Rare-record guide

Inserts, Inner Sleeves, Posters and Obi Strips

Completeness, issue identification and replacement-material risk.

Rare vinyl combines music history, manufacturing evidence, condition and collector demand. A useful conclusion should be traceable to identifiers on the physical release.

1. Inventory every component

Inventory every component should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

2. Match print quality

Match print quality should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

3. Check catalog references

Check catalog references should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

4. Do not discard generic-looking originals

Do not discard generic-looking originals should be evaluated against the exact release, country, format, label, catalog number, matrix/runout, packaging and condition. Preserve the physical evidence and avoid replacing identification with seller shorthand.

Identification rule: Do not call a record a first pressing, promo, test pressing or rare variant until the physical evidence supports the claim.

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