45 RPM Value Guide — What Your 45s Are Worth in Chicago
Curious what your 45 rpm records might be worth? In Chicago, certain soul, funk, jazz, R&B, punk and private-press 45s can be surprisingly valuable — sometimes worth more than an entire box of LPs.
This guide shows you exactly how 45s are valued, what collectors look for, and how to get a fast, fair estimate anywhere in Chicago or Northwest Indiana.
Why Many 45s Are Worth More Than LPs
Most 45s were produced in small quantities — especially Chicago-area soul and funk 45s from the 60s–80s. Many were pressed in runs of a few hundred copies, sold at shows, or distributed locally to radio stations.
That scarcity is why a single 45 can be worth $50, $100, or even $300+ while a typical LP from the same era may only be worth a few dollars.
What Makes a 45 Worth Money?
- • Small-label / private press 45s
- • Chicago soul & funk (Twinight, One-Derful, Constellation, etc.)
- • Northern Soul dancers & rarities
- • Jazz 45s (funky, spiritual, modal)
- • Punk & garage rock 45s
- • Non-LP tracks unique to 45 format
- • Promo copies from DJs or radio
Typical 45 RPM Value Ranges
- • $5–$20 — common but clean titles
- • $25–$75 — interesting soul, funk, jazz or regional 45s
- • $100–$300+ — Chicago labels, private press, rare tracks
- • $500–$1,000+ — Northern Soul & serious collector grails
Condition, label scarcity, genre, and collector demand drive these prices.
How to Get Your 45s Evaluated
1. Send Us a Quick Photo
No need for individual pictures — a photo of the box is enough.
2. Get a Same-Day Estimate
We’ll tell you quickly what the collection may be worth.
3. Choose Drop-Off or House Call
We offer house calls anywhere in Chicago + Northwest Indiana.
Explore More 45 RPM Selling Guides for Chicago
FAQs About 45 RPM Values
Are 45s worth anything?
Yes — soul, funk, jazz, punk, and private-press 45s can be worth $20–$500+, sometimes more.
Do you buy full collections?
Absolutely — from small groups to large inherited collections.
Do scratches lower the value?
Yes. Clean vinyl sells for much more.
How fast can you evaluate my 45s?
Same-day in most cases.