When it comes to vintage electronics, there are a wide variety of products as well as brands, and even though it may seem that all old-school technology is useless, some of these specific brands and items could be worth thousands of dollars.
So, let’s find out which of your old tech items in the basement are worth a small fortune and which ones are worth less than a cup of coffee.
The First Apple Computers
Today, Apple computers are considered some of the best machines in the business, and almost every Apple computer ever made can sell for a fairly high price tag.
While many of the vintage models from the early years of the 1980s and 1990s can fetch a couple of thousand, this Apple I computer is going for an amazing $1.5 million on eBay.
Vintage Stereo Equipment Could Be Worth Thousands
Old-school and high-quality stereo equipment made by brands such as Pioneer, McIntosh, and Marantz are selling for well over $1,000.
Realistically, any amplifier, turntable, or receiver from the 1960s or 1970s that works will likely get any seller a good price.
Moog, Roland, and Korg Vintage Synthesizers
Music production equipment such as synthesizers or drum machines, especially those made by Roland, Korg, or Moog, could definitely be worth a few thousand bucks.
In fact, this Korg Trident Midi Synthesizer is going for a whopping $12,000 on eBay. And if someone could prove a famous musician used the equipment, it could have an even higher value.
Analog Cameras by Nikon or Canon
Most people love vintage tech, but photographers are especially interested in classic analog cameras to capture that old-school look.
So these analog cameras, specifically by Nikon, Leica, or Canon, can sell for over $1,000 on a bad day.
Everyone’s Favorite Arcade Game
Tons of people would love to have a vintage pinball machine in their home, but there is actually a large group of collectors for the beloved machines as well.
Therefore, the right pinball machine from the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s could fetch a few thousand from the right collector, like this one that’s selling for $2,000.
VHS Players Aren’t Worth a Dime
Now it’s time to talk about the old tech that isn’t worth the plastic it’s made of. Starting off the list are VHS players; what was once a staple in almost every home, these devices are now more or less obsolete.
Today, you might be lucky to get $20 for an old VHS player, but some are selling for as low as $5.
The Once Cool Cassette Players
At one point, portable cassette players were the epitome of cool, but today, they are basically useless as no one even has cassettes to play in them.
Even “cool” Sony Walkmans are valued at about $30, and the non-brand name players can be sold for anywhere between $1 and $10.
Remember Rotary Phones? No One Wants Them Now
These days, it’s tough even to find a home with a landline, let alone a corded phone. So it should be no surprise that rotary phones are worth next to nothing.
In fact, a super unique rotary phone might merit a $20 price tag, though most are being sold in vintage stores or pawn shops for less than $5.
Floppy Disks Were Once the Height of Technology
If you used a floppy disk, it’s probably time to get a walker; though they were once the precipice of tech, floppy disks, and their readers are now essentially junk.
The resale value of floppy drives, even those made by IBM, is only about $2, and that is if you’re lucky.
Boomin’ 2000s Stereos
Growing up in the early 2000s meant jamming to the NOW CDs in your room with a brightly colored CD and radio combination stereo.
But today, these devices are so common and so uninteresting that they are only worth about $5-$10.
You Could Be Sitting on a Gold Mine
Now that you know exactly how much some of your old tech and sound equipment is worth, it’s time to go digging through the garage, attic, or basement to see what you have hidden away.
If you’re lucky, you might make a few thousand dollars or more. But if you find a cassette or VHS player, you can just throw that away.
