Search Results for “test pressing”

Reiner/Chicago Symphony -Prokofiev- Lieutenant Kije sealed Classic Records 78 RPM test pressing

classic records lt kije 78 rpm test pressing lp

Offered for sale is a still sealed test pressing of an excerpt (“The Wedding of Kije”) of Prokofiev – Lieutenant Kije by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, released by Classic Records cut at 78 RPM on 180 gram vinyl.

This title was produced for in-house testing purposes only and was not intended for commercial release. This copy came from the personal archive of Classic Records founder Michael Hobson.

About this copy: This is a 12″ single containing a 6-7 minute excerpt of “The Wedding of Kije” from Prokofieff’s Lt Kije, as recorded in 1958 by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

This single-sided disc was pressed on 180 gram vinyl and plays at 78 RPM.

The disc was issued in a plain white cover, stamped with the date “Sep 7 1994” and the catalog number “LSC 2150 A3 78.”

Side one of the disc is a standard RTI test pressing label with the same information stamped on it as on the cover. The B side label is blank, as is the B side of the record itself.

As this copy is still sealed the record is presumably new and unplayed.

The loose “bag” wrap is fully intact, with no rips, tears or holes. There is a sticker attached to the wrap that indicates that it came from Michael Hobson’s collection: “Classic Records Limited Edition 1 of 1 MH.”

A beautiful copy of an unusual Classic Records title Great-sounding record, too.

Background: There are numerous recordings by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony that are highly regarded by fans of classical music as well as audiophiles.

One of the most appreciated titles is the 1958 recording of Prokofiev’s Lt. Kije, and Stravinsky’s Song of the Nightengale. Originally issued by RCA, the album was in print for decades, with each pressing sounding worse than the one that preceded it, due to tape deterioration. The album has been listed on the recommended list by the music publication The Absolute Sound for years, and for good reason – it’s an amazing recording.

Classic Records reissued a series of RCA classical titles by making new two track masters from the original three track tapes, and the results were spectacular. The label pressed the album at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, and at both 180 gram and 200 gram vinyl weights. The 200 gram pressings were issued on high-quality Quiex SV-P vinyl.

In the mid-1990s, Classic Records founder Michael Hobson had mastering engineer Bernie Grundman cut at least four different titles at 78 RPM as a test to see how they would compare in sound quality to their 45 RPM and 33 1/3 RPM pressings. Due to the limitations of the 78 RPM format, particularly the short playing time, these recordings were not considered to be suitable for commercial release, but were instead used only for in-house testing. It is estimated that no more than 20 copies were pressed of any one title.

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Ella Fitzgerald – A Night in Tunisia Classic Records unreleased 78 RPM test pressing 12″ EP

ella fitzgerald a night in tunisia classic records test pressing lp

Offered for sale is a still sealed, one-sided, unreleased Classic Records 12″ 78 RPM test pressing EP of “A Night in Tunisia” and “You’re My Thrill” by Ella Fitzgerald.

These were issued as test pressings only and were not intended for commercial release. Only 10-20 copies were pressed for in-house use at Classic Records.

About this copy: This EP is a 1994 U.S. pressing on the RTI label, pressed for Classic Records.

As the disc is still sealed, the record is presumably new and unplayed.

The disc contains the songs “A Night In Tunisia” and “You’re My Thrill,” taken from the album, Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!

This single-sided disc was pressed on 180 gram vinyl and plays at 78 RPM.

The disc was issued in a plain white cover, stamped with the date “Dec 5 1994” and the catalog number “MGVS6 4053 A1 78.”

Side one of the disc is a standard RTI test pressing label with the same information stamped on it as on the cover. The B side label is blank, as is the B side of the record itself.

Background: Ella Fitzgerald’s Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! was originally released in 1961 and has long been a favorite among audiophiles.

The first of those was “A Night In Tunisia,” as Hobson was concerned about some issues with vocal sibilance, and Grundman told him that cutting at 78 RPM could minimize that problem.

They cut four different titles to test this.

Due to the limitations of the 78 RPM format, particularly the short playing time, these recordings were not considered for commercial release, but were instead used only for in-house testing. It is estimated that no more than 20 copies were pressed of any one title.

