When it comes to music history, Cleveland is second to none. Cleveland, Ohio has internationally recognized museums and archives, both public and private, as well as a rich performing legacy. When looking for a professional music appraiser for cities like Cleveland, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, finding a music appraiser who appreciates this legacy and works to ensure the value and authenticity of the artifacts of their history is critical. Accredited Senior Music appraisers are reliable and credible because of their methodology in using the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (“USPAP”), required by the I.R.S. and most legal forums. Music appraisal services cover different areas, such as insurance replacement, legal settlement of damages, IRS charitable donation values, and expert consulting for archives and institutions. Whether you are located in Cleveland, Ohio or other parts of the United States, Stephen M.H. Braitman, ASA is available to appraise your music and memorable collections.
A music appraiser who is specifically qualified in the area of music memorabilia – whether it be record albums, posters, sheet music, or any other related item – has the added expertise needed to properly identify and value the material.
Music Appraisal for Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can rely on a music appraiser’s objective comparative values to insure property, adjust for a loss, settle disputes, and to assist in litigation if necessary. If the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (https://www.rockhall.com/ (216) 781-7625, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Clevelend OH, 44114) needed consultation for insurance purposes, a music appraisal service would be a great help.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Library & Archives is the most comprehensive repository of materials relating to the history of rock & roll. Their mission is to collect, preserve, and provide access to these resources for scholars, educators, students, journalists and the general public in order to broaden awareness and understanding of rock & roll, its roots, and its impact on society.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hosts numerous tribute concerts and annual music series. For more information on upcoming events visit https://www.rockhall.com/onstage/events
Music Appraisal for Specialty Collections and Archives
Many specialty collections and archives can benefit from music appraisals to evaluate donations and eligibility for charitable contribution credits with the IRS, or to have a thorough evaluation on personal music collections for estate planning.
For example, Cleveland is home to several specialty music collections and archives including the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame (http://www.clevelandstyle.com/ 605 E 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, (216) 261-3263). A music appraiser can help determine the Fair Market Value of collection pieces, and provide the required documentation for donations to specialty collections and museums.
The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of polka music, the happiest sound around. Polka has its roots in Slovenian folk music, but the influence of American musicians has given it universal appeal and popularity. Just as English and Irish music has evolved into country music, the polka represents the music of central Europe.
The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame was founded in 1987 by musicians and leaders of Slovenian and other ethnic organizations. The museum traces the story of the city’s home-grown sound from its roots in the old Slovenian neighborhoods to nationwide popularity with audio exhibits, historic photographs and original instruments. The archive preserves 6,000 vintage recordings, dating back to 1913.
Evaluating Music Collections
A music appraiser can help you understand the strengths and weakness of a collection or archive while providing a thorough review of the formats, editions, and condition of any recording media as well as printed memorabilia.
Recently, vinyl records have regained their popularity, and many boutique stores, such as A Separate Reality Records (http://www.aseparaterealityrecords.com/, 2678 w 14th St., Cleveland OH, 44113, (216) 644-7934) and Blue Arrow Records (http://www.bluearrowrecords.com/, 16001 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland OH 44110, (216) 486-2415), buy and sell vinyl records. These types of businesses can benefit from a music appraiser to assess the Fair Market Value of records to not only buy-and-sell them, but also to properly insure their business.
A Separate Reality Records is dedicated to bringing the rarest and greatest LP’s from the golden age of music, the 1960’s-1990’s. Psychedelic Rock, Prog Rock, Garage Rock, Fuzz, Stoned Out Basement Renegades, Hard Rock Messiahs, Droned-Out Commune Rock, Cosmic Krautrock Wizards you’ll find it all!
Blue Arrow Records features a wide ranging selection of vintage vinyl cassettes, music memorabilia, books, pulp fiction, vintage magazines, rock t-shirts and vintage posters. Blue Arrow specializes in quality and reasonably priced LPs and 45s spanning from the 1950s to the present day. You can peruse selections from jazz, country, classic rock, soul, rock-n-roll and more!
Uncovering Regional Resources of Music Memorabilia
There are myriad resources for music history and memorabilia at the local and regional level. The historical and cultural archives found at history museums and archives should not be ignored for often surprising and exciting collections.
The Western Reserve Historical Society (http://www.wrhs.org/ , 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, (216) 721-5722) has spent almost 150 years focused on the culture and history of Northeast Ohio. They have vast archives of material, including music-focused collections and exhibits, such as a large number of Edison cylinder recordings.
Founded in May 1867, the Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland’s oldest existing cultural institution… The Society’s creation was part of an important trend in the United States, the establishment of private organizations to oversee the collection and preservation of documents and objects relating to various aspects of national, regional and local history. While its original focus was on the history of “…Cleveland and the Western Reserve, and generally what relates to the history of Ohio and the Great West,” it now concentrates on the history of Northeast Ohio.
Founded in May 1867, the Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland’s oldest existing cultural institution… The Society’s creation was part of an important trend in the United States, the establishment of private organizations to oversee the collection and preservation of documents and objects relating to various aspects of national, regional and local history. While its original focus was on the history of “…Cleveland and the Western Reserve, and generally what relates to the history of Ohio and the Great West,” it now concentrates on the history of Northeast Ohio.
About Stephen M. H. Braitman, ASA
If you or your institution need professional music appraisal services, Stephen M. H. Braitman is an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. He is the ONLY accredited appraiser in the country with a specialty in Recorded Media (LPs, 45s, CDs, all formats) and Music Memorabilia (Posters, Photos, Signed Instruments, Promotional Items, Artist-Owned Objects, Sheet Music & Scores). His services consist of:
Professional Appraisal Services for Individuals
- Insurance Replacement Cost Coverage
- IRS Charitable Donations
- Equitable Division of Property in an Estate or Divorce
- Estate Planning
- Expert Witness
- IRS Federal Estate Tax
- Loss of Value Claims
- Opinions of Value
- Settlement of Damage
- Valuation and Settlement
Expert Appraisal Services for Collectors and Professionals
- Record Collectors and Dealers
- Archives, Libraries, Auction Houses
- Insurance Agencies
- Executors for Estates
Stephen M. H. Braitman can be contacted at 415-897-6999 or email at braitman@musicappraisals.