There are a few ways to tell if a vinyl is a bootleg. Here are some of the most common signs:
- Poor printing quality: Bootleg records often have poor printing quality on the cover and labels. The text may be blurry, misaligned, or incomplete. The colors may also be off or faded.
- Missing or incorrect information: Bootleg records may have missing or incorrect information, such as the artist name, album title, or tracklist. They may also have misspelled words or grammatical errors.
- Low-quality vinyl: Bootleg records are often made with low-quality vinyl. This can result in a record that is warped, noisy, or has poor sound quality.
- Unusual packaging: Bootleg records may come in unusual packaging, such as a generic sleeve or a plain white inner sleeve. They may also be missing inserts or other packaging materials that are typically included with legitimate releases.
- Unusually low price: Bootleg records are often sold at a very low price. If a record is priced significantly lower than other copies of the same record, it is likely a bootleg.
If you are unsure whether a vinyl is a bootleg, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid buying it. There are many legitimate vinyl retailers where you can buy new and used records. You can also check online marketplaces like Discogs to find records from trusted sellers.
Here are some additional tips for avoiding bootleg vinyls:
- Buy from reputable sellers: Only buy records from reputable sellers who have a good reputation. This includes both online and offline retailers.
- Inspect the record carefully before buying: If you are buying a record in person, take the time to inspect it carefully before you buy it. Look for any of the signs of a bootleg listed above.
- Ask questions: If you are unsure about the authenticity of a record, ask the seller questions. A reputable seller will be able to answer your questions and provide you with additional information about the record.
By following these tips, you can avoid buying bootleg vinyls and enjoy your vinyl collection for years to come.