You can listen to “A Night in Tunisia” here:

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Country of origin:	U.S.
Size:	12″
Record Label:	RTI/Classic Records
Catalog Number:	MGVS6 4053 A1 78
Year of Release:	1994
Format:	Stereo
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Heart – Magazine withdrawn 1977 U.S. TEST PRESSING LP with disclaimer and alternate mixes

heart magazine u.s. withdrawn test pressing lp

Offered for sale is an original U.S. test pressing of the withdrawn 1977 version of Magazine by Heart, with the contractual disclaimer on the cover and alternate mixes.

This version was withdrawn immediately after release due to a lawsuit from the band and offers different mixes and recordings from the 1978 re-release. The lead vocal on “Heartless,” for example, is completely different from the one on the later release.

About this copy: This copy of Magazine is a 1977 U.S. pressing on the Mushroom label, though the disc has plain white labels.

The cover is VG, with edge and corner wear and a few minor creases along the spine. There are no holes, splits, or writing.

There is an orange sticker attached to the back cover that says “Promotional Copy NOT FOR SALE.”

The test pressing disc is VG++ and close to M- with a couple of very faint hairlines on each side. There are a few spindle marks on the labels. It’s a clean disc that plays well.

A nice copy of a terrific LP and a dramatically different one than the 1978 reissue.

Background: After the success of Dreamboat Annie, Heart went back into the studio to record the intended follow-up LP, Magazine. In the process of recording the album, the band and the record company got into a dispute over royalties, and the band walked away from the recording sessions, leaving the album unfinished. They signed a contract with Portrait Records and proceeded to record the Little Queen LP.

Mushroom Records, without the band’s permission or participation, took the unfinished material recorded for Magazine, added a couple of live cuts and a B-side from a previously released single and released the album in April 1977, complete with a disclaimer on the back cover that indicated that the album was completed and released with neither the cooperation nor the endorsement of the band.

“Mushroom Records regrets that a contractual dispute has made it necessary to complete this record without the cooperation or endorsement of the group Heart, who have expressly disclaimed artistic involvement in completing this record. We did not feel that a contractual dispute should prevent the public from hearing and enjoying these incredible tunes and recordings.”

Heart immediately sued, and the record was withdrawn from sale as a result of a court order, but not before thousands of copies had been sent to distributors. A few copies managed to reach stores before the order to recall them was issued.

The following year, the band and the record company resolved their issues and Heart returned to the studio to complete the album. In the process, much of the album was re-recorded, and the material that wasn’t re-recorded was remixed. In addition, the track lineup was altered considerably, a song title was altered, and the final release was a record that was considerably different from the 1977 issue.

The redone album was released in April, 1978 and reached #17 on the charts. It was certified platinum by the RIAA, helped by the single, “Heartless,” which reached #24 on the charts.

You can listen to the original withdrawn mix of “Heartless” here:

Country of origin:	U.S.
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Mushroom
Catalog Number:	MRS-5008
Year of Release:	1977
Format:	Stereo
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Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy sealed U.S. Classic Records 200 gram test pressing LP

led zeppelin houses of the holy classic records test pressing lp

Offered for sale is a still sealed U.S. 200 gram test pressing of Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin, issued by Classic Records.

About this copy: This copy of Houses of the Holy is a 2010 Classic Records label pressing of an album that was originally released in 1973.

The LP is still sealed in the loose bag with the removable perforated strip still in place. As the album is sealed the disc is presumably new and unplayed.

The 200 gram disc is pressed on black vinyl and plays at 33 1/3 RPM.

The cover is M-; it’s a plain white cover with a sticker attached to it that says:

Classic Records 3/2010
SD-7255-200G
A/B
CRWH

A beautiful copy of a very rare Led Zeppelin LP; much rarer than the stock copies, which themselves now sell for $500 or so.

Background: Released in 1973, Houses of the Holy was the fifth studio album by Led Zeppelin.

The album reached #1 on both the UK and U.S. charts and has sold more than eleven million copies.

Allmusic.com gave Houses of the Holy a 5 star review:

Houses of the Holy follows the same basic pattern as Led Zeppelin IV, but the approach is looser and more relaxed. Jimmy Page’s riffs rely on ringing, folky hooks as much as they do on thundering blues-rock, giving the album a lighter, more open atmosphere. …Throughout the record, the band’s playing is excellent, making the eclecticism of Page and Robert Plant’s songwriting sound coherent and natural.

