Are test pressings valuable?

These rarely-seen test pressings usually sell for upwards of $1000 each on the rare occasions when they are offered for sale. Unreleased albums – Occasionally, artists will complete an album with the intention of commercial release, only to have the release canceled for any one of a number of reasons.

What does a test pressing look like?

Test pressings are usually very limited edition pressings that have simple white center labels with printed or hand written notes. Some particular test pressings may become wildly expensive in the second hand market due to their limited quantity.

What does original pressing mean?

vinyl record
An original pressing typically refers to a vinyl record that was made from the initial batch of lacquers in the production process and cut from the original master recordings. As they are the first records to be pressed, many consider these to be the definitive edition and best sounding records.

What’s a test pressing vinyl?

A test pressing is what you might expect it to be from its name: a vinyl record made to test the quality of the finished product before pressing thousands of records.

What does white label vinyl mean?

Limited-edition, hand-stamped, white label. Words guaranteed to stir up excitement in even the most seasoned record collector. The white label 12-inch record first came about with disco, as a pre-artwork, promotional copy (promo) sent to the press and radio stations, or as audio test pressings (TP) of a new release.

What is a record Test press?

How do I know if my vinyl is pressed?

A closer look at the spine of the record sleeve will also help determine whether you have an original pressing. Original pressings usually have a four-letter and number combination like WXYZ-1234. Other records after the second or third pressing have two letters and five number combinations, such as XY-12345.

How do you know if its a Pitman press?

Pitman CD Pressing Identifiers: On CDs (1989 or later): Pressed By – DADC, Pitman can be added based on the presence of a “CMU P nn” (or “CMU P nnn”) mould stamp in large font on inner plastic ring, readable from label side, or “P nn” (or “P nnn” or Pn) in small font near the hole. (nn or nnn or n may be any number.)

Are promo albums worth more?

In most cases the record label on a promo copy will have a different color than the copy sold in stores. Promos can often be worth a lot more than those sold in stores. They are rarely worth any less.