Test Pressings?

[Peter99]

Evening All 

 

I know this may seem a dumb ass question but..............................................

 

How do you know when a test press is a genuine test press? I've looked at a couple of things recently and thought well anyone can stick a typed or hand written test press label on any old boot. 

 

Also I assume that a proper test press would be acceptable to play out?

 

Thanks for any sage like answers.

 

Peter

 

[Premium Stuff]

Dead wax details should match the original issue   They were pressing a few before doing the full batch - quality control 

 

Cheers mate

 

Richard

[Peter99]

Dead wax details should match the original issue   They were pressing a few before doing the full batch - quality control 

 

Cheers mate

 

Richard

Thanks Richard

 

You are indeed a sage and a scholar. 

 

Peter

 

[Premium Stuff]

Thanks Richard

 

You are indeed a sage and a scholar. 

 

Peter

 

 

You know I like my quality and business management systems mate LOL   

 

On the second part of your question - yes, a test pressing (of an original release) would be great to play out - no probs whatsoever - even maybe better than the proper copy in my book as it's probably much rarer!   

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Edited September 24, 2014 by Premium Stuff

[Dave Thorley]

Dead wax details should match the original issue   They were pressing a few before doing the full batch - quality control 

 

Cheers mate

 

Richard

 

 

Richards spot on. Also consider where your buying them from, in as much as from the U.S. through ebay pretty safe. From UK sellers on Ebays take a good long look as much as you can. Over the years I've seen more 45's that just don't seem right out of the UK, than the U.S.

Condition, if they look to new to be true, i'm a bit wary, I in fact like to see some sign of age. Test pressings rarely made it to shops or warehouses, but often have sat around at artists/producers homes or in DJ collections and normally show a bit of age.

[Peter99]

Richards spot on. Also consider where your buying them from, in as much as from the U.S. through ebay pretty safe. From UK sellers on Ebays take a good long look as much as you can. Over the years I've seen more 45's that just don't seem right out of the UK, than the U.S.

Condition, if they look to new to be true, i'm a bit wary, I in fact like to see some sign of age. Test pressings rarely made it to shops or warehouses, but often have sat around at artists/producers homes or in DJ collections and normally show a bit of age.

Nice one.

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply Dave. I hope you and M are well.

 

Peter

 

[Dave Thorley]

Also compare to the issue pressing, not only should the matrix match, if you can see it or the seller will give you that info. But they will have been pressed on the same machine as the issue, so does the label molding seem the same.

[Premium Stuff]

Sometimes they can look quite different Peter

 

Many test pressing are just handwritten on a plain (often white label). Others have a printed template into which to write the details (like some Motown test pressings).

 

Others are weird like this one - but the deadwax shows it is a cool copy and the same details as the issue   (there is also a handwritten test pressing I have seen of this - but it did get pressed a few times on red and blue and West Coast).

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Edited September 24, 2014 by Premium Stuff

[Ian Seaman]

 

this is hand written & has all the correct matrix in the run out as the Mayfield original 

[Md Records]

If a UK reissue company is having to do 1,000 "test pressings" then they should seriously look at the pressing plant they are using, or am I being naïve?

 

Des

[hansgruber]

test pressings or promo may not incur tax because technically, they are not for sale.

[Chalky]

Test pressings aren't promos though and shouldn't be confused with them. They are not meant for any kind of distribution, as Richard says production control.