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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 558 — How to Tell If Your Old Vinyl Records Are 1st Pressings
First pressings are the most collectible versions of vinyl records, often representing the original mastering, earliest label variations, and historically authentic production traits. Because later reissues frequently reuse the same artwork, beginners often struggle to distinguish true first pressings from later editions that may look nearly identical.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 558 provides a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for identifying first pressings safely and accurately. This guide explains how to read matrix/runout codes, evaluate label variations, study jacket traits, identify pressing-plant symbols, compare foreign vs. domestic issues, understand reissue red flags, and research variants using trusted databases.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify first pressing matrix/runout traits including early lacquer numbers, hand-etched inscriptions, and original engineer initials
Recognize label variations that signal early pressing generations across major labels
Evaluate jacket construction, printing errors, early logos, laminated covers, paste-on slicks, and pre-barcode artwork
Assess inner sleeves, inserts, lyric sheets, posters, and early promotional items that accompany first issues
Understand country-of-origin rules and why UK, US, or Japan first pressings matter for specific artists
Spot reissue indicators such as barcodes, remaster notes, updated copyright years, and later label styles
Distinguish thick early-era vinyl, deep grooves, analog mastering traits, and pressing-plant identifiers
Identify unique first-press variants associated with major artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and others
Research pressing history using Discogs, Popsike, auction archives, label discographies, and collector guides
Apply a complete non-destructive 11-step workflow to confirm or eliminate first pressing status
Whether you're sorting inherited records, evaluating garage-sale finds, organizing a personal collection, or preparing vinyl for resale, this guide gives you the professional framework needed to identify true first pressings with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
First pressings are the most collectible versions of vinyl records, often representing the original mastering, earliest label variations, and historically authentic production traits. Because later reissues frequently reuse the same artwork, beginners often struggle to distinguish true first pressings from later editions that may look nearly identical.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 558 provides a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for identifying first pressings safely and accurately. This guide explains how to read matrix/runout codes, evaluate label variations, study jacket traits, identify pressing-plant symbols, compare foreign vs. domestic issues, understand reissue red flags, and research variants using trusted databases.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify first pressing matrix/runout traits including early lacquer numbers, hand-etched inscriptions, and original engineer initials
Recognize label variations that signal early pressing generations across major labels
Evaluate jacket construction, printing errors, early logos, laminated covers, paste-on slicks, and pre-barcode artwork
Assess inner sleeves, inserts, lyric sheets, posters, and early promotional items that accompany first issues
Understand country-of-origin rules and why UK, US, or Japan first pressings matter for specific artists
Spot reissue indicators such as barcodes, remaster notes, updated copyright years, and later label styles
Distinguish thick early-era vinyl, deep grooves, analog mastering traits, and pressing-plant identifiers
Identify unique first-press variants associated with major artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and others
Research pressing history using Discogs, Popsike, auction archives, label discographies, and collector guides
Apply a complete non-destructive 11-step workflow to confirm or eliminate first pressing status
Whether you're sorting inherited records, evaluating garage-sale finds, organizing a personal collection, or preparing vinyl for resale, this guide gives you the professional framework needed to identify true first pressings with confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access