Future of Classic Records??

What is going on with Classic Records? I noticed that both on AcousticSounds and MusicDirect prices for Classic titles are going up. Even the Blue Note titles are now costing $40-50??

Are they loosing the Blue Note license? Will Classic pressings be available for some time or are they selling out? Any info on this?

 

They changed distributors recently, which may account for the strange goings on, or maybe not.

 

One can't tell. I can sell stuff up to $40, but non-collectibles (i.e. not real Blue Notes) over that don't go anywhere.

As an example, I have the gorgeous Linn recording of the Messiah on three new LPs for just over $150. That's serious specialist stuff. I don't expect to sell any, but it sure gets customers talking...

 

What I´m referring to is that the normal price for Classic Records 200g single LP is moving up from the usual $32.99 to $39.99 or even $49.99, depending on the title. Kind Of Blue f.ex. is now at $49.99 at AS.

This makes me think that these are actuallu out of print and will not be available anymore. Any comments on this...?

 

It may well be that all distribution and manufacturing costs are bouncing up. Think of the similar percentage increase in AP SACDs in the last year. (were $25, now $30). Remember Classic AFAIK no longer manufacture in the USA.

It's unusual for Classic not to 'pre-announce' their price increases, because that has in the past resulted in a useful sales spike. We'll have to wait and see.

 

Get the ones you want now, at the price you want now. That's what I'm doing.

 

I can laugh at the speculation, because there's never been a Classic title I've wanted. I bet the same guy that cleaned us out of Zeppelin the last 'speculation run' is firing up his truck as we speak...

 

Well if you don't like any of Classic's titles, that's one opinion. But there are some here that do, and I think some of these titles are going away. That's my opinion.

 

And those Zeppelin titles are selling for how much now????





Rick

 

Exactly! Those speculations turned out to be true...

 

I definitely missed the boat on one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/190381364396

 

Have one. Virtually every disc is unplayed,

 

Here's mine

Only 250 were made/sold, I would say that makes them rare! And the best Led Zeppelin sound around, that is why it's valuable to me!


Rick

 

Just got this email from Elusive Disc today:

"Classic Records LAST CHANCE!

Most Classic Records titles are out of print! Get yours today before the're gone!!!"


What's up with that?


Rick

 

Hm...you must have a lot of cash laying around to buy something, then pay the expensive shipping and import tax on a set that cost $800.00 USD...and you had to get in very early in the game, I don't think many at all were exported...

Why would you pay so much and not even enjoy them?


Rick

 

Was speaking to a friend at the record store & he tells me that his Classic distributor has dramatically increased prices and all the 45rpm Clarity stuff will no longer be pressed. Whatever is out there is all that will be available.

Anyone know if this is true? He has no reason to BS me. Looking at Acoustic Sounds, some titles (Bizet/Gounod) that was $50 like a week ago has doubled in price!

http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/6...ust_Ballet_Music_Bizet_Carmen-45_RPM_Vinyl_LP

Many of the $32 dollar 200gram titles are now $40 & $50. Kind of Blue, Jazz Party in Stereo, Sketches of Spain, Time Out etc.

This sucks.

 

Well, right here in Berkeley they turn up now and again at a premium used price, which is about the same as the new price ($25-30, maybe more for PG). That's pretty good for LPs only a few years old - most suffer the ignominy of the $1.95 'no one cares' tag.

Anything more is someone else's speculation bubble.

 

Despite what they have claimed in the recent past, it doesnt look good at all for the longevity of Classic Records. I got the same email tonight from both Elusive disc and Music Direct. Such a shame as i have enjoyed soo many of their records and there are many more I want to purchase, but with the prices soaring of A LOT of titles....well, i cant afford many at once.

Dang Steve, you have FIVE (!!) of the Led Zep 45RPM box sets. good for you. I dont know the fair market value at this time, but I have seen em sell between 2 and 3K in the past.

 

Life isn't fair. I guess I should have tried a little harder....

 

Clearly the recent claims from Classic Records were full of crap. I will miss them.

 

Noticed several of the local Los Angeles stores have been getting a bunch of Classic vinyl titles the past few weeks. Guess they were cleaning out their warehouse. In the beginning they really were great in getting the well remastered titles to market. Shame they weren't able to add many more interesting titles the past few years. Hopefully they will somehow revive themselves and bring more titles to market.

 

To which stores are you referring?

 

Perhaps, they were purchased as an investment? With this set fetching upwards of $4,000, I would think it would be best to keep these records as pristine as possible.

 

If had money at the time I would have bought two sets for sure. One for listening and one for selling at $4000.

The last time I looked at UK sellers the prices were as per normal for Classic titles. I'll have another look later today to see if they are going up here too.

Eddie