The vagaries of vinyl

[da2222]

Hi

The last few weeks of my (re) introduction to vinyl have been very interesting and not without their twists and turns. One of which is the wide variation in the quality of pressings. In many ways this was expected but certain surprises have also been thrown up. For example, I have two- mint to the eye- 1st UK pressings of Don McClean's 'American Pie', identical issue numbers etc and while one is clear, dynamic and well balanced the other is veiled, dull and very one- dimensional. Both have been carefully cleaned and are visibly immaculate. The same goes for a mint 1st pressing of the Smith's 'Strangeways Here We Come'- playing, it sounds like a blanket has been thrown over the speakers, while another tattier version of the same recording is much more listenable. Why such variation? Given they are second-hand and relatively 'old' perhaps they've been cleaned with bleach or god knows what, but could it be the pressings themselves?

Furthermore, there is the lottery of the secondhand market. 'Mint' advertised copies may appear so to the eye but many I've purchased come with assorted clicks and pops that would suggest otherwise. That's the chance we take of course but I'm beginning to think I'd be better investing in new copies that are recognised as being high quality pressings. Is anyone aware of decent sites online specialising in quality pressings and re-releases? Scott Nagle's site is one but any other suggestions would be appreciated...

[Jimbo]

Vinyl pressings even of the same record can vary tremendously depending on where and when they were pressed.

I bought a new copy of Dark side of the Moon recently and it sounded like the pressing plates had worn out. It was flat and lifeless. I have an original but it is massively scratched so risky to play but I did listen to a snippet and it was worlds apart.

[Macca]

Can be the pressings, can also be wear. If it's been played a lot of times on some old clunker you'll lose all the top end. I've got an Elton John record like that. But there's nowt else wrong with it. Not a pop or a click. It was only a quid thankfully.

[Pierre De Grenoble]

I suspect that wear on the stampers that press the record has more to do with "lifeless" sounding mint looking vinyl.

I'd love to know how many records were pressed on average per stamper. (it's the nerd in me )

[struth]

Pure pleasure records ltd, s site is very good. They are a label who also do Speakers corner but sell too.

http://www.purepleasurerecords.com/p...tegory=6792756

[Crackles]

Pure pleasure records ltd, s site is very good. They are a label who also do Speakers corner but sell too.

http://www.purepleasurerecords.com/p...tegory=6792756

Not heard of that site before. Funny enough I've been meaning to get a new copy of Little Girl Blue to replace my crappy DOL copy. Not familiar with the Bethlehem label though?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[struth]

Bethlehem was the original label it was on. It will be good.

[WESTLOWER]

Pure pleasure records ltd, s site is very good. They are a label who also do Speakers corner but sell too.

http://www.purepleasurerecords.com/p...tegory=6792756

Same site does a great reissue of Clifford Jordon's Classic, ...Glass Bead Games. for me one of the top 5 records ever made!.
Original is ££ so this is a real treat reissue!

[struth]

Same site does a great reissue of Clifford Jordon's Classic, ...Glass Bead Games. for me one of the top 5 records ever made!.
Original is ££ so this is a real treat reissue!

great call, its in my basket for next time. ive got a copy of Blue Rose(Rosemary Clooney and Duke Ellington) on its way from them at moment

[struth]

Same site does a great reissue of Clifford Jordon's Classic, ...Glass Bead Games. for me one of the top 5 records ever made!.
Original is ££ so this is a real treat reissue!

great call, its in my basket for next time. ive got a copy of Blue Rose(Rosemary Clooney and Duke Ellington) on its way from them at moment