Glossary of acronyms and terminology for Vinyl Collectors

7" ( Inch )

means a 7-inch diameter, the smallest diameter used for vinyl records, mainly used for singles, although 7" EP's do exist. Mostly recorded at 45rpm, but some older UK records have been recorded at 33 1/3 RPM

Collector's are typically looking for 7" records with the picture sleeve in perfect condition. (On the other these singles with NO original sleeve are often worthless)

10" ( Inch )

10-inch the medium diameter of records, mainly used for EP's ( Extended Play ) records with 3-4 tracks.

BJ

Black Jacket ( Sleeve ) which is a type of record packaging where the record is enclosed in a plain black jacket or sleeve instead of a traditional printed album cover. "BJ" releases are often used for promotional purposes or as test pressings, and they are typically distributed in small quantities to record label executives or reviewers. In the vinyl record collecting community, black-jacket releases are sometimes sought after for their rarity and uniqueness, and they are considered to be collectible items.

AOR (Album Oriented Rock)

AOR stands for Album Oriented Rock, which is a radio format and genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. AOR is characterized by its emphasis on album-length recordings and a broad, mainstream appeal. The style features well-crafted, melodic songs with polished production values and a focus on hooks and harmonies. AOR artists often incorporate elements of pop, folk, and progressive rock, and the genre has been associated with acts like Fleetwood Mac, Boston, and Foreigner.

B/W

"Backed With" or "B-side With" and refers to the b-side of a single. See for example: JOHN LENNON - Jealous Guy B/W Going Down On Love

CC

Cut Corner - One of the corners of the album cover has been cut off. Usually to mark a discounted record.

CDM

La Chante Du Monde, is the oldest French music publishing house in existence. It was created in 1938 by Léon Moussinac. "Le Chant du Monde" is particularly known worldwide for having gathered the first collection of traditional music and ethnographic recordings. It commissioned composers to transcribe French oral traditions and music alike. ( Source: wikipedia )

CH

Cut Hole - The album cover has a hole cut into it. Usually used to mark a discounted record.

CND

"Club National du Disque" was a French record label, and has been active during the 1950s and 1960s.

CO

Cut Out, deleted item that has been saw cut, clipped or drilled by the record company to prevent it being sold as full price product.

DF

"Les Discophiles Francais" a French record label founded by Henri Screpel and had their first period of activity from 1940 until 1958. It was bought by Ducretet Thomson and the catalog was sold to Pathé Marconi EMI in the late '70s.

Die-Cut

An Album Cover / sleeve with a custom cut area or hole, usually intended to reveal a picture disc, coloured vinyl disc or the label, without having to remove it from the sleeve.

DL

DLP / 2LP

Double LP, an album with two Long Play records, can also be abbreviated as 2LP

DMM - Direct Metal Mastering

Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) is a method of vinyl record mastering that was developed in the late 1970s as an alternative to the traditional lacquer disc cutting process. In DMM, the audio signal is cut directly onto a copper disc, which is then used as the stamper to create the final vinyl records.

The DMM process offers several advantages over lacquer cutting. One of the main advantages is that it results in a lower noise floor, which means that the overall sound quality is improved. Additionally, DMM produces records with better high-frequency response, improved stereo imaging, and greater durability.

During the DMM process, the copper disc is first coated with a thin layer of photo-sensitive material. The audio signal is then cut into the surface of the disc using a high-powered laser beam. Once the cutting is complete, the disc is developed to remove the unexposed photo-sensitive material, leaving behind the groove that represents the audio signal.

The resulting copper disc is then electroplated with a layer of nickel to create a stamper, which is used to press the final vinyl records. Because the DMM process creates a stamper with a smoother, more consistent surface than lacquer cutting, the resulting records are less prone to surface noise and other imperfections.

DMM is a high-quality and efficient method of vinyl mastering that is still used today by some mastering engineers and record pressing plants.

EEC

The EEC (European Economic Community) was an organization that was formed in 1957 to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Its initial members were France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Over time, the EEC evolved into what is now known as the EU (European Union).

