How to Identify First Pressings – Find Original Vinyl Editions

Why First Pressings Are So Sought After

A first pressing is the initial release of a record – pressed directly from the original master tape. Collectors worldwide hunt these copies because they're considered sonically superior and are often worth many times more than later editions.

Examples of value increases:

• Beatles "White Album" (UK 1st pressing, Mono): €5,000–15,000
• Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" (UK 1st pressing): €800–2,500
• Kraftwerk "Autobahn" (DE 1st pressing, Vertigo Swirl): €300–800

The Matrix Number – Your Most Important Tool

The matrix number (also called run-out number) is engraved in the inner run-out grooves of the record. It reveals when and where a record was pressed.

Where to find it?

Hold the record at an angle to the light and look at the smooth area between the last groove and the label. You'll find engraved or stamped codes there.

What do the codes mean?

Example UK pressing (EMI/Parlophone): YEX 749-1

• YEX 749 = Master number
• -1 = First lacquer (first pressing!)
• -2, -3 etc. = Later cuts

Example German pressing (TELDEC): 1C 064-04 313

• 1C = First catalog series
• Lower numbers = earlier pressing

Handwritten vs. machine-stamped

• Hand-engraved = Often a sign of early pressings
• Machine-stamped = Usually later editions

Understanding Label Variants

Record labels changed their designs over the years. These changes are a reliable indicator of the pressing era.

Important label chronologies:

EMI/Columbia (UK):

1. Blue & Gold (1958–1962) – earliest stereo pressings
2. Blue & Black (1962–1969) – Beatles era
3. Silver & Black (1969–1972)
4. Green (from 1972)

Deutsche Grammophon:

1. "Tulip" label (until 1960s) – highly sought after
2. Large logo (1970s)
3. Modern design (from 1980s)

Vertigo (UK/DE):

1. "Swirl" label (1969–1973) – extremely collectible!
2. "Spaceship" label (1973–1981)

Physical Characteristics

Vinyl weight

• First pressings from the 1960s–70s: Often 150–180g (heavy vinyl)
• Later pressings: Frequently only 120–130g
• Not proof on its own, but an indicator

Groove width and depth

First pressings often have wider, deeper grooves with more dynamics. Later pressings sometimes compress the signal.

"Deep Groove"

Many labels from the 1950s–60s feature a deep groove around the label on first pressings. Later pressings have a shallower or no groove.

Cover and Packaging

The sleeve also provides clues:

• Laminated cover = Often early pressing (more expensive to produce)
• Matte/unlaminated = Usually later edition
• Gatefold on first pressings that later appeared as single sleeves
• Stickers, obi strips (Japan) = Can significantly increase value

Barcode check

• No barcode = Pre-1979 (potentially first pressing)
• Barcode present = Definitely not a pre-1979 original

Online Research Resources

| Tool | Use | |---|---| | Discogs | Largest database – compare versions | | Deadwax.com | Research matrix numbers | | Record Collector Magazine | Price guides | | Popsike | Sold auction prices |

Common Pitfalls

1. "Original" on the cover – Doesn't mean first pressing! Often appears on reissues too
2. Remaster ≠ First pressing – A "remastered" sticker is a warning sign
3. Country variants – A UK first pressing isn't the same as a US first pressing
4. Bootlegs – Fake first pressings exist, especially for expensive titles

Our Tip for Beginners

Specialize in one genre or label. Learn the matrix codes and label variants of that one area before branching out. At Second Music & Fun, we're happy to help you identify genuine first pressings – just bring your finds!

Conclusion

Identifying first pressings is an art that can be learned. The combination of matrix numbers, label variants and physical characteristics gives you the necessary tools. And remember: not every first pressing is automatically valuable – condition always counts!

Unsure about a record? Visit us at Bodenseestraße 222 in Munich – we'll check it for you!