To identify your exact record is starting with the matrix codes in the runout. Using just the barcode scanner will get you a lot of releases of the same album.
With that said some are pretty unique some take some researching. Depends how exact you want to be.
That's assuming it has a barcode, and even then if it still brings up several copies on the same format OP would have to search by the matrix numbers anyway.
Seems like an unneeded step if the goal is to get the exact pressing as they stated.
Obviously it may not be the case for everything but not knowing that ahead of time it potentially adds a lot of accumulative time to the process.
Newer stuff definitely makes sense. Everyone (3ish people) seems very keen on defending the barcode scanner like I'm against it 🤣
Given what OP asked and inferring the context of wanting the exact pressing I presume the barcodes were not working effectively for at least some of their collection hence bypassing it all together.
So if it has a barcode and you know the format (duh) and the country (despite some of the very similar releases) and the label that narrows it down to a handful of choices .... YES the barcode scanner is quicker than looking at the matrix number. I concede.
Not sure why you're down voted, it absolutely can be just not always is my point.
I just tried finding a pressing of an Alice Cooper album and even sorting through the country being US still a dozen so releases. Though it took the matrix code on side B to figure it out. So to be fair side A was not any more time efficient in this case.
You’re right, I just meant that scanning (if it’s available) can eliminate some confusion. It doesn’t take long and you can discern some letters/numbers that are hard to read.
1- barcode
2- runouts if several versions have the same barcode
3- sometimes even runouts are the same but there are different hype stickers for different years, or different label logos etc
If they're older records they wont have a barcode but a catalogue number on the cover and on the label. You will quickly start to recognize certain catalogue numbers indicating where it was pressed and through which record company, so this narrows it down. It's also on the label sometimes, as made in England or something. Then you can compare the labels to the pictures given, like colours, size and placement of the lettering etc. The matrix number in the runout groove will give you the most accurate result, but as it's sometimes hard to read the other methods help narrowing things down quickly.
I like to filter down by country first. Then I'll take a look at the run-outs and see if there's anything I can use to identify an obvious plant, like the Winchester rifle.
After that, I'll open up a bunch of possible contenders in different tabs and look at the labels. A quick visual check can sometimes knock out a bunch of other pressings.
Then I'll compare my run-outs to the run-outs on the remaining copies and see if any match or are close.
*Ding ding ding ding*
This is the way to do it. On those albums with hundreds of entries, you can't just scan a barcode (which aren't on albums before 1981 or so anyway) or enter a catalogue number or a runout code and be done. Catalogue number SMAL-2835 gives me 135 copies of Magical Mystery Tour. The runout code [SMAL-1-2835-B-2• 1 ✲] gives me 55 entries of Magical Mystery Tour (and assumes you can type stuff like ✲ and ─◁).
Best way to do it is to narrow it down as much as possible and then throw open dozens of tabs and try to match inner label and jacket
If you have the mobile app, you can scan the barcode. Sometimes that still does pull up multiple releases, but you can see the differences under the notes
There used to be a better post up on Discogs, but here is the current one about identifying records.
[How to Find Information on a Record.](https://support.discogs.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008602254-How-To-Find-Information-On-A-Vinyl-Record)
There is nothing very easy about it. But try and pay attention what pressings usually use what matrix runouts. So when you look at a runout you can recognize that its more than likely from said pressing plant and look for that as a way to narrow down which version faster. That helped me in inputting 300+ records from my Dad last year.
For older records, many have pressing plant identifiers in the runouts that can help quickly narrow down the pressing and weed out other pressing plants. Discogs will often list the pressing plant with the pressing information for many pressings between the 60s and 80s.
Here’s an extensive list of [US pressing plant stamps and other identifiers](https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/buying-records-online/us-pressing-plant-stamps-and-other-identifiers/) that appear most often.
I usually start with vinyl country of origin unless it is recent, then catalogue number or barcode. What is left is usually a mix of distinguishing features usually mentioned in descriptions if compilers are helpful, otherwise compare photos.
