The vinyl resurgence is in full swing, and with it comes a renewed debate over whether to buy reissues or original pressings. There are pros and cons to both, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
Original Pressings
Original pressings are the first copies of an album that were pressed on vinyl. They are often seen as the most desirable, as they are thought to be the best sounding. This is because the original master tapes are used to create the pressings, and these tapes can degrade over time. Additionally, original pressings are often more collectible, and can be worth more money.
However, there are also some downsides to original pressings. They can be more expensive than reissues, and they may be more difficult to find. Additionally, original pressings may be in poor condition, especially if they are older.
Reissues
Reissues are new copies of an album that are pressed on vinyl. They are often made from the original master tapes, but they can also be made from digital files. Reissues are often less expensive than original pressings, and they may be easier to find. Additionally, reissues are often pressed on higher-quality vinyl, which can improve the sound quality.
However, there are also some downsides to reissues. They may not sound as good as original pressings, as the original master tapes may have been degraded over time. Additionally, reissues may not be as collectible as original pressings.
So, which one should you buy?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a vinyl reissue or original pressing is a personal one. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then an original pressing may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, then a reissue may be a better choice.
Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Sound quality: Original pressings are often thought to sound better than reissues, but this is not always the case. Some reissues are mastered using the original master tapes, and they can sound just as good as original pressings.
- Price: Reissues are often less expensive than original pressings. However, there are some reissues that are quite expensive, especially if they are limited editions.
- Collectibility: Original pressings are often more collectible than reissues. This is because they are rarer, and they have more historical significance.
- Condition: The condition of the record is also an important factor to consider. Original pressings can be in poor condition, especially if they are older. Reissues are often in better condition, as they are newer.