A Review of Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" Vinyl Recordings: Market Value Analysis of the 1990 Old Version LP and the Clear Ring T113-01 CD
The Collection Craze for "Don't Want to Let Go of You" and Lui Fong's Vocal Charm
Lui Fong, born in 1964, emerged from the New Talent Singing Awards in 1983 and quickly established a significant presence in the Hong Kong music scene with his clear voice and unique vocal delivery. After a career hiatus in the late 1980s, he joined Warner Music and returned to prominence with songs like "Curved Moon." Released in December 1990, the Cantonese album "Autumn Romance - Don't Want to Let Go of You" is undoubtedly one of his representative works from the Warner era, featuring classic tracks such as the title song, "Embrace in the Rain," and "The Last Farewell."
This album is currently highly sought after in the second-hand market. Whether it's the vinyl record (LP), CD, or cassette tape, numerous collectors and resellers are actively seeking it at high prices. Many professional resellers, including "9Box Music," specifically target Lui Fong's vinyl LPs and CDs from the 80s and 90s as high-value acquisition items.
The Rarity and Market Price of the 1990 Original LP
For audiophiles and collectors, the first pressing of "Don't Want to Let Go of You" LP, released by Warner Music (WEA) in 1990, holds immense collectible value. As CD technology became widespread at the time, vinyl record production lines gradually closed down. This led to a limited number of vinyl releases for many albums in the early 90s, making them rare today and significantly increasing their value.
The current market price of this vinyl record largely depends on its condition and completeness of accessories:
- Very Good (VG+) Condition: Even versions rated VG+ (very good condition, with minor hairline scratches that do not affect playback) and "missing lyrics" can fetch HK$1,280 on the market.
- Near Mint Condition: If well-preserved, such as "vinyl flawless and in excellent condition, original transparent glass sleeve, lyrics free of creases" (Near Mint - NM), the market price ranges from HK$1,800 to HK$1,980.
- Top Collectible: Some sellers even price old LPs described as "vinyl overall well-preserved, original bag still present" at HK$2,580. Professional retail store "Hong Kong Vinyl Shop" once priced a 95% new version with a lyric booklet at HK$2,988.00.
- High-Priced Acquisition: Multiple businesses and individuals have expressed willingness to pay high prices for this LP, with asking prices reaching HK$3,000 or more, reflecting the strong market demand for this vinyl.
T113-01 Transparent Ring CD First Pressing: Identification and Price Analysis
Beyond vinyl, CD collectors are equally enthusiastic about the "first pressing" of this album. Lui Fong's "Don't Want to Let Go of You" CD first pressing specifically refers to the Korean-pressed T113-01 transparent ring version (without IFPI marks). In the early 1990s, Korean pressing plants produced CDs for Hong Kong record labels like Warner. These early versions are considered by seasoned music enthusiasts as a symbol of top-tier sound quality due to their craftsmanship and audio fidelity.
The market price for the T113-01 version is higher than general reissues, usually ranging from several hundred Hong Kong dollars, with the specific price depending on the disc's condition:
- Almost New/Perfect Condition: T113-01 first pressings described as "95% new" or "disc surface almost perfect, near new" are priced between approximately HK$350 and HK$380.
- Good Condition: T113-01 versions with "slight shallow scratches" or described as "90% new" typically fluctuate between HK$280 and HK$500.
It is evident that while the first pressing CD of Lui Fong's album doesn't command the same thousand-dollar prices as the LP, possessing an IFPI-free transparent ring T113-01 version is still widely recognized as a treasured collectible in the market.
The Ultimate Rarity — Radio Promo Singles (Promo Single) Value
For collectors pursuing ultimate rarity, radio promotional "white label discs" (Promo LP) are even more valuable. These white label discs were originally intended for radio producers and DJs for promotional purposes and were not sold to the public.
- Embodiment of Rarity: Songs from Lui Fong's "Don't Want to Let Go of You" album, such as "The Last Farewell," were released as a 1990 Hong Kong version Promo 45 RPM single (12" Single EP Vinyl LP).
- High-Quality Audio Advantage: White label discs are pressed at 45 RPM, which, compared to the 33 RPM (33 1/3 RPM) of regular vinyl records, can present more delicate acoustic details and dynamic range, making them highly prized.
- Market Price: A near-new condition "The Last Farewell" 45 RPM single white label disc commands a market price of approximately HK$1,100. Another "Don't Want to Let Go of You" white label disc is priced at HK$1,500.
The extreme scarcity of radio white label discs makes them one of the highest-priced types in the vinyl collecting market, with many white labels even valued at tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.
Hong Kong Nostalgia Collection Trend and the Advantages of Vinyl Sound Quality
In recent years, the vinyl record collecting community has expanded from middle-aged individuals to younger generations, driving a continuous market resurgence.
- Cantopop Appreciation Potential: Classic Cantonese pop songs (Cantopop), especially Hong Kong releases from the mid-80s to early 90s, have significant appreciation potential due to their rarity and high-quality recordings. Besides Lui Fong, classic albums by deceased artists such as Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Teresa Teng, and Danny Chan are also hot targets for collectors.
- Vinyl's Sound Characteristics: Audiophiles generally believe that vinyl records sound "warmer" than CDs. Especially from the 1980s to the early 1990s, the sound quality of some old Mandarin or Cantonese pop vinyl records was superior to CDs transcribed at the time due to immature early digital technology. Early CDs might exhibit "harder, colder sound" or "electronic echo flavor."
- Importance of Preservation and Condition: Regardless of whether it's vinyl or CD, its collectible value is closely linked to its "state of preservation." Vinyl records require regular cleaning with specialized tools and should be stored upright and tightly packed to prevent warping. For high-value vinyl like Lui Fong's "Don't Want to Let Go of You," which can easily cost over a thousand dollars, excellent condition is a prerequisite for a high price.
We professionally offer Top Cash Prices acquisitions for all types of classic Chinese vinyl LPs, first-pressing CDs, and cassette tapes. Upholding the service philosophy of "never shortchanging customers, based on genuine integrity," we are committed to providing professional, free on-site appraisal and quotation services.
We are particularly interested in the following Lui Fong collectibles:
- Lui Fong's "Don't Want to Let Go of You" 1990 WEA old version vinyl LP.
- Lui Fong's "Don't Want to Let Go of You" T113-01 transparent ring first pressing CD.
- Other high-value Lui Fong albums such as "The Words You Can't Hear" rare transparent vinyl LP, and "Please Tell Me Clearly," "Infatuation," "Curved Moon," etc.
- Various rare radio white label discs (Promo LP/CD).
We offer free on-site collection services across Hong Kong and Macau, ensuring convenient and efficient cash transactions.
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