Rare-record guide

Test Pressing Authentication

Plant labels, matrices, handwritten details and provenance.

Rare vinyl combines music history, manufacturing evidence, condition and collector demand. A useful conclusion should be traceable to identifiers on the physical release.

1. Match production sequence

Match production sequence should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

2. Compare matrix to commercial release

Compare matrix to commercial release should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

3. Document handwriting

Document handwriting should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

4. Use specialist review

Use specialist review should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

Marketplace research

Identification rule: Do not call a record a first pressing, promo, test pressing or rare variant until the physical evidence supports the claim.

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