How to Identify Authentic Vintage Vinyl Records
When you enter a store filled with old records and start flipping through them, you might find an album that looks and feels like it has been around for decades.
You wonder whether you have really found a treasure or whether it is a reproduction of an old album trying to pass itself off as the real thing. Many new vinyl record collectors find themselves in exactly the same position. With the resurgence of vinyl records over the past decade, the market has grown rapidly.
This has made it difficult to distinguish between genuine and reproduction records. Some records may look old but are actually new, while others may genuinely be from the golden age of vinyl records. But how can you tell whether you are holding an authentic or a reproduction record?
There are some simple guidelines that can help you determine whether you are holding a genuine piece of history or a reproduction trying to pass itself off as the real thing.
What is Considered a Vintage Record?
To understand how to identify an authentic record, let us first understand what is meant by the term “vintage” as it is used by collectors of vinyl records. Generally, any vinyl record produced before the early 1990s is considered a vintage record.
This is because they were produced during the peak age of vinyl records, between the 1950s and 1980s, when artists released their works on vinyl records and singles as opposed to other media like MP3s and CDs.
During this period, vinyl records were produced using different materials, printing techniques and mastering processes compared to modern-day vinyl pressings. As a result, authentic original vinyl records carry unique features not found in modern pressings.
In addition, collectors also look for first pressings, which are original pressings of a vinyl record album. Understanding these factors makes it easier to identify authentic vintage vinyl records.
How to Identify an Authentic Vintage Vinyl Record
Let’s now discuss some of the factors to consider when identifying a vinyl record. Start with the Record Label and Catalog Number.
One of the key factors considered by veteran collectors when it comes to identifying a vinyl record is the label and catalog number. Every vinyl record released by a label carries a unique catalog number.
This unique number represents a specific release version, pressing and even region where it was manufactured.
For example, a vinyl record album released in the United States carries a different catalog number compared to a similar album released in the United Kingdom.
To verify this, collectors use various databases such as Discogs to ensure the catalog number matches the original pressing.
In case it matches, this becomes a clear indication that it could be an authentic original vinyl record. It may sound technical but this is one of the best ways to verify a vinyl record’s originality when learning how to verify old vinyl records.
Examine the Runout Groove and Matrix Numbers
Another small but interesting detail can be found in the runout groove, which is the area between the last track on the record and the label located in the center.
In this area, you will usually see matrix numbers engraved into the record. Genuine pressings often bear unique marks or the signature of the mastering engineer.
For instance, legendary mastering engineers often left their signature or a unique code that can be identified today.
This detail is difficult for counterfeit record makers to reproduce accurately and it is extremely useful for determining authenticity. Many collectors even carry a small flashlight to inspect these tiny engravings.
Examine the Album Sleeve Closely
The record sleeve also tells a unique story. Old records were printed with a unique offset printing technique that gives the record cover a unique textured look.
With time, the cardboard cover also gets a natural patina on the edges.
Old records usually bear the following signs of natural aging:
- A slight discoloration or yellowing of the cover.
- A slight ring wear from the record.
- Edges that are soft or slightly creased.
However, the discoloration or ring wear should be natural. A record cover that appears to be artificially distressed or excessively perfect for a record from the 1960s or 1970s may be a reproduction.
Another interesting detail to look for on the record cover is the quality of the print.
Newly printed record covers often bear a clearer print quality with a smoother finish compared to the grainy print quality of the original record covers.
Pay Attention to the Weight and Feel of the Vinyl
The record itself is another source of information. Many old records are made of thinner vinyl, unlike the “180 gram audiophile” records being produced today. Although heavy 180-gram vinyl is popular today, it was not the standard for older records.
When handling old records, there is a noticeable flexibility to the vinyl, unlike the heavy records being produced today. In addition, the record may bear hairline marks, which are a result of years of use.
However, this has no impact on the sound produced. Another aspect to pay attention to is the center label. Some old records may bear minor discolorations due to age.
Check the Inner Sleeve and Packaging
The inner sleeve is often overlooked, but it can provide valuable information. Original records usually came with an inner sleeve bearing advertisements, lyrics, or artwork from the same era.
For example, record companies may use the sleeve to advertise other records released by the same company. If the sleeve contains information regarding records released after the supposed release date of the record, it is possible the sleeve has been replaced.
On the other hand, the presence of the original sleeve increases the authenticity and the price of the record.
Researching the pressing history of a record is essential for authentication.
Research is essential for the authentication of records. Many records, especially the popular ones, have been pressed numerous times, especially for different countries. Knowing the release date of the record helps the collector establish the era of the record.
Online communities and databases are also good places to look, as collectors share images of their vinyl records.
By matching this data against trusted references, it is possible to verify the authenticity of a vintage record in a matter of minutes.
Be Cautious with “Too Good to Be True” Deals
It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a rare vinyl record at a bargain price. However, some people take advantage of this by passing off a reissue as an original.
In some cases, they may even go so far as to artificially age a relatively modern record to try to fool collectors into thinking it’s an original.
It is worth keeping in mind when searching through old vinyl records in a market or store. If a rare first edition of a record looks in perfect condition with no documentation then it is always worth investigating further before purchasing.
A good rule of thumb is to seek advice from experienced collectors before making a purchase.
Sound Quality Can Also Offer Clues
In addition to visual inspection, listening to a vinyl record can also provide clues. Older pressings tend to have a unique sound quality because of the equipment they were mastered on.
For example, a first edition of a record tends to sound slightly different from a later edition.
This may not necessarily be immediately obvious, but seasoned collectors have reportedly been able to identify original pressings simply by listening to how they sound. However, sound alone should never be the only method used for verification.
Conclusion
Collecting vinyl records is about the history, the artistry and the connection to the past.
Learning how to identify authentic vinyl records can be a daunting task at first. However, once you learn the key things to look for, you will find that the task becomes much easier.
For the collector of vinyl records, the thrill of the hunt for authentic vintage records is about much more than the music. And every time you lovingly take your record from the sleeve and place it on the record player, you know the music you are listening to traveled through the ages to reach you.
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