What Is Etched Vinyl Record

How to interpret the markings etched into the vinyl of 45 rpm records.

What is etched vinyl record.

Consisting of numbers and or letters the code may indicate recording dates specific takes and even the system of recording. Another very popular recent trend in vinyl especially for ep s and singles is to make a one sided record and to include an etched design on the side with no music. It encompasses a record label pressing plant and online magazine and collaborates with artists and musicians to create stunning audio visual shows. Aug 16 2013 7 44 32 pm.

There is a difference in the etched records that were laser cut split enz styx etc and the all vinyl lacquer image referred to as etched that jack and many others are using these days. The vinyl factory is the world s foremost vinyl enterprise. However many people wisely held on to their old record albums knowing they would become collector s items one day. A matrix or stamper number is a code etched inside the end groove area found on each side of a vinyl lp.

While laser etching has taken the technology into new realms the age old craft of chemical etching is a more complex and sensitive process not dissimilar to exposing a photographic film. I see guides for prices but how do you find what those numbers mean and. Your image is etched directly onto the lacquer and is then taken through the standard plating process. Can anyone help me to findout where i can find what the numbers letters on teh vinyl for 45 records mean.

First pressing the very first time a record has been pressed. How to interpret the markings etched into the vinyl of 45 rpm records. Etched vinyl is an image pressed into an unplayable side of your record which has a frosted appearance. Etched disc a one sided vinyl record with laser etched graphics on the other side.

Like coloured vinyl etched records are among the most collectable and visually exciting you can get your hands on. A matrix number is an alphanumeric code and on occasion other symbols stamped or handwritten or a combination of the two into the run out groove area of a phonograph record this is the non grooved area between the end of the final band on a record s side and the label also known as the run off groove area end groove area matrix area or dead wax. Indeed vinyl albums that are particularly rare or in mint condition now command high. The etching that most pressing plants do today which is an image pressed into the lacquer itself has never had supposedly had a playable groove.

Cheaper than screen printed records which incur a per unit cost especially on large runs etched records simply require an etched copper plate and stamper to be made a one. The etched side does not contain any grooves or music but adds a real touch of style to your records.