From First-Time Buyers to Hardcore Crate Diggers

Vinyl records aren’t just about the music, they’re about pressings, condition, history, and sound quality. Whether you’re buying your first LP or hunting down rare pressings, understanding the language of vinyl collecting helps you make smarter purchases and better care for your collection.

Here are 12 essential vinyl record terms every collector should know, explained from beginner to expert level.

1. LP (Long Play)

An LP is a full-length vinyl album, typically 12 inches in size and played at 33⅓ RPM. Most classic and modern albums are released as LPs.

Beginner collectors usually start here — this is the standard album format.

2. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

RPM refers to how fast a record spins on the turntable. The most common speeds are:

  • 33⅓ RPM – LPs

  • 45 RPM – Singles and some audiophile pressings

  • 78 RPM – Very old records (pre-1950s)

Higher RPM often means better sound quality, especially for 45 RPM pressings.

3. 45 (Single)

A 45 is a 7-inch vinyl single, typically featuring one song per side. These are often used for hit singles, jukeboxes, and special releases.

Collectors love 45s for:

  • Exclusive mixes

  • Unique B-sides

  • Vintage artwork

4. Sleeve vs. Jacket

  • Sleeve: The inner paper or poly lining that directly holds the vinyl.

  • Jacket: The outer cardboard cover with artwork.

Pro tip: Using protective inner sleeves and outer poly sleeves helps preserve value and sound quality.

5. Pressing

A pressing refers to a specific production run of a vinyl record. Different pressings can vary by:

  • Year

  • Country

  • Mastering

  • Sound quality

Some pressings are far more collectible than others — even for the same album.

6. Original Pressing (OG)

An original pressing (often called “OG”) is the first commercial release of an album, pressed closest to when it originally came out.

OG pressings are often:

  • More valuable

  • Sought after for their sound

  • Historically significant

7. Reissue

A reissue is a later re-pressing of an album, often released years (or decades) after the original.

Modern reissues can be great because they:

  • Are more affordable

  • Use remastered audio

  • Are easier to find in clean condition

Not all reissues are created equal — quality varies widely.

8. Deadwax

The deadwax is the smooth area near the center label of a record. It often contains:

  • Etched or stamped markings

  • Mastering engineer initials

  • Pressing plant identifiers

Serious collectors check the deadwax to confirm authenticity and pressing details.

9. Matrix / Runout Numbers

These are the numbers and letters etched into the deadwax. Matrix numbers help identify:

  • Exact pressing version

  • Manufacturing plant

  • Order of the pressing run

This is essential knowledge for advanced collectors and rare record hunters.

10. Grading (Mint, NM, VG+, etc.)

Vinyl condition is typically graded using standardized terms:

  • Mint (M): Perfect, usually sealed

  • Near Mint (NM): Almost flawless

  • Very Good Plus (VG+): Light wear, plays great

  • Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear, still playable

Condition directly affects value, sound quality, and collectability.

11. Color Variant / Limited Edition

Many modern records are released on colored vinyl, splatter designs, or limited runs.

These variants are popular because they:

  • Look unique

  • Are often pressed in small quantities

  • Can increase long-term value

Not all color vinyl sounds worse, modern pressings can sound excellent.

12. Bootleg

A bootleg is an unauthorized vinyl release. These may include:

  • Live recordings

  • Unreleased material

  • Counterfeit copies of rare albums

Some collectors enjoy bootlegs, but they can be less valuable than official releases, and should always be clearly labeled. Bootlegs also often suffer from poor sound or low end recording. Often, the recording is made from an audience member, and isn’t what you’d hear on an official release. However, rare and hard to find bootlegs, even with poor sound quality, can still command a big price. Try to listen to any bootlegs prior to purchase.