Most Valuable Vinyl Records Found In Wisconsin Basements
From Milwaukee soul and Latin fusion to Appleton private-press psych, Wisconsin produced some of the rarest and most collectible vinyl records of the 1970s and ’80s. Here are real local LPs that have sold for serious money — and what to look for in your own collection.
Sinbad — Run Jesse Run (Dulang Records, Milwaukee)
A politically charged private-press soul-jazz LP recorded in the early 1980s. Only a handful of copies are known to exist, with one selling for around $3,800 in VG condition. Expect anywhere from $2,000–$4,000 depending on condition.
Dazzle — Layin’ in the Shade EP (Milwaukee, early 1980s)
A smooth, synth-driven modern soul and boogie EP that captures Milwaukee’s early-’80s vibe. Scarce and increasingly wanted by collectors. Clean originals typically sell for $150–$300, sometimes higher overseas.
One of Milwaukee’s most in-demand jazz-soul LPs, Penny Goodwin’s Portrait of a Gemini continues to attract collectors worldwide for its warm arrangements and standout vocal performances.
The track “Too Soon You’re Old” showcases her expressive phrasing and studio chemistry with local jazz players, while her stunning take on Gil Scott-Heron’s “Lady Day and John Coltrane” gives the album its emotional core.
Another highlight, “Slow Hot Wind,” has enjoyed renewed attention after being sampled by Tyler, The Creator — helping drive collector interest in original red-label pressings. Clean copies of this LP regularly bring $200–$300.
Creme Soda — Tricky Zingers (Trinity, Milwaukee)
A Midwest psych classic blending garage rock energy and experimental production. Original Trinity pressings usually command $300–$700, with sealed or NM copies sometimes exceeding $1,000.
Master’s Lantern — I Am Who Am (Appleton, WI, 1977)
A spiritual private-press psych LP from Appleton, WI. Prized for its haunting vocals and raw production, it’s considered one of the state’s best unknown recordings. Original copies sell for $400–$600.
Hootch — Self-Titled LP (Wisconsin, early ’70s)
A fuzz-guitar garage relic cut in tiny numbers, rumored to have been recorded in a Madison basement. Typically sells for $250–$400 depending on sleeve condition.
Salsa Progresiva — Salsa (SAL-PRO 226, Wisconsin)
A unique Latin-fusion LP recorded in Wisconsin by a group of local musicians. Pressed in small numbers, this local “holy grail” has sold for around $500 in clean condition, and remains one of the most fascinating regional Latin albums ever produced.
Local pressings from Milwaukee, Appleton, and Madison often shared vinyl plants with Chicago indies but had almost no distribution. That combination — great musicianship, regional character, and extreme scarcity — makes these LPs highly sought after by collectors today.
We buy rare Wisconsin pressings, private-label funk, soul, rock, and jazz LPs across the state. If your collection looks like this, it could be worth more than you think.