Hi people have been following a record on jm auction and was surprised at the closing bid, I already have a copy but it has an airline crack, it doesn't affect play, was just wondering if I sell how much does that affect the asking price, thanks

I usually rate a hairline cracked record at a about quarter of the value, but if a record is in vogue, or quite rare, that gap may shrink to almost its full value. It's all down to everyone's personal opinion though.

Places like Record Collector and Goldmine may offer a guide.

It has to depend somewhat on the crack, some you can barely see, others are much more noticeable and audible. The general condition also has to have an impact. Cracked record that's otherwise NM, and plays greator a really grubby copy that's G+ to Vg-?🤔

Edited August 27, 20213 yr by Geeselad

On a slightly different note - how would you sell a record with even an only minor crack?I'm asking because I was always reluctant selling these kinds as I'd be worried to death that handling by the Post would eventually break the record or at least enlarging the crack.. just out of curiosity..

The only way I see is to personally hand over the record.

Sold a servicemen sweet magic/Connie for £1000 with a ¼" crack in it. Was audible, although my friends said they could barely hear it. Think the guy was sending it some where to be repaired?? Was about 2 or 3 years ago.....Thank you...Rob

It partly depends on whether the record is made of vinyl or styrene. Vinyl cracks can be ‘tighter’ and less subject to displacement causing audible imperfections. Styrene is prone to hairline cracking but sometimes this can sometimes actually be a manufacturing defect; if the crack cuts across the run-in grooves, this can be a problem, but if it is the result of an impact on the playing surface towards the run-out grooves, this can be less of an issue. Ultimately, the length of the crack and the part of the record affected would be factors affecting the re-sale value.

cant remember one on JM`s auctions but tim brown had a cracked herb ward on argo on his auction finish on thursday. that finished quite high and was up near £500 when it disappeared off the page

it should certainly make the item a little cheaper 50%  if it plays ok but its up to the seller and the buyer really what they put it up for and buy it for