8 Classic Rock Cassette Tapes Worth a Small Fortune

When people think about making money by reselling vintage albums, they typically focus on vinyl. Yet, some cassette tapes you've had lying around for decades could be your key to eliminate some money stress as well. Certain classic rock albums have become incredibly valuable on cassette.

That value lies in rarity, edition, and, of course, condition, with well-kept or sealed versions of early releases or first press editions typically selling for more.

Check your collection for these eight classic rock cassettes that could be worth hundreds, or more.

Editor's note: Estimated market value data come from eBay, unless otherwise stated.

The Rolling Stones - 'The Rolling Stones'

Estimated market value: $499

The Rolling Stones' first studio album was released in the UK in 1964, not long after cassette tapes were first invented, and quickly established the group as the next big thing in rock.

The tapes were released with a slightly different track list and title, "England's Newest Hit Makers," in the US that same year, and early pressings have been known to sell for hundreds of dollars.

Early versions of the tape came in a snap case with a paper label, so finding one in good condition is rare. One version recently sold on eBay for nearly $500.

The Beatles - 'Revolver'

Estimated market value: $399

Today, "Revolver" is widely considered one of the best albums The Beatles ever put out, making early pressings of the cassette quite valuable. The album, which featured massive hits like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Yellow Submarine," was released in 1966.

Recent sales of the cassette run the gamut when it comes to price, but early and/or sealed versions tend to retain value. One that was sealed and professionally graded recently sold on eBay for nearly $400.

Beach Boys - 'Pet Sounds'

Estimated market value: $125

The Beach Boys were already well-established by the time their 11th album "Pet Sounds" was released in 1966. Still, the album contains some of their most notable releases to date, like "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows."

In the US, the album was not a breakout success. However, it was wildly popular in the UK upon release, and early press tapes from the UK tend to be quite valuable on the resale market to this day.

Recently, a well-preserved early release of the tape, complete with paper labels and original case, sold on eBay for nearly $125.

The Velvet Underground - 'Loaded'

Estimated market value: $190

"Loaded," released in 1970, is the last release from The Velvet Underground before Lou Reed left the band, and collectors have been known to shell out some serious cash for several versions of the album.

The tape features some of the band's biggest hits, like "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'" and "Sweet Jane," and it is rare for early pressings to pop up on resale sites.

One working version, even with some visible signs of wear, recently sold on eBay for close to $200.

Pink Floyd - 'Dark Side of the Moon'

Estimated market value: $345

Certain versions of Pink Floyd's 1973 album "Dark Side of the Moon" are incredibly valuable on tape. A standard cassette might sell for around $15 or $20 on eBay, but high-fidelity versions sell for much more.

These cassettes were created in a way that improves sound quality. A high-fidelity version of the classic psychedelic album, in its original long box, recently sold on eBay for $345.

Discogs puts the record sale for one of the tapes at close to $1,000.

David Bowie - 'Let's Dance'

Estimated market value: $104

"Let's Dance" was David Bowie's 15th studio album and was released in the spring of 1983. The album, and its titular track, went on to become one of the defining releases of the '80s.

The following year, a Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL), or high-fidelity, version was released.

This version is highly sought after by Bowie fans and music collectors alike. Even used and with some signs of wear, recent sales of the tapes have topped $100.

Metallica - 'Ride the Lightning'

Estimated market value: $250

If you have a first issue version of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" on cassette, you could be looking at a payday of a few hundred dollars. First US releases of the tape are often listed on eBay with asking prices around $250, and quickly scooped up.

The issue is what drives value for these tapes. "Ride the Lightning" was originally put out by Metallica's first label, Megaforce Records. In 1984, the year of the album's release, they moved over to Elektra Records, and later editions were released through them.

The valuable first-issue cassettes will include the Megaforce logo.

The Smashing Pumpkins - 1989 demo

Estimated market value: $1,200

Whether or not you consider The Smashing Pumpkins classic rock at this point, it is worth an honorable mention that their self-titled 1989 demo tape made Discogs' list of the most valuable cassette tapes of all time.

It is estimated that only about 500 of the cassettes were made and the record sale for one is $1,200, according to the site. They are incredibly hard to find, but could be identified by their colored covers (verified tapes have been found in pink, red, and green) and handwritten labels.

When authentic versions of the tapes do pop up, they nearly always sell for $900 or more, according to Discogs records, and surpassing $1,000 is entirely possible.

Bottom line

Reselling vintage tapes could be a legit way to earn extra money, but keep in mind that most mass-produced classic rock cassettes are not likely to be worth more than $5. Value lies in rarity, with certain early releases, high-fidelity editions, and particularly well-preserved tapes worth more.

However, because tapes could degrade over time, extremely well-preserved versions of classic albums could still be quite valuable, even when used. If you think you have a gem on your hands, check out recent sales on eBay or a service like Discogs to get a better idea of a fair price.

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