Music Memorabilia

There are a lot of musical artefacts out there and just think, a token of music history can be yours.  Music memorabilia helps you get closer to those artists that you love, and whether your taste is rock 'n' roll or opera, there is surely something to add to your collection.  Not only is music memorabilia  exciting to buy for yourself, but it makes a wonderful gift for any music fan.    

Determining the Value

Do your homework in all situations.  You will want to know when, how, and where this item was obtained.  When searching for any items of memorabilia, do your best to determine the circumstances surrounding the item's acquisition and if you are looking to purchase autographed merchandise,  research what the artist's autograph is supposed to look like.  

There are several factors to consider in determining the value of the memorabilia: 

• Memorabilia age: Like antiques, older albums  and autographs will often cost more than newer ones because of their difficulty to obtain.
• Memorabilia condition: The better the condition of the item, the more valuable it is and thus the higher the price tag. 
• Memorabilia content:  Having an item with an artist's signature or anything with an insight into the artist's personal character will make the merchandise higher in value. 
• Memorabilia rarity: Unique memorabilia or that which holds an autograph of a very famous, or infamous, person will certainly be more expensive. 
• Memorabilia authenticity:  This is how you can determine whether the item is genuine.  Proof of authenticity is given in the form of photos showing the artist's signing of an item or by a Certificate of Authenticity  that should be sold with the memorabilia purchased.  

Understanding What You're Buying

There are variety of terms out there used to describe music memorabilia, and sometimes the wording can be tricky.  We are here to help you know the difference between an EP and LP. 

• Edition: This refers to the announced number and time period that the memorabilia belongs to.
• Limited edition : This memorabilia is defined by the specific amount or quantity produced.  There are often two numbers on these pieces; the higher number should tell you the amount of the item produced, and the lower number would be the one that you would have.  It is often abbreviated by phrases like LIM ED, LTD ED, LTD, or LE.
• Annual edition : This memorabilia is produced for one year.
• Open edition : This memorabilia is NOT limited and could still be in production.
• Artist proof : This memorabilia is art of an edition set aside specifically for an artist.  

• Abbreviations: This is the break down of the lingo often found in music memorabilia.
• MIB :  Mint in box: A new item in mint condition.
• NIB :  New in box: A new item.
• COA : Certificate of Authenticity.
• LOA :  Letter of Authenticity.
• LP :  Long playing.
• EP :  Extended play.
• IMP : Imported.
• OOP :  Out of print.
• ORG :  Original. 
• PR :  Promotional.

Shop by Music Genre

Browse memorabilia from your favourite styles of music.

• Blues 
• Classical 
• Country 
• Electronica 
• Folk 
• Gospel 
• House 
• Indie 
• Instrumental 
• International 
• Jazz 
• Latin 
• New Age 
• Oldies 
• Opera 
• Pop 
• R & B 
• Rap 
• Religious 
• Soul 
• Reggae 
• Rock 
• Soundtracks 

Related Guides

Collectibles	Music	Musical Instruments	Event Tickets

 

External Links

• eBay.co.uk: Buy, sell, and trade music memorabilia at the most popular on line marketplace.
• RockArchives.co.uk: Collectable music memorabilia for rock fanatics.