How can you tell vinyl first pressing?

How can you tell vinyl first pressing?

Look on the spine of the LP record sleeve. First pressings will usually have a four letter/four number combination, such as ABCD-1234. And anything after a second or third pressing will have a two letter/five number combination, such as AB-12345. Go to Discogs.com or Recordgeek.com to verify your first pressing.

What does first pressing vinyl mean?

An original pressing typically refers to a vinyl record that was made from the initial batch of lacquers in the production process and cut from the original master recordings. As they are the first records to be pressed, many consider these to be the definitive edition and best sounding records.

Why are first pressings better?

First pressings of a vinyl record are generally more desirable. They’re seen as more “authentic,” and so vinyl lovers will generally pay more for that first edition. If there’s anything unique about that album — a special cover, a sticker, a band poster or an insert — it’s going to be in that first pressing.

How can you tell how old a record is?

You can check online at Discogs.com and punch in the catalog number to see what date your vinyl was produced. Check the cover of the album for an EAN code, which is a product identification barcode. If there is an EAN on the cover, then the album was produced after 1973.

Does old vinyl sound better than new?

My collection and experience is now at a point where I feel qualified to say that, as a general rule, the sound quality of the old albums (even some of the flimsy “Nice Price” releases) is noticeably better than the new vinyl; the old stuff just seems punchier in the midrange and more “sparkle” and “breath” at the top.

What does Second press mean?

The ‘original pressing’ or ‘1st pressing’ is the first production run of records. Any repressing (2nd press etc) are a seperate, later run of copies of that record usually using the same master copy.

What is a Bimae album?

Has a silver “bimae” (not for sale) sticker (LY Answer and beyond may come w/o stickers!) If an album has a silver bimae sticker, there is a good chance that it is real. The stickers only come on promo albums and most are signed before being given away.

What is a first pressing or pressed vinyl record?

How Do We Define A First Pressing Or Pressed Vinyl Record? The Definition of a first pressing or pressed vinyl record, is a record that was pressed from the 1st original masters. There seems to be some controversy between record collectors of what is a first pressing as opposed to first issues.

How can you tell if a record is a first pressing?

Check The Vinyl Itself This is the most common method most people use to figure out if they have a first pressing. The part of the vinyl on either side after the grooves is called the ‘dead wax’, and record companies and pressing plants often use this space to place identifiers.

How do you identify a vinyl record?

The part of the vinyl on either side after the grooves is called the ‘dead wax’, and record companies and pressing plants often use this space to place identifiers. This can get tricky because different labels used different markings and catalog systems to signify which pressing it was.

Is it possible to get vinyl pressings from a CD?

If you try to source a vinyl pressings from a CD, the resulting record will usually sound worse. This is often the case with pirated records. That being said, this might be the only way to own a copy of some albums, until the record company decides it’s time for a new repress!