Country of origin:	U.S.
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Classic Records
Catalog Number:	SD-7255
Year of Release:	2010
Format:	Stereo
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Deena Webster – The Flower Lady (Tuesday’s Child) original Japan red vinyl test pressing LP with obi

deena webster the flower lady japan red vinyl LP

Offered for sale is an original Japanese red vinyl test pressing pressing of The Flower Lady by Deena Webster, including the original obi and lyric insert.

This LP is the same album as the UK LP Deena Webster is Tuesday’s Child, with a different title and the songs in a different order.

All stock copies of this LP were black vinyl; the red vinyl was used only for test pressings.

About this copy: This copy of The Flower Lady is a 1968 Japanese pressing on the Odeon label.

The cover is VG+ with slight corner wear, a bit of foxing on the back cover, and a small 1″ (3 cm) repaired split at the bottom edge.

The obi is VG+ with slight foxing on the back. The “hojyuhyo” (reorder tag) has been removed.

The lyric booklet is VG++ with slight discoloration in the center (see photo.)

The red vinyl test pressing disc is M- and looks unplayed. Clean disc!

A beautiful copy of an ultra-rare folk LP and the only complete red vinyl copy we’ve ever seen.

Background: Released in 1968, Deena Webster is Tuesday’s Child (The Flower Lady in Japan) is the only album by British folk singer Deena Webster.

The album did not chart.

Allmusic.com gave Tuesday’s Child a 3 1/2 star review:

The influences of early Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Marianne Faithfull, and Sandy Denny echo heavily on Deena Webster’s obscure 1968 British LP Tuesday’s Child. Emphasizing high-voiced and earnest interpretations of contemporary songs by Donovan, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, and the Bee Gees, there’s also a hint of folk-pop orchestration in some of the arrangements. … Considering how often the song was covered, “The House of the Rising Sun” is a surprising standout, Webster’s haunted voice and acoustic guitar backed only by a spooky organ.

You can listen to “New York Mining Disaster 1941” here:

Country of origin:	Japan
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Odeon
Catalog Number:	OP-8780
Year of Release:	1968
Format:	Stereo
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Ventures – The Original Greatest Hits 1964 red vinyl Japan test pressing with hankake obi

Ventures - The Original Greatest Hits red vinyl Japan test pressing

Offered for sale is an original Japanese red vinyl test pressing of The Ventures Original Hits by the Ventures, including the original hankake obi. This LP was issued only in Japan.

The “hankake obi,” or “half-obi” was briefly used from late 1963 through early 1964 and is usually missing from all titles that originally included one.

About this copy: This copy of The Ventures Original Hits is a 1964 Japanese pressing on the Liberty label.

The cover is VG ++ and close to M -, with no wear but with slight discoloration from age.

The obi is VG ++ and close to M-, with slight discoloration from age.

This LP was issued without an insert.

The red vinyl test pressing disc is VG +, with a couple of faint scuffs on each side. There are two spindle marks on each label. It’s a clean disk that has had very little play.

A beautiful copy of a very rare Ventures album.

Background: Released in early 1964, The Ventures Original Hits was one of many compilation albums by the band to be issued in Japan.

What makes this copy very unusual is that it is a first pressing that includes the ultra-rare “hankake obi”, also known as a “half obi” or a “three quarter obi.”

For a brief time in 1963 and 1964, Toshiba Records, who pressed albums for Liberty, Capitol, Warner Brothers and a few other labels, used what is known as a “hankake obi”. Instead of wrapping around the cover, this obi was a single strip of paper about nine inches long that simply hooked over the top of the cover via a 1/4″ fold of paper.

Usually, these were glued to the cover at the factory, but most of the time, they were quickly lost. It is also possible that retailers removed them at the point of sale so that they could use it to order another copy from the record company.

As a result, it is very rare today to find an album with the original hankake obi intact.

