The secret language of the deadwax — decoding runout markings
If you've ever looked closely at the shiny inner ring of a vinyl record and noticed strange letters, numbers, or even names scratched into the surface — congratulations, you've found the deadwax.
Most collectors ignore it. Serious ones obsess over it.
Because inside that tiny ring lies the DNA of your record — who cut it, where it was pressed, and sometimes whether it's a rare first edition or a cheap reissue.
1. 🔍 What is the deadwax?
The deadwax (or runout area) is the space between the final groove and the record's label.
After the music stops, the cutting engineer can hand-etch codes or initials that identify the lacquer, stamper, or mastering source.
Think of it as the record's fingerprint — no two pressings are exactly the same.
2. 🧾 Common markings you'll see
A typical runout might look like this:
ST-A-691671-A RL STERLINGHere's what it means:
- ST-A → Label and format (Stereo / Atlantic)
- 691671 → Internal catalog code
- A → Side A
- RL → Mastering engineer's initials (Robert Ludwig!)
- STERLING → The mastering studio name
Spotting "RL" here means you just found the hot cut of Led Zeppelin II — a $300+ grail in clean condition.
3. 🧠 Why it matters
Two records that look identical on the outside can have totally different sound inside.
Deadwax codes tell you which master was used — sometimes a first-generation analog tape, other times a later copy.
Collectors hunt for these markings because they directly affect sound quality and resale value.
Same album. Same cover. Different cut. Completely different experience.
4. 🏭 Pressing plant identifiers
Many records include tiny symbols or abbreviations showing where they were pressed:
- ⊕ → Capitol Records (Los Angeles)
- P or C → Columbia plants
- U with a circle → United Record Pressing
- MASTERDISK, STERLING, EMI, CBS → Mastering studios
Knowing the plant helps identify regional differences — sometimes one country's pressing used better vinyl compounds or cleaner stampers.
5. 🧩 Decoding isn't an exact science
Runout etchings can be cryptic — handwritten, mirrored, or half-erased.
Use multiple photos and compare across collector databases.
It's a rabbit hole, but once you start decoding, you'll never look at your records the same way again.
Discussion time
What's the coolest or weirdest marking you've ever found in a runout?
A mastering engineer's signature? A secret message? Post your photos below — let's build a mini archive of deadwax mysteries.