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Buying Second-Hand Vinyl Online? Here's What I'd Look For
I've bought enough record collections to know that two copies of the same album can be completely different propositions. One might be a fairly ordinary later pressing worth £15. The other could be an early UK copy with a desirable...
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Vinyl Matrix Numbers Explained: How to Read Runouts
Why we spend so much time staring at the dead wax: how matrix numbers, runout markings and mastering clues help us identify collectible pressings at Impala.
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Vinyl Record Grading Explained: EX, VG+, VG & More
How we actually grade used vinyl at Impala — including EX, VG++, VG+ and VG, why the sleeve comes first, and why we would rather under-grade than over-sell a record.
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How to Identify a First Pressing Vinyl Record: UK Guide
First pressings are not identified by the date on the sleeve. Here is how we actually check catalogue numbers, labels, matrices, sleeves and inserts when buying for Impala.
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