Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Check the condition of the records. If they're scratched, moldy, covered in dirt or have water damage, they're likely not worth saving.
2

Check the musical artists and genres. Very few classical 78s are unique; that is, the music has been reissued on vinyl and LP many times over. Replace the 78s with bargain CDs and let them go at a garage sale. Charities and used record stores might not even take them from you as a donation because there's no market for them outside collectors. Big Band, vocalist and pop 78s are likely not valuable on the secondary market either. A basic rule of thumb is that if it was popular with mainstream audiences, the value is low, as it's been reissued.
3

Sort out any country music, picture discs, colored shellac, early rock 'n' roll from the '50s, R&B, blues and jazz 78s for further research. These have potential to be sold for good prices. For example, Elvis Presley's first recordings on Sun Records came out on both 78 RPM and 45 RPM formats, but because of his iconic status the 78s can be valuable. The 45s are more valuable, but Elvis Sun 78s are definitely not to be thrown out. Consult a reference book such as Krause Publications' "American Premium Record Guide, 1900-1965." Some used record dealers specialize in 78s and will answer questions or take consignments.
4

Clean the records. 78 RPM records were usually made of shellac, so they should be cleaned with a damp cloth; mild dish-washing liquid should work fine on exceptionally dirty discs. Take care to clean with the grooves -- not against them -- and not to get the label wet to avoid damaging water-soluble ink. Never use an ammonia- or alcohol-based cleaner like you would use to clean a vinyl LP or 45. Be very careful with picture-disc 78s so water does not get inside any lamination cracks. Let the 78s dry completely before playing.
5

Play them. Some companies still make turntables that still will play 78s. Since the recordings were made so long ago with a different recording standard, a modern stereo may need some equalization adjustment for the 78s to sound their best.
6

Save them as MP3s by hooking up your stereo and a mixer to your computer, if you have software with which you can adjust the sound. Using electronic copies, you won't potentially damage the record through more play as 78s are more fragile than vinyl records.
7

Store them upright in new, acid-free sleeves, which are available from specialty record stores and websites.
8

Investigate alternative uses for the records that have no secondary market value and to which you have no desire to listen. The center labels can make lovely novelty coasters with some glue, lacquer and cork board, for example.