A guide for vinyl collectors on identifying first pressings. Learn to read matrix numbers, dead wax, labels, and jackets to find the original artifact and avoid reissues.
Read more →Category: Collecting
This category covers the art and science of acquiring and curating a record collection.
The Stereo Impostor: A Collector's Guide to "Fake Stereo"
Don't be fooled by sonic impostors. This guide for collectors explains the history of "fake stereo" and why records marked "electronically re-channeled" are a cynical gimmick to avoid in your hunt for the true mono mix.
Read more →The Center Image: In Defense of the Mono Mix
Before stereo, there was mono—not as a limitation, but as the intended canvas. Discover why the original mono mix of your favorite classic albums is often the most powerful and authentic way to listen.
Read more →The Allure of the Original: Are First Pressings Always Better?
The ultimate vinyl debate: Are first pressings always better? Discover why a modern reissue can sometimes sound superior and learn what truly makes a definitive pressing.
Read more →More Than Just Words: The Art and Importance of Liner Notes
Go beyond the music. Discover the lost art of liner notes and how they connect you to the album's story, creators, and secret history in a way digital streaming never will.
Read more →Beyond the Grooves: A Guide to Reading the Dead Wax
Think the story ends with the last song? Look closer. We reveal the secret language of the dead wax, turning your vinyl collection into a treasure map.
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