You can check online at Discogs.com and punch in the catalog number to see what date your vinyl was produced. Check the cover of the album for an EAN code, which is a product identification barcode. If there is an EAN on the cover, then the album was produced after 1973.
What is the catalog number on a vinyl record?
A catalog number or also known as “cat number” is an identification number which is assigned by a music label when a music is released. It can be found on vinyl records (33, 45, 78 rpm), cassettes, 8-track tapes, CDs and DVDs.
Are most vinyl 33 or 45?
Vinyl records are produced to be played at one of three speeds: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. You will almost never deal with 78 RPM records, so dont worry about that. Most full-size 12-inch records will be 33 1/3 RPM, though some — mainly EPs and maxi-singles — will be at 45 RPM.
Are records numbered?
A catalog number is assigned to every release by the record company to identify that particular release. This is true for vinyl (33, 45 and 78 rpm) records, compact discs, cassettes, 8-track tapes and DVDs. The number is used to track sales through distributors and for the labels in-house accounting purposes.
Are old record albums worth any money?
In general, a copy of an album that is still in original, unopened shrink wrap will sell for a lot more money than one that is in opened condition, even if the opened copy has not been played. Sealed copies of older albums by the Beatles might sell for as much as ten times the price of an opened example, for instance.
What are bootleg vinyls?
A bootleg recording is an audio or video recording of a performance not officially released by the artist or under other legal authority. Making and distributing such recordings is known as bootlegging. Changing technologies have affected the recording, distribution, and profitability of the bootlegging industry.
Does playing vinyl damage it?
As for wear-induced noise, most of that comes from playing records with a worn-out or damaged stylus (aka needle) thats literally gouging the grooves with each play. Any decent cartridge will play records without damaging the groove. A force setting thats too high or too low can accelerate record wear and noise.
Why do record players have 3 speeds?
Speed and Diameter Vinyl records come in three speeds: 33 1/3 rpm (often just called a “33”), 45 rpm and 78 rpm. The “rpm” is an abbreviation for “revolutions per minute” — an indication of how fast the record is meant to spin on the turntable.
Are limited edition vinyls worth more?
Limited edition pressings by most any artist will have some value above the original selling price, as record companies are unlikely to issue limited edition pressings if there is no established market for them.