EP

An EP / Extended Play ) is a record which has two or three tracks on each side, can be 7", 10" or 12" in diameter

F/A

For Auction, item is for sale on an auction<

FOC

Fold Out Cover, see: Gatefold cover

Freakbeat

Freakbeat is the name for rare, collectable, and obscure British Invasion records. Usually, these are rare British blues and garage rock, bands that sounded a bit like the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, or the Bluesbreakers, but occasionally some of the tougher Merseybeat bands fit this category, too. The criteria for freakbeat is a little vague, and known basically to collectors who specialize in the style, but it generally is fairly obscure British Invasion of all

FS

For Sale or Factory Sealed ( see also Stil Sealed )

G

G - a ranking of a vinyl record or album cover usually based on Goldmine Grading for Viny Records. ( Background: the Goldmin grading for Vinyl was based on the grading of books. Book collection can be very old eg several centuries and good meant that these books were still in a acceptable condition. For vinyl records however good should only be used to complete your collection with a missing record, do not expect this grading to give a great sound. )

Gatefold , GF or FOC

Gatefold Cover, A sleeve folded down the centre to create a double pocket, some may have the opening on the inside (eg Pink Floyd's Meddle) more commonly the opening is on the outside. Can also be referred to as FOC ( Fold Open Cover ).

Glam Metal

Glam Metal ( Not to be confused with Glam Rock ) is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1970s and reached its peak in the 1980s. It features flamboyant and androgynous looks with heavy makeup, teased hair, and spandex clothing. The music combines heavy guitar riffs and solos with pop sensibilities and catchy hooks, and is characterized by upbeat and party-oriented themes, harmonized vocals, and polished production techniques. Some of the most popular bands include Bon Jovi, Poison, Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses, and Cinderella. Glam metal's popularity was driven in part by the rise of MTV and music videos.

Glam Rock

Glitter Rock

Glitter rock, a short-lived genre in the mid-1970s, was an extreme exploration of the fantasy-side of the reality-fantasy parents of heavy metal. Was staylized by the flashy appearance of the performers. The music merged theatrics and rock music of the early to late 1970's. There was as well a influence of the idea of alien life and an ever changing image in performance, music and artist in general.

HQ 180

High Quality Vinyl LPs which weights 180 grams. The High Quality 180 gram premium format offers a significant improvement in the sound of recordings. The HQ-180 is 50% heavier with 50% more mass, providing a more substantial platform for the phono pick-up system. The result is a more stable, focused image with tighter, deeper bass, crisp transient attack and improved channel separation. The HQ-180 is not only thicker and heavier, the new technology used to press the HQ-180 yields an even quieter surface, providing reduced noise and distortion components

HR

Highly Rated, Recommended

ISO

The abbreviation I.S.O. stands for "In Search Of", in also means "ISO" in vinyl record collecting refers to the term "Isolation," meaning a recording where background noise and other distractions have been minimized or eliminated. An "ISO" record is usually made from a direct transfer from the master tape to vinyl, with the aim of preserving the quality of the original recording. In vinyl record collecting, ISO records are often sought after and considered high-quality releases.

Italo Disco

Italo disco was a style of electronic dance music during the 80s. Though many of the artists came from Italy as the name implies, the term is sometimes used for groups in other European countries in conjunction with euro disco. Italo disco had a more synth pop/electro feel to it than American disco, which had funk and soul roots

LC / Labelcode

Labelcode is a unique 4-digit or 5-digit music label identification code that is assigned by Gesellschaft zur Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten ( GVL ), Germany. Since January 2017, Labelcode is no longer mandatory. Labelcode is still used in some occasions, for example, CD publishing. ( Source: Wikipedia )

Krautrock

Krautrock is a genre of experimental rock music that originated in West Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The term "krautrock" was originally a somewhat derogatory term used by the British music press to describe the unconventional and experimental music being made by German bands at the time.

Krautrock bands often incorporated elements of electronic music, jazz, avant-garde, and traditional German music, and rejected the traditional rock band format and song structures. They were influenced by a variety of sources, including the psychedelic rock of the 1960s, minimalist composers such as Terry Riley and Steve Reich, and the German art and literary movements of the time.

Some of the most well-known krautrock bands include Can , Neu! , Faust, Kraftwerk , and Tangerine Dream, among others. The genre had a significant impact on the development of electronic and experimental music, and its influence can be heard in a wide variety of genres, from punk rock to ambient music.

LCFD

"Le Club Francais du Disque" was a French Record label active from 1953 until 1968.

LOL

"L’oiseau Lyre" French music publishing house founded in 1932 by Louise Hanson-Dyer which also became a recording label for ancient and baroque music in 1948.

LP

The LP record, also known as the long-playing record or vinyl record, is a format for storing and playing music that was introduced in the late 1940s. It quickly became popular and remained the dominant music format for several decades until the rise of digital music in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite its decline in popularity, the LP record remains a beloved format among audiophiles and music collectors.

The LP record is a disc made of vinyl, a type of plastic that is durable and flexible. The disc is typically 12 inches in diameter and plays at a speed of 33⅓ revolutions per minute (RPM). The LP record can hold up to 30 minutes of music on each side, making it an ideal format for albums and longer musical works.

