Im an avid vinyl collector and curious about the whole original press vs.
What does mp pressing mean vinyl.
Reissues is a recurrent topic among vinyl junkies.
For instance a matrix number can identify a first pressing of an lp.
That said many factors help determine whether you ve purchased a good or bad pressing of a record.
Consisting of numbers and or letters the code may indicate recording dates specific takes and even the system of recording.
Case in point alice smith love endeavor apparently the story behind this was that it was all set to get released commercially but then she got signed up by a major label and the bbe commercial pressing was shelved and so only the promos exist of this fantastic track on vinyl.
There seems to be some controversy between record collectors of what is a first pressing as opposed to first issues.
The definition of a first pressing or pressed vinyl record is a record that was pressed from the 1st original masters.
A matrix or stamper number is a code etched inside the end groove area found on each side of a vinyl lp.
Hm 2 other records might be promo only like quite a few hip hop albums from the early to mid 90s for example.
They require information on how vinyl lp s are made and distributed and an exhaustive knowledge of music in general.
I know a lot of people well maybe not a lot lol but a few who search high and low for original pressings of records rather than buy a new repressed version and would love to hear from people who only buy originals and why im assuming they re more valuable but im sure many people have their.
Knowing how lp s are printed and distributed can make the difference between paying far too much for a second or third pressing of a recording or selling a very valuable first pressing for far too little.
Such a record may be significantly more.
A matrix number is an alphanumeric code and on occasion other symbols stamped or handwritten or a combination of the two into the run out groove area of a phonograph record this is the non grooved area between the end of the final band on a record s side and the label also known as the run off groove area end groove area matrix area or dead wax.
Especially in punk hc there are often bootlegs so it s good to know if you re looking at an original record.
Speaking as a discogs user where i assume you found these abbreviations rp repress my understanding of this is that the catalog number and label design are the same as the first pressing but the matrix number the scratched letters numbers a.
But this does not mean you re looking at a first press too.