How do you know when an LP is a first or early pressing?


Being relatively new to analog, there has been a steep learning curve.
The latest important bit of knowledge has pointed me to the codes stamped in the runout groves, the labels and the sale listings. The questions are how to read the codes, and what to look for on the label and on the sale listings? For instance, a friend guided to to the “pink label” British Island Records pressings. Believe these are all first pressings and the original British. I bought a couple including Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s first album. A pretty good used one cost me $25 which I understand is a good price. I would like to find and buy more of these early, or first, pressings. I understand their sound quality is normally, or frequently, excellent.
mglik

Showing 1 response by bkeske

+1 Discogs. Great resource.

I’ve cataloged all my physical media on Discogs. Takes much time (depending on how many you have) but worth it.

But also agree that not all first pressing are the best, even though they might be worth more in some cases. Many times a reissue/remaster can sound better. It just depends.