LP records are played using a turntable, which rotates the disc at the correct speed while a stylus, or needle, reads the grooves in the vinyl. The vibrations created by the stylus are amplified and played through speakers, producing the sound that we hear.

One of the benefits of the LP record format is its ability to reproduce high-quality sound. The physical grooves on the vinyl allow for a wider range of frequencies and dynamics than digital formats, which can sometimes sound compressed or lacking in depth. The warmth and richness of vinyl sound have been appreciated by music enthusiasts for decades, leading to a resurgence in vinyl sales in recent years.

The LP record has also been credited with revolutionizing the way music is consumed and enjoyed. Before the LP record, singles and 78 RPM records were the primary formats for recorded music. These formats could only hold a few minutes of music, making it difficult to enjoy longer works like symphonies or concept albums. With the advent of the LP record, musicians and record labels were able to create more complex and ambitious works that could be experienced in their entirety.

In addition to its audio quality and ability to handle longer musical works, the LP record has also become a beloved collectible item. Record collectors appreciate the unique artwork and packaging that often accompanies LP records, including gatefold sleeves, inner sleeves, and inserts. Some LP records are rare and valuable, making them highly sought after by collectors.

Despite its decline in popularity, the LP record remains an important part of music history and culture. Its impact on the way we listen to and appreciate music cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to be felt in the music industry today.

LVPD

La Voce del Padrone is the Italian version of "His Master's Voice"

LVDSA

"La Voz de Su Amo" is the Spanish version of "His Master's Voice"

LVDSM

"La voix de son Maitre" is the French version of "His Master's Voice"

Mastering

A mastering engineer is a professional who specializes in the final stages of audio production, specifically the process of preparing recorded music for commercial release. The role of a mastering engineer is to ensure that a recorded song or album sounds its best across different playback systems and devices, and to make any final tweaks and adjustments necessary to produce a polished, cohesive final product.

The mastering process typically involves several key steps, including equalization (adjusting the balance of various frequency ranges), dynamic range compression (reducing the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of the recording), and stereo enhancement (widening the stereo image of the recording). In addition, the mastering engineer may also make decisions about track sequencing, add fades and crossfades, and prepare the final product for replication and distribution.

The role of the mastering engineer is critical to the overall quality of a recorded work, and a good mastering engineer can bring out the best in a recording, making it sound clear, balanced, and dynamic. A mastering engineer must have a strong ear for detail, a thorough understanding of audio technology, and the ability to make decisions that enhance the overall sound of a recording.

Matrix Number

The number or numbers in the run-off groove of a record or around the centre ring on the playing side of a compact disc. Identifies a particular pressing from other pressings of the same item. For example, the only way to tell which mix of Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Relax' 12" you may have (there are three different ones with identical labels) is purely by the matrix in the run off groove. See also: stamper code

MFSL

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has been the undisputed pioneer and leader in audiophile recordings since the company's inception in 1977. Established by dedicated audiophiles, Mobile Fidelity's first and foremost goal was to offer faithfully reproduced high fidelity recordings that would compliment the numerous advances occurring in audio delivery systems. Throughout its history, Mobile Fidelity has remained true to this goal, pioneering state-of-the-art technologies and setting audiophile standards that remain in place today.

M, Mono

Mono, short for monaural, is a type of audio that is reproduced through a single channel of sound. Unlike stereo sound, which uses two channels to create a sense of spatial separation and directionality, mono sound can be played through a single speaker or headphone driver.

It is also commonly used in older audio technologies, such as vinyl records and cassette tapes, which were typically recorded and played back in mono.

While mono sound lacks the spatial separation and directionality of stereo sound, it can still provide a high-quality audio experience when properly recorded and played back through high-quality equipment. In fact, many audio professionals prefer mono recordings for certain types of music and other audio content, as it can provide a more focused and intimate sound than stereo.

Overall, mono sound is a simpler and more straightforward type of audio that can be suitable for many types of content, while stereo sound provides a more immersive and spatially separated listening experience.

NC

Neutral Cover, neutral sleeve, opposite of picture sleeve.

NM

Near Mint - a ranking of a vinyl record or album cover usually based on Goldmine Grading for Viny Records.

NOC

Non Original Cover or No Original Centre , can refer to an non original album cover and is also a UK record-collecting term meaning "No Original Centre" and is used as a reference to 7" records which have had their centre spindle hole enlarged by punching out (or dinking). Dinking is a post-manufacture change to a 7" record to make it playable on a jukebox. When a release with a push-out centre has had its centre removed then that is a form of dinking.