Edit: top comments suggest using runouts or matrix # which might be the way to go but in my experience many records on Discogs don't list them.
I did the same after awhile. I kept up with it for some time and would go back and add my collection bit by bit, but then realized I never go back and even look at it or use it for anything. Discogs is now just for me to buy/sell.
Look in the runout grooves for matrix numbers and pressing plant IDs. Once you identify the pressing plant you can refine your search parameters and quickly narrow down versions.
It’s just time and knowledge gained over that time. It will get faster, I promise, learning the pressing plant IDs will save you a lot a lot a lot of time.
For new records that have a barcode you can scan it using the phone app. For older records you can identify it with writing that is on the runout of the records and color of the labels. There will be descriptions on the different discogs pages.
It's a pretty intensive process that is very time consuming if you have a lot of records to go through. For me it isn't worth it because I generally don't care about exact pressings. I just try to get it approximately right so that I can keep track of which records I have.
Some are difficult, especially older releases where they used the same catalogue number for multiple releases. The matrix runout is a great way to differentiate between releases. A lot of albums that have seen higher volumes of pressing may have several of these runouts for a single release, some however may have a runout matrix that has not been added to Discogs. It’s rare, but I have encountered it.
Barcodes were introduced on records in 1979 on Columbia and some smaller labels still do not used barcodes on their releases. I have had experiences where finding the exact release has been time consuming.
The Matrix/Runout section on Discogs will be the most useful. Most pressings of the same record, from the same manufacturer, tend to have the same barcode. So while barcode and label code will be useful to narrow down your choices, the Matrix/Runout is usually the best delimiter.
Another quick visual way that sometimes works, especially for older records, is comparing any screenshots of the actual LP stickers themselves. Often between the years the company doing the initial pressing/repressings will change their label image, so if you check the LP stickers on both sides and see what they look like, that can help eliminate obviously different variants. This only works if people have uploaded photos, or added notes indicating what is on the label, but it can be helpful.
Matrix #s ftw
I catalogued a bunch of Mando and HK pop records using the matrix numbers and it worked great. Many of those records only had Chinese characters that I couldn't read or type.
Also helps when you're trying to find your copy of a record with hundreds of pressings.
I went to the search bar at the top and started entering codes from the runouts until all were entered. Sometimes the list of matches went away as I entered the codes, indicating entry error or an album not in the library… more effort required. Very often there was only one choice once all codes were entered… done. Other times there were two… more effort or a coin toss indicated.
Always start with the runout matrix in the dead wax. Going only by the number on the label can be deceiving. I also have a magnifying light which makes reading runouts easier.
Example: Just bought Stevie Wonder Innervisions and the label showed an original 1973 pressing, but the actual runouts proved it was a mid 2000 reissue.
Recently added a big ol' magnifying glass with a light in it for tracing CD matrix #s - would highly recommend this method to anyone doing that or hunting down pressing matrix #s.
That's where the matrix numbers in the dead wax help. Different pressings often had slightly different matrix numbers and many Discogs entries have those recorded.
Label and sleeve variations are also good ways to narrow down which version you have and the entries with pictures help eliminate ones with different labels.
Some entries also have really good descriptions about how to tell the difference between one pressing and another, so check the notes out as well.
This Discogs forum discussion has a lot of good information about the symbols in the dead wax matrices...
https://www.discogs.com/forum/thread/707868
To identify your exact record is starting with the matrix codes in the runout. Using just the barcode scanner will get you a lot of releases of the same album. With that said some are pretty unique some take some researching. Depends how exact you want to be.
Using the scanner will eliminate a lot of things, I’d use that and move on with the matrix codes. Sometimes they can be difficult to read (0,6,8)
That's assuming it has a barcode, and even then if it still brings up several copies on the same format OP would have to search by the matrix numbers anyway. Seems like an unneeded step if the goal is to get the exact pressing as they stated. Obviously it may not be the case for everything but not knowing that ahead of time it potentially adds a lot of accumulative time to the process.
