A first pressing is the earliest commercial pressing of a particular release, but identifying one is rarely as simple as checking the year on the sleeve. Reissues and later pressings often reuse the same artwork, catalogue number and copyright date.
1. Check the catalogue number
Start with the catalogue number printed on the sleeve and record label. It narrows down the release, but it should never be used on its own because later pressings can carry the same number.
2. Read the matrix and runout
The most useful information is often found in the dead wax near the centre label. These etched or stamped matrix and runout markings can identify the pressing plant, mastering engineer, lacquer cut and pressing variation.
Compare every character carefully. Small differences can separate an original pressing from a later repress.
3. Compare the labels
Look at label colours, logos, typefaces, publishing credits, copyright wording and company addresses. Labels are frequently updated between pressings even when the sleeve stays almost identical.
4. Inspect the sleeve
Barcodes, printer credits, catalogue numbers, price codes, inner sleeves and manufacturing details can all help date a release. An original pressing may have packaging details that were changed or removed on later editions.
5. Check the country of manufacture
A UK first pressing is not necessarily the first pressing worldwide. Always identify the country and edition you are looking at before comparing release information.
6. Cross-check a trusted discography
Sites such as Discogs can be extremely useful, but match the complete set of identifiers rather than choosing a release because the cover looks the same. Check the catalogue number, matrix/runout, labels, country and packaging together.
Common mistakes
A matching release year does not automatically make a record a first pressing. A sealed record is not automatically an original pressing either, and an old-looking sleeve can still contain a later record.
How we approach first pressings
When a record is sold by Straight Outta Records as a first pressing, we look at the identifiers that distinguish that particular release and describe it as accurately as possible. Where a pressing has important identifying details, we aim to include them in the listing.
Browse our vinyl records or read our vinyl grading guide.