How to tell an original pressing from a reissue — the collector's quick guide
So you picked up a classic album and thought: "Is this the real deal or just another reissue?"
Don't worry — even seasoned collectors get fooled sometimes. Here's a quick breakdown of how to spot an original pressing without expensive gear or endless Googling.
1. 🏷️ Check the Label Design
Record labels often changed designs over time.
A small logo change, font shift, or color variation can instantly reveal the era.
For example, early Blue Note pressings used "Deep Groove" labels until the early '60s; later ones dropped it completely.
💡 Tip: Compare yours with verified photos of known first pressings. The label is usually the easiest giveaway.
2. 🔢 Look for the Catalog Number
Each release (and often each country) gets its own catalog number — usually printed on the spine, back cover, and label.
Reissues tend to use different prefixes or extra digits.
For instance: An original may read CAT 1234, while a reissue could show CAT 1234-R or CAT 1234-2.
3. 💿 Inspect the Deadwax / Runout Etchings
This is the secret code of vinyl collectors.
In the inner groove area, you'll find hand-etched or machine-stamped markings — these tell you who mastered it, where it was pressed, and sometimes which generation of the stamper was used.
Example: A U.S. first pressing of Rumours has BSK-3010 MASTERED BY CAPITOL in the runout. Later pressings removed the marking entirely.
These matrix numbers are often the most reliable way to identify pressings, as they're harder to replicate than label designs or catalog numbers.
4. 📦 Packaging Details
Originals often have heavier cardboard sleeves, textured finishes, or printed inner sleeves.
Reissues may use thinner, glossy stock to cut costs.
Also check the address on the back — labels moved, and their zip codes can date your record to within a few years.
Quick Packaging Checklist:
- Cardboard thickness and quality
- Print quality (originals often have sharper images)
- Inner sleeve design and material
- Label address and zip code format
- Barcode presence (older originals usually don't have them)
5. 🔊 Sound Differences
If you get the chance to play both versions, originals often sound more dynamic, with slightly hotter cuts.
Reissues may be quieter (sometimes by design), but that doesn't mean they're worse — just different mastering choices.
"Hotter doesn't always mean better — but it usually means closer to the original intent."
Modern reissues from audiophile labels like Music Matters, Analogue Productions, or Mobile Fidelity can actually sound better than worn originals, thanks to pristine master tapes and careful remastering.
🧠 Bonus: Use Your Ears and Eyes
At the end of the day, knowing pressings is part art, part science.
It's about curiosity — learning to see patterns in typography, matrix codes, and even shrink-wrap seams.
The more records you handle, the faster you'll develop an instinct for spotting originals. Trust your growing expertise!
Discussion time
What's the biggest surprise you've found when comparing an "original" to a reissue?
Did it sound better, worse, or just… different?
Share photos or matrix details on social media and tag us — let's see who's spotted the rarest variant.
Quick Reference: What to Check
On the Label
- • Logo design and colors
- • Font style and spacing
- • Copyright information
- • "Stereo" or "Mono" designation
On the Cover
- • Catalog number format
- • Label address and zip code
- • Barcode (or lack thereof)
- • Print quality and cardboard weight
In the Deadwax
- • Matrix/stamper numbers
- • Mastering engineer initials
- • Pressing plant codes
- • Hand-etched messages
Overall Quality
- • Vinyl weight and feel
- • Inner sleeve material
- • Shrink wrap style
- • Overall manufacturing quality