NO-PS No Picture Sleeve

"No-PS" is a term commonly used in the world of vinyl records to describe a record that does not come with a picture sleeve.

A picture sleeve is an outer cover or jacket that contains artwork, photographs, or other visual elements, usually featuring the album or artist's name and the tracklist. Picture sleeves were often included with vinyl records during the peak of their popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, but not all records came with them.

When a record is described as "no-PS," it means that it is being sold or offered for sale without the original picture sleeve. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as the sleeve being lost or damaged over time, or the seller acquiring the record without the sleeve.

While a picture sleeve can add to the collectibility and value of a vinyl record, many collectors are willing to purchase "no-PS" records if the vinyl itself is in good condition and the price is reasonable

NWOBHM - New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

NWOBHM stands for "New Wave of British Heavy Metal", a movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United Kingdom. It is considered a subgenre of heavy metal music and was characterized by fast-paced riffs, hard-hitting drums, and a distinctive, raw sound.

The NWOBHM movement was a reaction to the more polished sound of mainstream heavy metal at the time, such as the popular bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. NWOBHM bands were typically made up of younger, less experienced musicians who were inspired by punk rock as well as traditional heavy metal.

Some of the most notable NWOBHM bands include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Saxon, and Diamond Head. These bands, along with many others, helped to define the sound of the movement and set the stage for the rise of heavy metal in the 1980s.

The NWOBHM movement also had a significant impact on the development of other genres, such as thrash metal and power metal. The fast, aggressive riffs and raw energy of NWOBHM bands inspired a new generation of musicians, who took those elements and pushed them to even greater extremes.

Although the NWOBHM movement declined in popularity by the mid-1980s, its influence can still be felt today in the music of countless heavy metal bands around the world. The movement also helped to establish heavy metal as a legitimate genre of music, paving the way for its continued growth and evolution over the years.

OBI

An OBI is a paper strip which is usually wrapped around the left corner of the LPs or the CDs. The purpose of the OBI is mainly for the translation of the title into Japanese and to give additional information on the product. See our OBILand? Section for more information about OBIs. Obi-strips are very rare on Japanese items dating from before the late 1960s.

OIS

Original Inner Sleeve aka Custom Inner Sleeve. The inner sleeve of an album has been customized to include artwork, photos or lyrics,

OOP

Out Of Print, this recording (LP, CD) is no longer produced

OST (Original SoundTrack)

OST stands for Original Soundtrack, which is a recording of the music and/or dialogue from a movie, television show, or other media production. The soundtrack is typically released as an album that includes songs and music featured in the production, as well as any score or incidental music composed specifically for the production.

The purpose of an OST is to enhance the viewer's experience by providing additional emotional and contextual cues through music and dialogue. For example, a dramatic scene in a movie may be accompanied by a somber or intense piece of music, while a romantic scene may be accompanied by a soft, romantic ballad.

OSTs are often an important aspect of a film's marketing and promotion, as the soundtrack can generate interest and buzz among audiences. Many popular songs have become hits as a result of their inclusion in a popular movie or television show.

OSTs can also be important cultural artifacts, as they provide a snapshot of the music and popular culture of a particular era. For example, the soundtrack to the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever" is often cited as an important record of the disco era, while the soundtrack to the 1992 film "The Bodyguard" helped to popularize Whitney Houston's music and cement her status as a pop icon.

PH

Punch Hole or Promo Hole, a hole which has been punch into one of the corners of an album cover to mark a discounted record. ( Similar to Cut-Out )

Picture Disc (PD)

"Picture discs" are a unique and highly collectible format of vinyl records that have been popular since the 1970s. They are characterized by the use of full-color artwork or photographs printed directly onto the surface of the record, creating a stunning visual effect.

A picture disc is a type of vinyl record that has a printed design or image on one or both sides of the disc. Unlike a regular vinyl record, which typically has a plain black or colored surface, a picture disc can feature artwork, photographs, or other visual elements that are directly printed onto the vinyl surface.

The process of creating a picture disc involves pressing a layer of transparent vinyl on top of the printed design or image. This results in a record that not only plays music but also functions as a work of art, with the visual elements visible as the disc spins on a turntable.

Picture discs have been popular among collectors and music enthusiasts since the 1970s, and many artists have released special edition picture discs as a way to promote their music and offer fans a unique and collectible item.

PS

A picture sleeve is a type of paper or cardboard cover that is used to protect and display a vinyl record. Unlike a plain paper sleeve, a picture sleeve typically features artwork, photographs, or other visual elements that are directly related to the music on the record.

