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 collecting craze for "I Can't Bear to Part With You" and the charm of Lui Fong's voice
Lui Fong (born 1964) debuted in 1983 after participating in the New Talent Singing Awards. With his clear voice and unique vocal style, he secured a prominent position in the Hong Kong music scene. After a period of stagnation in the late 1980s, he joined Warner Music and returned to the top with songs like "The Crescent Moon." His Cantonese album "Autumn Romance," released in December 1990, is undoubtedly one of his representative works from his Warner period, featuring classic tracks such as the title track, "Embrace in the Rain," and "The Last Farewell."
This album is extremely popular in today's secondhand collector's market. Whether it's vinyl records (LPs), CDs, or cassette tapes, there are many collectors and recyclers offering high prices for them. Many professional recyclers, such as "Nine Music Box," have listed vinyl records, LPs, and CDs of Hong Kong singers like Lui Fong from the 80s and 90s as their primary targets for high-priced acquisitions.
The rarity and market price of the 1990 vintage vinyl LP.
For audiophiles and collectors, the first edition of the vinyl record "Reluctant to Part with You," released by Warner Music (WEA) in 1990, has extremely high collectible value. As CD technology began to become widespread at the time, vinyl record production lines gradually closed, resulting in a scarcity of vinyl releases for many albums from the early 1990s, leading to their rarity and significantly increased value today.
The current market price of this vinyl record mainly depends on its condition and the completeness of its accessories.
- Good Condition (VG+) : Even a version with a VG+ condition (good condition, with minor scratches that do not affect playback) and "missing lyrics" can still fetch HK$1,280 on the market.
- Near-new grade : If well preserved, such as a near-new (NM) version described as "black vinyl, no embellishments, original glass transparent cover, lyrics without creases", the market price is between HK$1,800 and HK$1,980 .
- Top-tier collectibles : Some sellers have even priced old LPs, described as "in excellent condition with the original packaging still intact," at HK$2,580 . The professional retailer "Hong Kong Vinyl Shop" once priced a 95% new version with its songbook at HK$2,988.00 .
- High-priced offers : Several businesses and individuals have expressed their willingness to pay high prices for this LP album, with offers reaching HK$3,000 or more, reflecting the strong market demand for this vinyl record.
T113-01 Transparent Bezel CD: First Edition - Authentication and Price Analysis
Besides vinyl records, CD collectors also flock to the "first edition" of this album. The first edition of Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" CD specifically refers to the Korean-pressed T113-01 transparent ring version (without the IFPI mark). In the early 1990s, Korean pressing plants were responsible for producing CDs for record companies such as Warner Music in Hong Kong. These early versions, due to their craftsmanship and sound quality, are considered by seasoned music fans to be a hallmark of top-tier sound.
The market price of version T113-01 is higher than that of regular reprints, usually ranging from several hundred Hong Kong dollars, with the specific price depending on the condition of the disc:
- Almost brand new/perfect condition : The condition is described as "95% new" and "the disc surface is almost brand new". The price range is approximately HK$350 to HK$380 .
- Good condition : T113-01 versions with "minor scratches" or "90% new" are usually priced between HK$280 and HK$500 .
Therefore, although the first edition CD of Lui Fong's album is not as sought-after as the LP, which often fetches thousands of dollars, owning the transparent bezel T113-01 version without IFPI is still a recognized collectible in the market.
The value of a top-tier rare item – a radio promo single
For collectors seeking the ultimate in rarity, "promo LPs" used for radio promotions are even more valuable. These promo LPs were originally intended only for radio producers and DJs for promotional purposes and were not sold to the public.
- Rarity is evident in the fact that songs from Lui Fong's album "Reluctant to Part with You," such as "The Last Farewell," were released in 1990 as a Hong Kong Promo 45 single (12" Single EP Vinyl LP).
- High sound quality advantage : White discs are pressed at 45 RPM, compared to 33 RPM (33 1/3 RPM) of ordinary vinyl records, which can present more delicate acoustic details and dynamic range, and are therefore highly regarded.
- Market Price : A near-new 45 rpm blank single of "The Last Farewell" is priced at approximately HK$1,100 . Another blank single of "Reluctant to Part with You" is priced at HK$1,500 .
The extreme rarity of radio blank discs makes them one of the most expensive types in the vinyl record market, with many blank discs valued at tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.
Hong Kong's nostalgic collecting trend and the advantages of vinyl record sound quality
In recent years, the vinyl record collecting community has expanded from middle-aged people to the younger generation, driving the continued revival of the market.
- Hong Kong music appreciation potential : Classic Cantonese pop songs, especially those released in Hong Kong from the mid-to-late 1980s to the early 1990s, possess enormous appreciation potential due to their rarity and high-quality recordings. Besides Lui Fong, classic albums by deceased singers such as Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Teresa Teng, and Danny Chan are also highly sought-after by collectors.
- Sound characteristics of vinyl records : Audiophiles generally believe that vinyl records sound warmer than CDs, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s. Some older vinyl versions of Mandarin or Cantonese pop music sound better than CDs ripped from older records due to the immaturity of early digitization technology. Early CDs may have a "hard, cold" sound or a "electronic echo" quality.
- The Importance of Preservation and Condition : Whether it's vinyl records or CDs, their collectible value is closely related to their "preservation condition." Vinyl records require regular cleaning with professional tools and should be stored upright and pressed firmly to prevent deformation. For vinyl records like Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You," which can easily cost thousands of dollars, excellent condition is a prerequisite for ensuring a high price.
Professional and high-price buyback service for music boxes
Given the high demand and rarity of Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" vinyl and first edition CD, now is the perfect time to cash in on any unused collectibles you have.
" Nine Music Boxes " specializes in high-price buyback of all kinds of classic Chinese vinyl records (LPs), first-edition CDs, and cassette tapes. Adhering to the service philosophy of "never shortchanging customers and upholding honesty and integrity," we promise to provide professional, free on-site evaluation and quotation services.
We are particularly interested in the following Lu Fang collection:
- Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" - 1990 WEA Old Edition Vinyl LP.
- Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" T113-01 Transparent Circle First Edition CD.
- Other high-priced albums by Lui Fong include "The Words You Can't Hear," which is rarely available on transparent vinyl or black LP, as well as "Please Explain Clearly," "Obsession," and "The Crescent Moon."
- Various rare radio station white-label discs (Promo LP/CD).
We offer free door-to-door recycling services throughout Hong Kong and Macau to ensure convenient and efficient cash transactions.
📞 Contact " Nine Music Boxes " now to maximize the value of your collection!
Business Name: Music Box
We professionally buy back: Lui Fong's "Reluctant to Part with You" LP/CD and various classic Chinese vinyl records.
Contact via WhatsApp: (852) 69043974
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