[9Box Music Collection Log] Sounds of Time: Mr. Zhang's Vinyl Collection of Alan Tam,from "The Root of Love" to
"Some songs are listened to for their melody; some records preserve an entire youth." In our daily recycling work at 9Box Music,we've encountered countless precious vinyl records. Behind each batch of records lies a unique story of bygone days. Today,we want to share with you a visually and audibly stunning collection of "Principal Tam" Alan Tam's vinyl records.
📅 Recycling Notes: A Drizzly Afternoon
Last Thursday afternoon,we received a WhatsApp message from a customer. The customer sent a few photos showing over twenty classic Alan Tam vinyl records neatly arranged. From the late 70s albums like "Flipping Stars" (Mischievous Star) and "Can't Forget You" (Can't Forget You),to the "Love Trilogy" ("Love in the Mist"、"Root of Love"、) from his heyday in the 80s,and then to "Fantasy Smile" (Dreamlike Smile) in the 90s,it was indeed a mini-museum of Principal Tam's music.
We immediately scheduled an on-site appraisal.
👤 Seller Profile and Reason for Selling
- Seller: Mr. Cheung (62 years old,retired secondary school teacher)
- Location: City One Shatin
- Reason for selling: Emigration/Decluttering
When we arrived at Mr. Cheung's home,he was carefully wiping the record sleeves with a microfiber cloth. Mr. Cheung smiled wryly and told us: "I'm flying to the UK next month to live with my daughter and grandson. There's not much space in the house there,so I can't take all these vinyl records with me. These records have moved with me several times,and every single one was bought by queuing up at Sino Centre on its release day."

He picked up the "Misty" (Bewildered) vinyl record (see attached image),and from the sleeve,he pulled out a stack of perfectly preserved original 1988 calendar card posters. His eyes were full of reluctance: "Rather than letting them gather dust in a mini-storage,it's better to give them to you guys at 'us' (9Box Music). I know you're experts,and I hope you can help these old friends find new owners who truly cherish them."


💎 Unboxing Treasures: Unimaginably Perfect Condition
This collection was surprising not just because of its quantity,but also because of the extremely high completeness of the accessories.
In the second-hand vinyl market,the presence or absence of original posters and lyric sheets can drastically affect the price. Mr. Cheung's collection perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a "hardcore collector." For example,with "Goodbye!. Romance" (Goodbye!?Romance),not only was the record itself as good as new,but even the original oversized poster with a suit-wearing image and the photobook that came with the album were all intact,without any yellowing or damage. And what surprised us most was the "Fantasy Smile" (Dreamlike Smile) (released in 1994,when vinyl production was nearly discontinued,making its circulation extremely small),which still had its original green first-pressing "obi strip," a rare find.
📊 Our Professional Appraisal Table
To help you understand our appraisal standards,here are the recycling details and scores for some of Mr. Cheung's treasured items (out of 10 points):
| Album Title | Release Year | Accessory and Packaging Condition | Record Surface Condition (Vinyl) | Our Appraisal Score |
| "Flipping Stars" (Mischievous Star) | 1979 | Slight wear on sleeve edges,no accessories | VG+ (Slight playback marks) | 8.0 / 10 |
| "The Root of Love" (Root of Love) | 1984 | Excellent sleeve,complete original lyric sheet | NM (Near mint) | 9.0 / 10 |
| "Goodbye!. Romance" (Goodbye!?Romance) | 1987 | Includes original giant poster,photobook | NM (As good as new,no fine lines) | 9.5 / 10 |
| "Misty" (Bewildered) | 1988 | Includes extremely rare 1988 original calendar poster | NM (Excellent condition) | 9.5 / 10 |
| "Fantasy Smile" (Dreamlike Smile) | 1994 | Includes original first-pressing green obi strip | NM (Perfect collector's grade) | 9.8 / 10 |
(Note: The above scores are for internal appraisal reference. The actual recycling price will be settled in cash at a high price based on current market conditions and specific item condition.)
🤝 Why choose us.
Mr. Cheung frankly admitted that before contacting us,he had inquired with several second-hand shops,but many only wanted to buy by weight or severely undercut the price.
We insist on:
Respecting music,professional appraisal: We understand the impact of obi strips,posters,and first editions on record value and will never devalue your treasured collection.
Transparent quotation,fair dealing: We offer a reasonable high price based on condition and market scarcity.
Free on-site service,cash payment: For larger quantities of vinyl,we provide door-to-door recycling service across Hong Kong,saving you the hassle of transportation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vinyl Recycling
Q1: My vinyl record no longer has the original poster or lyric sheet. Will you still recycle it. A: Yes,we will! Although records with complete accessories fetch a higher recycling price,as long as the record itself can play normally without severe warping or deep scratches,we will still recycle it at a reasonable market price.
Q2: Which era of Hong Kong pop vinyl records is the most valuable. A: Generally speaking,vinyl records from the late 80s to early 90s (e.g.,Leslie Cheung,Alan Tam,Danny Chan,Jacky Cheung,etc.) have more appreciation potential. Because CDs became popular after 1990,vinyl production sharply decreased,so 90s vinyl like "Fantasy Smile" is particularly precious in the second-hand market.
Q3: If the record surface has dust or minor scratches,will it affect the recycling price. A: Minor paper scuffs,if they don't affect playback quality,will have little impact on the price. We recommend you do not try to clean them yourself with chemical cleaners to avoid damaging the grooves; simply let us appraise them directly.
Q4: I want to clear out my old records at home. Will you come to pick them up. A: Absolutely! As long as the quantity meets a certain standard (usually 20 records or more),we can arrange a free on-site appraisal and recycling service in all districts of Hong Kong,with instant cash/FPS payment,which is safe and fast.
🎧 Do you also have treasured vinyl records lying around at home. Let them spin again and find their next connoisseur!
Contact [9Box Music] now for a free appraisal:
- WhatsApp: 69043974
- Tel: 852-69043974
- WeChat: YHT62586716
Want to learn more about vinyl record stories. Feel free to browse our Song Appreciation column,or check more recycling cases.
Looking for a new home for your collection.
We provide free door-to-door Vinyl Record Buyback service across all 18 districts of Hong Kong,with professional appraisal and instant cash payment. Contact us now via WhatsApp 69043974 to schedule an appraisal,or visit our official website to learn more.