Used Vinyl: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Gold in the Crates

Used vinyl isn’t just “old records”.

It’s the real treasure hunt side of record collecting, and it’s where you can find everything from cheap musical gems to rare pressings worth hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

Whether you’re a first-time vinyl buyer, a casual music fan, or a serious collector chasing grails, this guide will help you understand what makes used vinyl special, how to spot quality, and why some records are valuable while others aren’t.

Why buy used vinyl at all?

There are a few reasons used vinyl is exploding again, especially with younger music lovers.

It’s a better experience. Streaming is convenient, but records are an event. You slow down. You listen properly. You engage with the artwork and the track order the way the artist intended.

It’s more sustainable. Buying used is recycling. It keeps records in circulation instead of feeding endless new manufacturing.

It’s an actual collectable. Used vinyl can be history you can hold, and in some cases it can genuinely increase in value.

First pressings: what they are, and why collectors chase them

A first pressing is the earliest manufactured run of an album, pressed when it was first released (or close to it).

Collectors love them for a few big reasons.

First, they’re closest to the original era. The record came out in the moment when the album was new, the band was active, and the design and labels were current.

Second, they can sound different (and better). Many first pressings were cut from fresh master tapes or earlier generation sources. Some later versions may be cut from copy tapes or digital sources.

Third, they’re often scarcer than people assume. Some albums didn’t sell huge numbers originally, meaning the first run can be hard to find.

Fourth, collectors want the correct details. First pressings often have specific label designs, catalogue numbers, inserts, gatefold variations, matrix or runout details, and country-specific differences. Even tiny variations can affect value.

Important note: not every old record is a valuable first pressing. Plenty of albums had massive runs or had local pressings that are common.

Reissues: not “bad”, just different

A reissue is a later pressing of the album after the original release period.

Reissues can be common, high quality and audiophile, limited edition and collectable, remastered from original tapes, or pressed from digital files.

Reissues are great for affordable entry-level collecting, clean playback (often less noise), hard-to-find albums that cost too much as originals, and limited new variants like coloured vinyl and deluxe editions.

But reissues can vary wildly in quality. Not all reissues are equal. What matters is who cut it (mastering engineer), what source was used (analogue tape vs digital), where it was pressed (pressing plant quality control), and the vinyl quality.

So no, a reissue isn’t automatically worse. But it isn’t automatically better either.

Why some old records are valuable… and most aren’t

This is the big myth: “It’s old, so it must be worth heaps!”

Not necessarily.

Records become valuable because of scarcity and demand. The most valuable vinyl sits at the intersection of people wanting it and not many existing (especially in great condition).

Limited press runs matter. Some albums were pressed in low numbers or only released in one country.

Unusual variations can drive value. Misprints, alternate covers, withdrawn artwork and promo editions can create serious collector interest.

Cultural status matters too. If an album becomes iconic over time, demand rises.

This rare 7-inch single by The Sex Pistols was one of 10 that were not destroyed from the original print run and sold for $15,882 in November 2018.

Why lots of records aren’t valuable (even if they’re old)

Some records were massively over-printed. Plenty of titles sold millions and were repressed constantly. Common examples are big mainstream pop albums, blockbuster rock albums, easy listening titles, and budget label compilations.

Condition issues can also crush value. Even a sought-after album drops heavily in price when the vinyl is scratched or worn, the sleeve is damaged, or there’s writing, stains, mould, tape, water damage, or missing inserts.

And sometimes supply exceeds demand. There are many records that exist in huge numbers that people simply don’t collect. They can still be great music, they just aren’t scarce.

What changes a record’s value?

This is where it gets interesting. Two copies of the “same album” can be worth completely different money.

Country of pressing is a big factor. Some pressings are more desirable, such as UK originals for many UK bands, US originals for many US albums, Japanese pressings due to quality and inserts, and Australian pressings that can be rarer locally for certain titles.

Pressing plant matters. Some plants have stronger reputations for quality control. Better pressings often means better demand.

The mastering or cut matters. Collectors chase certain “cuts” because they can sound noticeably different.

Matrix numbers and runout markings matter. Those etched letters and numbers near the label can indicate the cut, pressing variation, and sometimes the engineer.

Completeness matters. Original inserts, posters, lyric sleeves, obi strips (Japan), and hype stickers can raise value.

Condition (grading) is often the biggest factor of all. Check out how we grade our vinyl HERE.

Vinyl grading explained (what it means)

Grading tells you how clean and playable a record is, not just how it looks.