Picture sleeves are often used as a marketing tool to promote a new release, as they can attract attention and help to create a memorable and recognizable image for an artist or band. They can also be used to provide additional information about the music on the record, such as lyrics, liner notes, or production credits.

Picture sleeves became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, when the music industry was booming and record labels were looking for ways to stand out from the competition. Many classic albums from this era were released with iconic picture sleeves, such as The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". Today, picture sleeves remain a popular and collectible item among vinyl enthusiasts

S or SS

An SS (Still Sealed) vinyl record refers to a record that is still in its original factory-sealed condition. It means that the record has never been opened or played since it was originally packaged and remains in its pristine, untouched state. SS records are highly sought after by collectors and are considered to be in the best possible condition since they have not been exposed to potential damage or wear over time.

S.I.A.E.

The S.I.A.E. stamp on Italian vinyl records refers to the Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers). It is a stamp indicating that the record has been registered and licensed with the Italian copyright society. The S.I.A.E. is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties on behalf of artists, songwriters, and publishers in Italy. The presence of the S.I.A.E. stamp ensures that the record is authorized and compliant with copyright regulations in Italy.

Single

A single vinyl record, also known as a "single", is a type of vinyl record format that typically contains one song on each side. It is smaller in size compared to a full-length album or LP (long-playing) record. Singles are commonly released as a promotional tool for an artist's latest song or as a standalone release featuring popular tracks. They often come with a large center hole and are played at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM) on a turntable.

SOB

The term "Sticker on Back Cover" (SOB) refers to a sticker affixed to the back cover of a vinyl record album. These stickers can vary in content and purpose. They may include promotional stickers with information about the album, such as hit singles, special features, or limited editions. They can also include pricing stickers, record store promotional stickers, or other markings used to identify the album or provide additional information to potential buyers. The presence of a sticker on the back cover can sometimes affect the collectability and value of the record. Very often this sticker was used to display the price of the record.

SOC

The term "Sticker on Cover Cover" (SOC) refers to a sticker affixed to the back cover of a vinyl record album. These stickers can vary in content and purpose. They may include promotional stickers with information about the album, such as hit singles, special features, or limited editions. They can also include pricing stickers, record store promotional stickers, or other markings used to identify the album or provide additional information to potential buyers. The presence of a sticker on the back cover can sometimes affect the collectability and value of the record.

S , ST, S/T, Stereo

Stereo is a term used to describe audio that is reproduced through two channels of sound. These two channels are often referred to as the left and right channels, and they are used to create a more immersive audio experience by providing spatial separation and directionality to the sounds being played.

In a stereo audio system, the left and right channels are typically played through separate speakers or headphone drivers, which are positioned at different locations relative to the listener. This allows the listener to perceive sounds as coming from different directions, which can enhance the sense of realism and immersion in music, movies, and other audio content.

Stereo sound is typically recorded using two microphones that are placed at a distance from each other to capture sound from different directions. During playback, the signals from these microphones are mixed and played back through the left and right channels to recreate the spatial separation and directionality of the original sound.

Stereo sound is widely used in music, film, television, and other forms of media, and it has become the standard for most consumer audio systems. In recent years, advancements in technology have allowed for even more advanced forms of spatial audio, such as surround sound and 3D audio, which offer even greater immersion and realism.

Stamper

A stamper is used to "press" the vinyl. Pressing vinyl records over and over again is hard on metal stampers. Causing them to wear out, split, become scratched, etc. For a regular weight LP, one can press approximately 1000 records per set of stampers before we start to lose sound quality. For HQ-180 records, the general rule of thumb is one set of stamper per 500 records, due to the longer cycle time and added pressure needed to make the thicker record. Therefore, if you have larger orders, more stampers are needed to complete that order with the highest quality surface integrity. For instance, no one wants an LP from a stamper where the grooves have been damaged due to overuse.

TOC

Tape On Cover, or Tear of Cover

TP

Test Pressing

Uncut Picture Disc

An item which when commercially released was a shaped disc, but for test pressing purposes has been left circular with either a clear or coloured surround around the actual picture. Only ever a handful in circulation.

VA

Various Artists

VG

Very Good, see Vinyl Grading Guide

WLP

White Label Promo. Appears only on vinyl where the label is white and for promotional use only

White Label

A promotional pressing with a completely blank label denoting it is promo only. May also have unique black on white printed labels with just artist & title information or "A" & "B" symbols. Some white labels have different catalogue numbers to domestic releases

WOB

Writing On Back-Cover

WOC

Writing On Cover, or Without Cover

WOL

Writing On Label

WSOC

Water Stain On Cove

WTB

Want To Buy