love
12) Diamonds Are Forever
13) "Finger Tips"*
14) Teach Me Tonight
15) Hey Big Spender
16) I Believe
17) Through The Fire
18) I'm Every Woman
* Not the exact title
And here's Chaka on stage, lookin' good:
https://powerhouseradio.com/archive/ChakaKhanInAC.html
8) Your Feedback via email to King at Powerhouse Radio
Crystal speaks:
"Powerhouse, you rock my old school world today! I needed a little old school fix, you left me completely satisfied! Thank you so much for all you do, keep up the good work!"
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Wanda has this shout out:
"I think your site is wonderful. I am and shall always be a fan of powerhouse radio and 70's Old School Music. Thank you for the newsletters and the information that accompanies it.
I really enjoyed rating the Old School Songs. Thank you for the site and continue to keep things coming and fresh."
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Don't be left out, because we're listening. Leave your comments, feedback, or music requests here:
https://powerhouseradio.com/contact.html
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P.S.
My mom recently sat me down to have one of those mother to son conversations...
about why she doesn't care for the singing of Dionne Warwick.
I guess mom will have to find another Internet radio station.
Happy New Year! Look for our next 2005 issue coming soon
Our newsletter archive contains every article that we have published since June of 2002.
Check out all of our back issues in HTML format at:
https://powerhouseradio.com/newsletters/newsletters.html
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Copyright 2005 by Powerhouse Radio
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More 2005 Powerhouse Radio Newsletters:
| December - | Songs of Christmas |
| November - | Stevie Wonder Power |
| September - | Musicians from New Orleans |
| June - | Live 8 Around The World |
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