Vintage record collecting is driven by pressing accuracy—where a true first pressing can be worth dramatically more than a later reissue, club-edition, or modern reproduction. Distinguishing originals requires careful examination of runout etchings, matrix codes, label variations, pressing-plant identifiers, jacket construction, and period-correct manufacturing traits.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 478 provides the full, non-destructive methodology for identifying original pressings based on physical characteristics and pressing history. This guide shows collectors how to decode runout markings, recognize first-label variations, identify pressing plants by their telltale symbols, evaluate vinyl weight and groove structure, examine jackets for era-correct printing, and separate genuine first issues from reissues, remasters, club editions, and counterfeits.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Decode matrix numbers, lacquer codes, and pressing-plant identifiers
Distinguish hand-etched versus machine-stamped deadwax markings
Identify label variations, font differences, color saturation, and layout shifts
Compare vinyl weight, ridge structure, groove characteristics, and material composition
Detect counterfeit labels, fake deep grooves, and inaccurate artwork
Distinguish early pressings from club editions, foreign issues, and later re-releases
Evaluate jackets, seams, printer marks, and manufacturing methods for dating
Recognize promotional copies, advance pressings, and white-label variants
Analyze condition, storage history, completeness, and value-impacting details
Apply a structured, non-destructive authentication workflow to determine pressing generation
Whether you’re evaluating a Beatles first pressing, a rare jazz LP, a punk 7-inch, a Motown single, a soul classic, or an audiophile collectible, this guide provides the complete system for identifying original vintage record pressings with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
Vintage record collecting is driven by pressing accuracy—where a true first pressing can be worth dramatically more than a later reissue, club-edition, or modern reproduction. Distinguishing originals requires careful examination of runout etchings, matrix codes, label variations, pressing-plant identifiers, jacket construction, and period-correct manufacturing traits.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 478 provides the full, non-destructive methodology for identifying original pressings based on physical characteristics and pressing history. This guide shows collectors how to decode runout markings, recognize first-label variations, identify pressing plants by their telltale symbols, evaluate vinyl weight and groove structure, examine jackets for era-correct printing, and separate genuine first issues from reissues, remasters, club editions, and counterfeits.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Decode matrix numbers, lacquer codes, and pressing-plant identifiers
Distinguish hand-etched versus machine-stamped deadwax markings
Identify label variations, font differences, color saturation, and layout shifts
Compare vinyl weight, ridge structure, groove characteristics, and material composition
Detect counterfeit labels, fake deep grooves, and inaccurate artwork
Distinguish early pressings from club editions, foreign issues, and later re-releases
Evaluate jackets, seams, printer marks, and manufacturing methods for dating
Recognize promotional copies, advance pressings, and white-label variants
Analyze condition, storage history, completeness, and value-impacting details
Apply a structured, non-destructive authentication workflow to determine pressing generation
Whether you’re evaluating a Beatles first pressing, a rare jazz LP, a punk 7-inch, a Motown single, a soul classic, or an audiophile collectible, this guide provides the complete system for identifying original vintage record pressings with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
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