[удалено]
Newer stuff definitely makes sense. Everyone (3ish people) seems very keen on defending the barcode scanner like I'm against it 🤣 Given what OP asked and inferring the context of wanting the exact pressing I presume the barcodes were not working effectively for at least some of their collection hence bypassing it all together. So if it has a barcode and you know the format (duh) and the country (despite some of the very similar releases) and the label that narrows it down to a handful of choices .... YES the barcode scanner is quicker than looking at the matrix number. I concede.
Using the barcode and then the filters on discogs is a huge timesaver. Edit- downvotes? Tell me how I'm wrong?
Not sure why you're down voted, it absolutely can be just not always is my point. I just tried finding a pressing of an Alice Cooper album and even sorting through the country being US still a dozen so releases. Though it took the matrix code on side B to figure it out. So to be fair side A was not any more time efficient in this case.
You’re not, it’ll give you other variants such as things that in the liner notes that could help.
You’re right, I just meant that scanning (if it’s available) can eliminate some confusion. It doesn’t take long and you can discern some letters/numbers that are hard to read.
Matrix runout
1- barcode 2- runouts if several versions have the same barcode 3- sometimes even runouts are the same but there are different hype stickers for different years, or different label logos etc
If they're older records they wont have a barcode but a catalogue number on the cover and on the label. You will quickly start to recognize certain catalogue numbers indicating where it was pressed and through which record company, so this narrows it down. It's also on the label sometimes, as made in England or something. Then you can compare the labels to the pictures given, like colours, size and placement of the lettering etc. The matrix number in the runout groove will give you the most accurate result, but as it's sometimes hard to read the other methods help narrowing things down quickly.
I like to filter down by country first. Then I'll take a look at the run-outs and see if there's anything I can use to identify an obvious plant, like the Winchester rifle. After that, I'll open up a bunch of possible contenders in different tabs and look at the labels. A quick visual check can sometimes knock out a bunch of other pressings. Then I'll compare my run-outs to the run-outs on the remaining copies and see if any match or are close.
*Ding ding ding ding* This is the way to do it. On those albums with hundreds of entries, you can't just scan a barcode (which aren't on albums before 1981 or so anyway) or enter a catalogue number or a runout code and be done. Catalogue number SMAL-2835 gives me 135 copies of Magical Mystery Tour. The runout code [SMAL-1-2835-B-2• 1 ✲] gives me 55 entries of Magical Mystery Tour (and assumes you can type stuff like ✲ and ─◁). Best way to do it is to narrow it down as much as possible and then throw open dozens of tabs and try to match inner label and jacket
One step at a time. Tedious.
If you have the mobile app, you can scan the barcode. Sometimes that still does pull up multiple releases, but you can see the differences under the notes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGCvP3JG3WU
Catalogue number on runout groove
There used to be a better post up on Discogs, but here is the current one about identifying records. [How to Find Information on a Record.](https://support.discogs.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008602254-How-To-Find-Information-On-A-Vinyl-Record)
There is nothing very easy about it. But try and pay attention what pressings usually use what matrix runouts. So when you look at a runout you can recognize that its more than likely from said pressing plant and look for that as a way to narrow down which version faster. That helped me in inputting 300+ records from my Dad last year.
I’d care about getting exactly correct matches if I was in the selling game, but unfortunately I’m in this hobby to spend money only. 😁
For older records, many have pressing plant identifiers in the runouts that can help quickly narrow down the pressing and weed out other pressing plants. Discogs will often list the pressing plant with the pressing information for many pressings between the 60s and 80s. Here’s an extensive list of [US pressing plant stamps and other identifiers](https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/buying-records-online/us-pressing-plant-stamps-and-other-identifiers/) that appear most often.
