Wrapping your head around vinyl-related jargon is a particularly hefty task, however no aspect of record collecting is as confusing for beginners as the specifics of labels and pressings.
As well as acting as an easy way to identify and value a record, some labels and pressings hold significant historical or cultural value to certain collectors and can often fetch insane prices on the used market.
“it’s definitely important to have some background knowledge on record labels”
Labels and pressings
One of the most frequently used (and often confusing) terms for those new to record players and vinyl is the ambiguous use of the word ‘label.’
While the term record label is used today to categorise the different business and publishing entities that artists are contractually signed to (for example, Motown or Universal) the term actually originated from the physical circular label in the centre of a record.
These labels typically show information directly relating to the record, such as track names and length, songwriters credited, and the manufacturer of the vinyl, as well as identifying which is the A and B side.
The word ‘pressing,’ on the other hand, tends to dictate when or how the vinyl was made. Original pressings, or limited edition coloured pressings, are highly regarded by collectors.
If you’re getting into collecting records, it’s definitely important to have some background knowledge on record labels as a way to organise and value your records.
For example, an LP by The Beatles with a Capitol label is usually worth a whole heap more than their later albums with a Parlophone or Apple label.
Also, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for any album pressed on the Blue Note Records imprint – these LPs fetch a fortune on the used market due to their cultural significance in the world of jazz.
If you do mange to get your hands on a valuable record, be sure to treat it with the very best of care by getting some decent storage.
“Japanese records are prized by audiophiles for their premium sound quality”
Japanese pressings
While various international records hold significant value to different listeners, very few attract the collective interest that Japanese pressings do.
Often pressed on higher quality vinyl than their Western counterparts, Japanese records are prized by audiophiles for their premium sound quality, with many collectors also noting that the vinyl tends to be shinier as well.
These records also feature a unique coloured paper strip around the cover, featuring relevant information about the album printed in Japanese kanji script, making the cover look considerably unique in any collection.
In addition, Japanese pressings usually come with a unique lyric insert inside the cover, featuring both English and Japanese translations of the lyrics of the songs on the record.
If you find a Japanese record with its sash and lyrical insert still intact, you could be siting on an absolute fortune.
“If you manage to find a white label copy of an album while you’re crate digging, snap it up!”
White label records
Another term you’re bound to come across is ‘white label,’ which is essentially a test pressing of an unreleased record intended for non-commercial purposes.
These records, which, you guessed it, have a plain white label in the centre of the record, are typically sent out as promotional copies to radio stations and distributors.
Others are simply pressed to test the quality of the recording on vinyl before they are mass produced for commercial sale.
While other genres tend to be more elusive, white label copies of electronic and hip-hop records (which were often censored to remove profanities for radio play) can be easily found in the second hand market.
DJs would have used these to play promotional records in clubs to gauge interest in a live environment prior to release.
If you manage to find a white label copy of an album while you’re crate digging, snap it up! There’s every chance you’ll discover something cool.
“Some unofficial pressings are considered to be more rare and valuable than their original copies”
Bootleg vs counterfeit records
Bootleg and counterfeit records are also prized by various collectors, with some unofficial pressings even being considered to be more rare and valuable than their original copies.
Bootlegs typically contain unreleased or live material from artists and many bootlegs by 70s rock heavyweights such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd are considered to be holy grail relics in the vinyl world.
On the other hand, counterfeit, or pirate records, are just dodgy repressings of pre-existing albums.
They are usually replicated out-of-print or rare albums to make an easy profit from unsuspecting buyers.
An easy way to spot counterfeit records is by examining the centre label of the vinyl: if the quality of the label is poor or there’s tears around the spindle hole, there’s a good chance it’s a rip off.
When you get your hands on some precious records, be sure to treat them right.
