Maxtrix numbers source?

[MarkNJ]

So, I've realized that I have a few duplicates in my collection, a sign of taking over different people's collections.

Is there any definitive source out there for what different matrix numbers are?

For example I have a few copies of Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits.

The first two have "written" numbers
PBL 31350 3A (both sides)
PAL 31350 3B (side A) / 3AA (side B)

These two have "stamped" numbers
PAL 31350 2J (side A) / PBL 31350 2B (side B)
AL 31350 3CH (side A) / P BL 31350 3BG (side B)

Any sense of what these mean or where I can go dig up this type of information?

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

Original issue pressings begin with PAL-the matrix no.-1A, and PBL-the matrix no-1A for first mother/first stamper. With this LP, pressing number is less critical as it is from very high generation copy tapes to begin with. For best Simon and Garfunkel LP sound, look for 360 Degree Stereo or Mono labels with 1A/1A stampers. Any with original labels in nice shape get you the best sound on vinyl. The original 2-track stereo tapes were used for cutting the originals. Later pressings used copies of those tapes and sounded veiled. Many of these original Columbia masters have heavy wear on popular titles until they changed this policy in 1970 and filed away the original masters after making production dubs.

[MarkNJ]

Kent,

Thanks for the reply. I realize now that the album I used as an example is a poor choice, since it's a compilation. I have many of their original albums as well, original two-eyes.

I guess a better question might be, is there any standardized practice for numbering? Does it always go A, B, C... AA, BB... etc? All of the copies of the record in question are in roughly the same shape, so I'll probably just keep the oldest of them. Also, why the difference between the written style of numbers versus the stamped style?

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

Each record company has different systems for their stamper numbers. I gave you Columbia's. The 2 letter pressings are very late ones off that mother. (example AA-ZZ). RCA, Capitol, Mercury, Warners, MCA, etc have different systems for denoting stamper/pressing numbers.

[ke4jhj]

I'll have to check my copy. I got it in the early/mid 80s' so it's a late copy. Although it's a good pressing (very quiet), it's not enjoyable to listen to and I rarely play it. As Kent mentioned, its' source is several generations from the original masters, and it just sounds dull.

Another Columbia that's about as bad or worse is "Chicago IX".:drool:

[vinyldavid]

Another Columbia that's about as bad or worse is "Chicago IX".:drool:

I had always wondered what it's problem was.......thanks! :thmbsp:

[ke4jhj]

I just got home and checked my copy.

The matrix numbers are
Side 1 - PAL 31350 G3H
Side 2 - PBL 31350 G3U