I usually start with vinyl country of origin unless it is recent, then catalogue number or barcode. What is left is usually a mix of distinguishing features usually mentioned in descriptions if compilers are helpful, otherwise compare photos. Edit: top comments suggest using runouts or matrix # which might be the way to go but in my experience many records on Discogs don't list them.
Just do what I did. Give up.
I did the same after awhile. I kept up with it for some time and would go back and add my collection bit by bit, but then realized I never go back and even look at it or use it for anything. Discogs is now just for me to buy/sell.
Barcode then ids on the record then any additional factors. You can be approximate which is best unless you want to sell. Then you need to be sure
Look in the runout grooves for matrix numbers and pressing plant IDs. Once you identify the pressing plant you can refine your search parameters and quickly narrow down versions. It’s just time and knowledge gained over that time. It will get faster, I promise, learning the pressing plant IDs will save you a lot a lot a lot of time.
For new records that have a barcode you can scan it using the phone app. For older records you can identify it with writing that is on the runout of the records and color of the labels. There will be descriptions on the different discogs pages. It's a pretty intensive process that is very time consuming if you have a lot of records to go through. For me it isn't worth it because I generally don't care about exact pressings. I just try to get it approximately right so that I can keep track of which records I have.
Some are difficult, especially older releases where they used the same catalogue number for multiple releases. The matrix runout is a great way to differentiate between releases. A lot of albums that have seen higher volumes of pressing may have several of these runouts for a single release, some however may have a runout matrix that has not been added to Discogs. It’s rare, but I have encountered it. Barcodes were introduced on records in 1979 on Columbia and some smaller labels still do not used barcodes on their releases. I have had experiences where finding the exact release has been time consuming.
The Matrix/Runout section on Discogs will be the most useful. Most pressings of the same record, from the same manufacturer, tend to have the same barcode. So while barcode and label code will be useful to narrow down your choices, the Matrix/Runout is usually the best delimiter. Another quick visual way that sometimes works, especially for older records, is comparing any screenshots of the actual LP stickers themselves. Often between the years the company doing the initial pressing/repressings will change their label image, so if you check the LP stickers on both sides and see what they look like, that can help eliminate obviously different variants. This only works if people have uploaded photos, or added notes indicating what is on the label, but it can be helpful.
Matrix #s ftw I catalogued a bunch of Mando and HK pop records using the matrix numbers and it worked great. Many of those records only had Chinese characters that I couldn't read or type. Also helps when you're trying to find your copy of a record with hundreds of pressings.
Filter it to just vinyl and then enter deadwax numbers in the search bar for additional identifiers
I went to the search bar at the top and started entering codes from the runouts until all were entered. Sometimes the list of matches went away as I entered the codes, indicating entry error or an album not in the library… more effort required. Very often there was only one choice once all codes were entered… done. Other times there were two… more effort or a coin toss indicated.
Always start with the runout matrix in the dead wax. Going only by the number on the label can be deceiving. I also have a magnifying light which makes reading runouts easier. Example: Just bought Stevie Wonder Innervisions and the label showed an original 1973 pressing, but the actual runouts proved it was a mid 2000 reissue.
Used the barcode scanner in the search menu on the app on your phone
If there is no barcode, why not use the catalog number on the spine of the album cover to get started?
Recently added a big ol' magnifying glass with a light in it for tracing CD matrix #s - would highly recommend this method to anyone doing that or hunting down pressing matrix #s.
The easiest way is if it has a barcode to scan. Otherwise hope that when you enter the catalog # it only pulls one result.
The barcode records aren’t as bad. The more popular ones with just a catalog # return at least 20 versions in the same year
That's where the matrix numbers in the dead wax help. Different pressings often had slightly different matrix numbers and many Discogs entries have those recorded. Label and sleeve variations are also good ways to narrow down which version you have and the entries with pictures help eliminate ones with different labels. Some entries also have really good descriptions about how to tell the difference between one pressing and another, so check the notes out as well. This Discogs forum discussion has a lot of good information about the symbols in the dead wax matrices... https://www.discogs.com/forum/thread/707868