Tracks are:

Walk Don’t Run ‘
Surf Rider
Driving Guitars
Sunny River
Bumble Bee Twist
Ten Over
Wild Night
Yellow Jacket
Orange Fire
Party In Raguna
Barefoot Ventures
Cruncher

Country of origin:	Japan
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Liberty
Catalog Number:	LP 7121
Year of Release:	1964
Format:	Stereo
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Beatles – Live at the Star Club U.S. test pressing 2 LP set

beatles - live at the star club u.s. test pressing lp

Offered for sale is an original U.S. test pressing of the 1977 double live album Live at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany by the Beatles.

About this copy: This copy of Live at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany is a 1977 pressing on the Lingasong label.

These discs were issued without a cover, but we’ve added a stock cover to make the album complete. The cover is M- with trace corner wear.

The discs have white labels and are labeled as test pressings, but have song titles and timings printed on them.

The discs are M- and are likely unplayed. There are some faint scuffs from the original inner sleeves, but no spindle marks on the labels, and no significant marks on the vinyl. Clean discs!

A nice copy of a rare Beatles LP and the only test pressing we’ve ever had for sale.

Background: Live at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany is a recording of one of the Beatles’ last performances in Hamburg in late 1962, right before they became famous.

As Ringo Starr had joined the band the previous August, he was playing during the band’s two week stay in Germany.

The manager for another band brought a tape recorder to one of the performances and recorded both his band and the Beatles, using a tape recorder with a single microphone.

The tapes were largely forgotten for years, but in 1977, the then owners of the tapes spent $100,000 cleaning up the sound and released them as a double album on the newly-formed Lingasong label.

The album, while poor in sound quality, did have some artistic significance and the album’s release also inspired Capitol Records to release the Live at the Hollywood Bowl album later that same year. It also sold reasonably well, reaching #111 on the U.S. album charts.

Though most promotional copies of Live at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany were pressed on black vinyl, a few were pressed on either red or blue vinyl. Both the blue vinyl and the red vinyl pressings are quite rare.

The album reached #111 on the U.S. album charts.

Allmusic.com gave Live at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany a 2 star review:

The historical interest of this album is considerable: The Beatles, on the precipice of fame, playing their last Hamburg club show on December 31, 1962 (contrary to the 1961 date given on some liner notes). The problem, from a latter-day perspective, was that the Beatles didn’t play all that well, and, more importantly, the sound is not up to par in the least, as it was captured on a primitive portable recorder. That said, it’s interesting to hear the Beatles as they were in their club days, with a set list (almost exclusively covers) of early rock & roll tunes, several of which never made their way onto any official Beatle release.

Country of origin:	U.S.
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Lingasong
Catalog Number:	LS-2-7001
Year of Release:	1977
Format:	Stereo
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Julie London – Softly! Japan red vinyl test pressing LP with obi

Offered for sale is an original red vinyl Japanese test pressing of the 1968 LP Softly! by Julie London, including the original obi.

This album has the same cover as the U.S. release Easy Does It, but mostly has different material.

About this copy: This copy of Softly! is a 1968 Japanese pressing on the Liberty label, pressed on “Everclean” red vinyl.

The cover is VG++ with slight ring wear on the front cover lamination.

The obi is VG+ with a few wrinkles, but no tears. The “hojyuhyo” (reorder tag) is still attached.

The plastic-lined white sleeve used for promotional copies is included. The lyric insert is missing.

The red vinyl test pressing disc is M- on side one, and VG++ on side two, with a couple of very faint scuffs. There are no spindle marks on the labels; the record may be unplayed. Clean disc!

A beautiful copy of a very rare Julie London LP.

Background: Released in 1968 in Japan, Softly! is a bit of an odd album. It has the same cover as the U.S. Easy Does It LP, but it has different track listings.

The two albums only have five songs in common.

Tracks on Softly are:

April In Paris
When I Grow Too Old To Dream
The Man I Love
I’ve Got A Crush On You
Everything I Have Is Yours
You Made Me Love You
Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home
I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
Show Me The Way To Go Home
I Surrender Dear
Me And My Shadow
You Go To My Head
There Will Never Be Another You
I’ll See You In My Dreams

Country of origin:	Japan
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Liberty
Catalog Number:	LP-8406
Year of Release:	1968
Format:	Stereo
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Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Deja Vu sealed Classic Records unreleased 45 RPM test pressing box #1/100!

crosby stills nash & young - deja vu classic records test pressing lp

Offered for sale is a still sealed U.S. test pressing of the unreleased 45 RPM 4 LP Clarity vinyl box set of Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

This copy is #1 of 100 copies pressed. The four discs are single-sided, 45 RPM, 200 gram clear vinyl.

