You can check online at Discogs.com and punch in the catalog number to see what date your vinyl was produced. Check the cover of the album for an EAN code, which is a product identification barcode. If there is an EAN on the cover, then the album was produced after 1973.

How old is a record?

78 rpm materials. The earliest disc records (1889–1894) were made of a variety of materials, including hard rubber. Around 1895, a shellac-based material was introduced and became standard.

How do you find the pressing number on a vinyl record?

Look on the spine of the LP record sleeve. First pressings will usually have a four letter/four number combination, such as ABCD-1234. And anything after a second or third pressing will have a two letter/five number combination, such as AB-12345. Go to Discogs.com or Recordgeek.com to verify your first pressing.

How long is 1 side of a record?

12 inch records are generally manufactured for full-length (LP) albums. At 33 rpm they hold around 15-22 minutes per side. 33 rpm is the most common speed for 12 inch records. Over 22 minutes per side is possible, but may require further adjustments to EQ and/or levels for it all to fit nicely and sound great.

What do the numbers mean on vinyl records?

A matrix or stamper number is a code etched inside the end-groove area found on each side of a vinyl LP. Consisting of numbers and/or letters, the code may indicate recording dates, specific takes, and even the system of recording. Such a record may be significantly more valuable than subsequent editions.

Why are vinyls black?

Carbon has conductive properties, so adding it to the PVC increases the overall conductivity of the material, lessening the accumulation of static, and therefore, dust, on a record. By coloring records black with carbon-based pigment, manufacturers ensure their records last longer and sound better.

How can you tell a fake vinyl record?

6 key steps to spot a bootleg vinyl:Look at the quality of the vinyl and compare the definition of the text. Use a micrometer to measure your rare vinyl records dead wax width. Analyse the thickness of your rare vinyl record. The matrix stamp on your original vinyl will be sharp, clear and easily identified.More items •Nov 21, 2017

How many songs on each side of a record?

How much a vinyl record can hold is determined by its diameter and playing speed. A 7-inch record at 45 RPM has around 5 minutes of playtime per side, which is enough for 1 song. A 12-inch record at 33 RPM can have up to 22 minutes of playtime per side, which is enough for 5 songs.

How long is a 12-inch record?

If you exceed the maximum time suggested for a record side, it can affect the quality of the audio.SIZESPEEDMAXIMUM TIME*1245 rpm15 minutes1233 rpm22 minutes1045 rpm9 minutes1033 rpm15 minutes4 more rows

Are 78 LPS worth anything?

The accompanying album covers of 78 vinyl records are often worth as much or more than the actual record discs. 78 records and their covers that were released between the 1950s and 1980s are particularly collectible with often elaborate and iconic art images and artist likenesses.

Are old 78 LPS worth anything?

He said that on average a rare jazz 78 might sell for $1,500 to $5,000, whereas sales for a comparable blues record would start at $5,000. Paramounts blues releases — especially its “race” records with label numbers in the 12000s and 13000s — are among the most coveted records in the world.

Do black vinyls sound better?

In the case of traditional black records, black carbon is often added, which also strengthens the PVC mix. As a general rule of thumb, traditional black vinyl and natural, un-colored vinyl produce the best results overall. For me, this is the biggest overriding factor in why black is said to sound better.”

Are picture vinyls bad?

Picture discs divide opinion among vinyl circles. Universally, however, most agree that sonically they dont sound quite as good as standard vinyl records. Some will go as far as to say they sound bad, but that can often be a little unfair.

Where can I buy legit vinyls?

The 5 Best Places to Buy Vinyl Records OnlineLDprod/Shutterstock.com.Discogs.Amoeba Music.Presto Music.DustyGroove.Boomkat.Mar 17, 2021

What is a counterfeit record?

Counterfeit records – Counterfeit records are unauthorized releases of any record that are intended to duplicate the original, authorized pressing in order to fool the buyer into thinking that they are buying the genuine item.

Do vinyls sound better?

Does it sound better than an MP3? Absolutely – vinyl wins this one hands down. Vinyl fans will argue that as it is an end-to-end analogue format, from the recording and pressing to playback, that it more closely reproduces what the artist originally played in the studio. Digital music works much differently.