I have just been given some 60+ 78s. I have no way of playing them and wondered what to do with them. I have read a little on the net and have been told that pre 1950 78s are worth nothing.. It seems such a shame to "throw" them. All are in covers. Many Military Bands, Orchestras inc The Palladium, also individuals..I have a list if anybody wants to have a look. If you can recommend any specialists in this field I will be very grateful.
Wait, I have to scan what now? Member since Jan 2013 772 Points Moderator
If you want to put them onto a computer, you can do so with one of those iOn turntables designed for recording vinyl to mp3. They come with software that allows you to play a 78rpm disc at 33 or 45, then once it's recorded you can use the software to reset the mp3 file to the correct speed and pitch. Audio purists will no doubt splutter at the thought but it gives a good enough conversion to satisfy most listeners... oh, and records are always worth "something" to the right person, whatever their year or speed.
david in spain: pre-50s 78s are not "worth nothing", though the number of people to whom they're worth something is small (and declining), and the number of people who'll pay much for 78s depends greatly upon the particular discs in question (artists, titles, labels, label cat#s, even matrix nos.) - and above all, upon their condition. (as ever, it's a combination of supply and demand - are they scarce, and are there people collecting the particular artists' discs.)
- transfer 'em, so's you have a chance to decide whether you want to keep the recordings yourself - or delete 'em - later, then either list 'em & see who bites, offer them to dealers, and/or look up a museum or the like covering recorded music or sound generally, or first-half-of-the-twentieth-century tech, or the like.
- public museums won't offer very much (if aught), but may well give you a credit on the public info cards if/when they put any of 'em on display, make them available to students of the period's music or technology, etc. - or even a senior/high school, college or university, making them available to people studying in the relevant fields.
(- " don't chuck 'em, unless no-one will accept them.)
Military Bands are collectible for those of off with a few bob in short pockets, Again if using an ion or similar turntable the stylus cartridge for 78s is normally an extra cost (about £20 from amazon or similar ).
Some orchestral of interest to the right collector , particularly if not re-issued on LPs.
Some & Orchestra are in fact dance bands, which are collectible more widely.