About this copy: This copy of Deja Vu is a 2010 test pressing on the Classic Records label, pressed on single-sided, 45 RPM “Clarity” vinyl.

As the album is still sealed, the records are presumably new and unplayed.

The wrap is fully intact with no rips, tears, or holes. There are two hologram stickers under the wrap that hold the box shut. A third sticker on the box says “Classic Records 1 of 100 Limited Edition.”

A beautiful copy of a very rare Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young LP.

Note: Classic Records did release Deja Vu as a single-disc, black vinyl 33 1/3 pressing on 200 gram vinyl.

They later intended to release the album as a four record set, cut at 45 RPM, and pressed on single-sided 200 gram clear “Clarity” vinyl, but the company went out of business before the album could be released in that format. One hundred numbered test pressings exist of the 45 RPM Clarity vinyl version. No stock (retail) copies exist.

Background: Deja Vu is the second album by Crosby, Stills and Nash, with the addition of Stills’ former bandmate in Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young. The album reportedly took 800 hours of studio time to record, and became one of the most anticipated releases of all time.

Deja Vu reached #1 on the U.S. album charts and has been certified platinum 7 times. It also reached #5 in the UK. The songs “Our House,” “Teach Your Children,” and “Woodstock,” all reached the American Top 40.

Allmusic.com gave Deja Vu a rare 5 star review:

One of the most hotly awaited second albums in history — right up there with those by the Beatles and the Band — Déjà Vu lived up to its expectations and rose to number one on the charts. …. Déjà Vu worked as an album, a product of four potent musical talents who were all ascending to the top of their game coupled with some very skilled production, engineering, and editing. There were also some obvious virtues in evidence — the addition of Neil Young to the Crosby, Stills & Nash lineup added to the level of virtuosity, with Young and Stephen Stills rising to new levels of complexity and volume on their guitars…. All of this variety made Déjà Vu a rich musical banquet for the most serious and personal listeners, while mass audiences reveled in the glorious harmonies and the thundering electric guitars, which were presented in even more dramatic and expansive fashion on the tour that followed.

About Clarity vinyl: About Clarity vinyl: In 2008, Classic Records determined that magnetic particles in regular black vinyl were compromising playback results. This was due to trace metal contained in the carbon black that was added to the vinyl during manufacture.

Classic worked with Kenan, a PVC manufacturer, to produce a proprietary vinyl compound that did not use carbon black, and thus did not contain these distortion-causing magnetic elements. The resulting vinyl compound was called Clarity vinyl, and Classic intended to eventually produce all of their titles using this new vinyl.

Country of origin:	U.S.
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Classic Records
Catalog Number:	SD-7200
Year of Release:	2010
Format:	Stereo
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Julie London – Around Midnight Japan red vinyl test pressing LP

Offered for sale is a red vinyl Japanese test pressing of Around Midnight by Julie London.

About this copy: This copy of Around Midnight is a 1963 Japanese pressing on the Liberty label of an album that was originally released in 1960, pressed on “Everclean” red vinyl.

The cover is VG with moderate ring wear and some wear at the edges and corners.

The obi and lyric insert are missing.

The red vinyl test pressing disc is M- with a faint inaudible scuff on side one. Clean disc!

A beautiful example of a very rare (and very good) Julie London LP.

Background: Released in 1960, Around Midnight was the twelfth album by Julie London.

The album did not chart.

Allmusic.com gave Around Midnight a 4 star review:

In 1960, pop vocalist Julie London was really cranking out albums for the successful label Liberty Records. The success of her 1955 hit “Cry Me a River” put Liberty into overdrive and London responded by making some of the strongest records of her career. Her ability to interpret a song was at its strongest in the late ’50s and early ’60s, as is evidenced on the shimmering Around Midnight. While some of her best recordings were front of small jazz combos, Around Midnight proves that London was just as effective in front of larger orchestras and bands.

Country of origin:	Japan
Size:	12″
Record Label:	Liberty
Catalog Number:	SLBY-1038
Year of Release:	1963
Format:	Stereo
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