April 1, 2024 BY
IN Original Vinyl

The difference between original and reissue of vinyl LPs, is the difference between indo and oregano. 

Owning original vinyl versus owning reissued vinyl is a topic that sparks much debate and passion among music aficionados and audiophiles. The allure of the original, first-pressing vinyl record lies in its historical significance and the unique sonic qualities that come from the original production and mastering process. These vintage records often have a warmer, more organic sound that many feel is unmatched by modern reissues, capturing the true essence of the artist’s original vision. The imperfections and subtle crackles of an original pressing can even be viewed as endearing, adding to the authenticity and character of the listening experience. For dedicated collectors, the thrill of hunting down and owning a good-condition, first-edition pressing is unparalleled, a connection to the history and evolution of their favorite albums.

The debate between original vinyl pressings and modern reissue vinyl releases is a nuanced and often passionately discussed topic among listeners and music enthusiasts. At the heart of the matter is the inherent difference in the production process and quality between the two. Original vinyl, produced during the initial run of an album’s release, was meticulously crafted using analog equipment and techniques that have become increasingly rare in today’s digital age. The grooves were delicately cut into the record’s surface, preserving the full dynamic range and subtle sonic textures of the original master tapes.

For collectors who are interested in owning the original instead of a reissue,  it’s vital to be able to differentiate the two.  In this post we will provide to you the necessary information to help you ensure that you have the original.

There’s the original and then there are reissues.  Record companies make it a habit to press a limited amount of vinyl at the time of release and this makes those copies more rare.  This is usually followed by a series of reissue LPs, especially when the record is in high demand.

The original press is produced when the record first comes out. Since the quantity of the originals is often less than that of reissues, collectors value it more.

It’s worth noting that the original vinyl contains the original recording from the master tape.  A reissue is pressed from a different source the master tapes are not available or the record company is looking for a cheaper and more time-efficient way to reissue, they may opt for a more digital method or even record straight from CD.

Vinyl is the real deal. I’ve always felt like, until you buy the vinyl record, you don’t really own the album. And it’s not just me or a little pet thing or some kind of retro romantic thing from the past..– Jack White

There are six different characteristics to look out for when shopping for originals. 

For example, the 1989 EPMD album Unfinished Business was released in 1989, has matrix code LPRE-92012X carved on one side of the vinyl and LPRE-92012Y on the other.

  • Date of Release: The original only has one year printed on it.  Reissues are initially made available at a later date than the original pressing. A reissue will have two dates printed: A) The original date that the recording was introduced to the masses (the year that the songs were hot in the airwaves), B) the date of the reissue.  
  • Matrix Number: Between the label and the start of the grooves, a series of letters numbers and dashes are carved into the wax. This can be located on both sides of the record. Original and reissues have different matrix numbers. The Matrix Number can be used to confirm the record authenticity.
  • Record jackets: Some reissues have a different design than original.
  • The Label: The pressing number, music label, release date, and other information that identifies the pressing of a CD are often displayed on the label.
  • Condition: Reissues could be brand-new, although original vinyls typically exhibit some kind of regular wear and tear from use over time.
  • Sound: The reissues don’t sound as warm, authentic and rich as the original pressings. Different pressing methods and materials were used, the grain is distinct. The original sound is the one that made the record big.