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LP or Page?

I have a question (which has probably been asked before, and if it has I apologies) – what is, generally speaking, more desirable – a perfect signed page or an OK signed LP?

Now I realise this could be a ‘how long is a piece of string’ type of question because it really does depend on the exact pieces, so I wouldn’t be surprised not to get any answers to my question, but it would be nice to get some general views. I know that all things being equal an album trumps a page (one of the main reasons being, in general, a signed LP is rarer than a signed page), but what if the page was pretty much perfect (perfect placement, 10 out of 10 condition, good size etc) and the LP was OK, so the signatures can still be made out but are not as nicely signed, placement is not great, condition is say 5-6 out of 10, then what?

For the purposes of this question I think we have to ignore the ultra-rare scenarios, i.e. a Doors signed LP in any condition is, I would suggest, going to be worth more than nearly any signed page because of its rarity. Or a perfect signed page that has major historic significance.

Here is an example of what I am talking about, this Rolling Stones page is pretty spot on:

Then there is this LP:

Or maybe this ACDC lot (the LP is actually in pretty good shape so you would have to imagine the condition was a little worse):

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Permalink Reply by Paul on July 29, 2015 at 1:06am

I'll take a lp any day over a page. Most of my collection is on vinyl or very rare surf posters. The only page I own is the classic Beach boys.

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Permalink Reply by Nate on July 29, 2015 at 1:22am

Thanks for the answer Paul. As a matter of interest - what is your reasoning for this?

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Permalink Reply by Paul on July 29, 2015 at 1:35am

Just preference I've collected lps from a young age and would get artist to sign after a gig here and there. I'd prefer a beatles signed lp than a page.

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Permalink Reply by Nate on July 29, 2015 at 1:50am

Great, thanks again Paul.

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Permalink Reply by Full Time Flipper on July 29, 2015 at 2:05am

Genarally unless its a new ish signed lp in gold or silver pen id go for a page as you get bad contrast on a lot of older signed lps using normal biro pen or black marker there are exceptions of course and an lp with really good contrast and nicely placed signatures would win over a page ,the stones lp pictured with the writing over the text doesnt do it for me and the page is probably half the price

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Permalink Reply by michelle on July 29, 2015 at 2:05am

I prefer the sigs to stand out and be clear so usually I prefer signed page rather than an off or rushed signature with a thick felt tip pen on an album where you can't really decipher the signature easily ; - its also easier to store ; - however in the case of the rolling stones I really don't mind by now; - I'll take either!!

Altho it is very much an individual choice , I would imagine that finances also play a part ; - rare sigs on an album would make it a more expensive item to purchase.

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Permalink Reply by Nate on July 29, 2015 at 2:28am

Thanks Rogers and Michelle.

Finances are a good point. Would you expect to pay more or less for the LPs pictured above (given the contrast and, lets for the sake of this question assume, inferior condition), and if more would we be talking 50%? Double?

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Permalink Reply by Robert on July 29, 2015 at 5:47am

I'm only interested in signed albums, most preferably vinyls. Would consider getting a photo signed. But I've never understood why people got musicians to sign pieces of paper... From my point of view, you ask to get signed something related to the person/people... Actually piece of their work, for which they are famous... That's why you get Roger Waters autograph on Darkside of The Moon or The Wall, Paul McCartney on classic Beatles covers like Abbery Road or Sgt. Pepper and The Stones on Sticky Fingers or Tattoo You. That just makes sense and looks bloody stunning. Nothing beats framed signed LP, as far as I'm concerned.

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Permalink Reply by Bjorn VDB on July 29, 2015 at 11:25am

Exactly my thoughts. I will never understand why someone would want an autograph from a musician on for example a baseball. What's the beauty and meaning of a Paul Mccartney on a baseball? You won't let Messi sign a guitar either.
But there seems to be a market for these too, this is just my personal opinion. Or maybe Belgians see it different than Americans :-). So I prefer vinyl and cd's, but a Rolling Stone magazine or official promo card etc can be nice too. But there has to be a relationship between the item and the artist for me.

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Permalink Reply by J.Seah on July 29, 2015 at 11:31am

I second that. Recently came across a Jack White autographed baseball. Just don't understand it.

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Permalink Reply by Bjorn VDB on July 29, 2015 at 11:38am

Yeah, saw a Springsteen baseball too on RACC. I'm trying to understand it, but I can't.

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Permalink Reply by Coachgd on July 30, 2015 at 7:56am

The only reason Springsteen on a baseball makes sense is the "Glory Days" video. I would rather have him sign anything else but a piece of paper. But a baseball makes a little bit of sense to me, especially if that's the only thing you have available.