Old Records?

topic posted Sun, February 18, 2007 - 8:35 AM by  Natalie
Hi,

Does anyone have any gift ideas with used records?

Thanks.
posted by:
Natalie
Toronto
  • Re: Old Records?

    Mon, February 19, 2007 - 6:42 AM
    If the old vinyl in question is in good, playable condition or has collectible value, try framing the vinyl the way they used to do them when they went gold or platinum... with a certificate of achievement, etc. Be sure to attach the jacket/sleeve to the back of the frame. Or frame them together.

    If you are using old, damaged or non-collectible vinyl they can be used for anything requiring a flat space. How about this... experiment with softening and reshaping them. The newer vinyl albums were thin and quite meltable (ask anyone who left one near a heating vent or in the sun :-D). I've never tried it myself but saw them formed up unto bowls and the like. It would make a perfect plant pot because there is a drainage hole in the middle.

    The old vinyl "45s" (still popular among some DJs) can be used for a child's mobile... paint colourful, comical images on them and hang them like any other mobile.

    They can also be cut up into small pieces to be made into jewelery, etc.
    • Re: Old Records?

      Wed, February 21, 2007 - 1:40 PM
      I've seen a project in a reuse book that used old vinyl records as mail slots--melt 3 or 4, bend into "J" shapes and mount onto a board that can be mounted on a wall was the basic idea.

      I;ve also seen people paint on them, perhaps using dimentional craft paint.
      And Glitter.

      I'm not sure about the glitter, but glitter is both our greatest sin and our greatest triumph.
      • Re: Old Records?

        Thu, February 22, 2007 - 5:00 AM
        "glitter is both our greatest sin and our greatest triumph."

        Bwahahahaah!
        • Re: Old Records?

          Mon, February 26, 2007 - 8:49 PM
          Hahaha. Thanks for the great ideas!
          • Re: Old Records?

            Tue, February 27, 2007 - 9:31 AM
            Hi, Natalie,
            I have a slightly different take on this. When I look back at how many things have changed in my lifetime, I begin to realize the future value of some of the things from the good ol' days. If your records are in playable condition, personally, I'd keep them. It doesn't much matter what is considered a "collectable" now; they all will be by the time our children are our ages I bet. If you intend to give them as gifts, I would suggest you check with --maybe the manager of a long-time music store?--for advice on safe framing options for the record. Then, I would frame the whole album, record in sleeve in jacket, and write out a certificate to go with it, making clear to the recipient the future value of the album, and that it will be worth more, the longer it survives.
            • Re: Old Records?

              Tue, February 27, 2007 - 10:14 AM
              I agree with Elizabeth. (see my earlier post) Keep in mind that vinyl album value is subjective. A collector of old Dino, Desi & Billy memorabilia may consider their 2 or 3 albums to be collectible and pay well for them but at the record store (one that deals in vinyl still) they will still only give you $1 each or less.

              I had an expert check my entire remaining vinyl collection. Here's what he said... unopened (cellophane in tact), never been played vinyl has excellent collectible value. Opened, previously played, mark and scratch free (every tiny nik & smear counts) vinyl has value that depends heavily on several factors (pressing #, serial #, artist(s), release date, title of album, titles on the album, collectors buying that artist - to name a few) and setting a true dollar value is difficult unless the broker has a buyer on the hook. Things like a one-hit-wonder, though nobody knows them, may have huge value because of who or where or when it was produced or simply because there were so few produced. Demo tapes still in excellent condition from the first iteration of the Beatles (before Ringo) can sell for millions. A first European release album of Rod Stewart, opened but in perfect condition, has been quoted in the range of $10-100.

              Generally, if you have old vinyl that was often played, is in scratchy condition, the jacket is ratty looking, the artist produced millions of copies worldwide, etc. Even a good price for that is $2. The Beatles"A Hard Day's Night" has no collectible value unless it was the first run release in England, is in original condition with the original cellophane unmarked (yes, a collector will know if it's been replaced) and is still in the hands of the original owner. And even then you need to find a broker to hunt down a buyer for you and pay them a commission. If youy have such an item... get the broker and sell it... you could pay off your mortgage with such items.

Recent topics in "Great Homemade Gifts"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
3 liter bottle gift bottle.. Irene 9 January 24, 2008
wrapping chocolates Michelle 4 January 7, 2008
candle making Michelle 4 January 3, 2008
Any experience of using bindis for gift decoration? Hemant 10 December 17, 2007