At Rockaway, you’ll typically see grades like:

M (MINT) Perfect, flawless. We rarely (if ever) use this grade

M- or NM(MINT MINUS OR NEAR MINT) Usually our highest grade. Records from the 50s and 60s in this condition are truly rare. The vinyl would need to be virtually perfect. At most perhaps a light scuff appears on the record which in no way would affect sound quality. The record cover should also be near perfect with only very minor signs of wear, if any. There should be absolutely no "ring wear". (Ring wear is the outline of the record inside shows through the cover)

EX or VG++(EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD ++) Beautiful collectable condition. The vinyl should play with no skips or clicks of any kind. There can be minor scuffs but they should not affect sound quality. The record cover is generally in great shape, it may have minor "ring wear" and minor corner creases, but no seam splits.

VG+(VERY GOOD +) Vinyl will show some wear including scuff marks and some light scratches. If held up to a bright light, tiny lines may be seen on the vinyl. The sound may be affected with some minor clicks and pops but will not skip. The record cover may be slightly more aged, with corners slightly bent but not broken. There may be wear to the seams, but no tears or holes.

VG(VERY GOOD) Vinyl doesn't necessarily look good, but plays well enough. Surface noise will probably be present including pops and clicks, which would be diminished at higher volumes. The record will not skip. The cover will look worn and used with some seam splitting and noticeable ring wear.

VG- or G(VERY GOOD MINUS OR GOOD) Generally not collectable condition, unless its a super rare record. Vinyl looks well played and dull. It should play without skipping but with substantial surface noise. Quieter styles of music will struggle with the grading, whereas louder music may still sound OK at higher volumes. The record cover may have problems such as seam splits, writing or tape etc.
WBR(WRECKED BUT RARE) Otherwise known as a "Starter Copy". Not cracked, but a poor copy. The only reason to have a record/cover in this condition would be if it was extremely rare.

Quick truth: most real-world used vinyl sits in the VG to VG+ range, and that’s totally normal.

What to look for when buying used vinyl (the smart checklist)

Check the record for scratches. Light scuffs are common and often fine, but deep scratches you can feel with a fingernail can cause skipping.

Look for groove wear. Often caused by cheap needles or heavy tracking force. You’ll hear distortion, especially on louder parts.

Check for warping. Slight dish warps can play fine, but big edge warps can cause tracking problems.

Sleeve condition matters. Collectable value drops fast with bad covers.

Make sure it’s complete. Missing posters, inserts or lyric sleeves affects value.

Do the smell test. Records stored badly can develop mould or musty damage, especially in the sleeve.

Examples: older records that can be valuable (and why)

Value depends heavily on pressing, condition and demand, but these categories are often strong.

Classic rock originals can be valuable, especially UK first pressings, textured sleeves, early label variants, and copies with original posters and inserts.

Punk, metal, hip-hop and alternative can be very collectable because many titles were pressed in smaller quantities and fans want originals.

Australian music can be highly collectable in the right pressing. Original Aussie pressings, limited runs, and early indie releases are often more sought after.

Jazz and soul originals can be extremely valuable because many were pressed in low numbers, played hard, and are difficult to find in clean condition.

FAQs (the questions everyone asks)

Why does this cost so much if it’s old?
Because price isn’t about age — it’s about rarity, demand and condition. A rare pressing in excellent condition becomes a collectable item, not just a “used product”.

Why is this record not shiny?
Haze is common and can happen for a few reasons: paper sleeve scuffing over time, residue from old inner sleeves, cleaning fluid residue if improperly cleaned, or clouding from storage conditions. Some haze is cosmetic and plays fine. Other haze can affect sound. That’s why grading matters, and why it’s always worth asking staff to check play quality.

Does heavier vinyl (180g) mean better sound?
Not automatically. 180g can feel nicer and reduce warping, but mastering and pressing quality matter far more than weight.

Is coloured vinyl worse than black vinyl?
Not necessarily. Modern coloured vinyl can sound great. But black vinyl has historically been the most consistent compound for mass production.

Why are two copies of the same album different prices?
They can be totally different pressings: different country, different year, different cut or mastering, one could be original and one a reissue, different condition, or missing inserts. Even if the cover looks similar, the details matter.

Will used vinyl always have crackle?
Not always. A clean VG+ record can play very quietly. But older records may have some surface noise, that’s normal vinyl reality. A proper clean can make a huge difference.

Is a first pressing always the best sounding version?
No. Sometimes a later pressing sounds better due to improved mastering, better vinyl formulation, better pressing plant quality control, quieter vinyl, or recuts that fix issues. That’s why collecting is fun, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Final tip: buy what you love (and let the hunt begin)

Yes, some records go up in value. Yes, some pressings are grails.

But the best part of used vinyl is still the same: finding something you didn’t know you needed, taking it home, dropping the needle, and getting hooked.

If you’re new to used vinyl, don’t stress. Ask questions. Learn as you go. And if you want guidance, Rockaway staff are always happy to help you find the right copy for your budget and your setup.