2. analog
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How to check original vs. reissue?

It seems pretty straightforward and I haven't had much trouble identifying original pressings against reissues, but I recently bought a Stevie Ray Vaughan album, which I was convinced was an original pressing. I already owned a copy of the album, which I was sure was a reissue as I bought it shrink-wrapped. When I compared the two, they looked identical with the exception of a slight variation on the label next to the punch hole (FE/AL, FE/BL vs. E/AL, E/BL) and some variance in the inscriptions on the dead wax. Is there a way to verify whether a record is an original pressing? It's relatively easy with records released in '60s and '70s, but might be a bit more difficult with more recent releases. Btw, the record is "Couldn't Stand the Weather."
Thank you for any advice.
actusreus
5 responses Add your response
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Thank you all for your input, especially Jarraa for the link; the site is a great resource.

Regarding the record I asked about, I actually was lucky enough to find the answer on eBay. A seller posted a very detailed description of it, including information on the dead wax. Apparently, the original pressing has "Sterling" stamped and "1-AA" inscribed on the dead wax. The record I got has both, while the copy I thought was a reissue does not have the Sterling stamp, and has "2-A" inscribed rather than "1-AA." Interestingly, I could not find my reissue isted on discogs, even though there are quite a few of them.
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I believe the serial number stamped near the label, or the number on the label, can give you some information. Thicker vinyl(assuming it's not an audiophile recording)is another indication of the original. An example would be "Elephant Mountain", by the Youngbloods, where there are at least 3 versions. The first, by far the best sounding-and hard to find, is the thickest.
jarraa
34 posts
 
http://www.discogs.com/

example:
http://www.discogs.com/Billy-Joel-Storm-Front/master/75442

scroll down to versions .....
Post removed 
mechans
3,048 posts
 
There must be some of those vinyl/analog only sights that can help you out.
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