Collector's Encyclopedia
Vinyl
Anatomy
The Jacket (Outer Sleeve)
The heavy cardboard outer cover. This can be a 'Single Jacket' or a 'Gatefold' (which opens like a book). This is where the primary artwork lives.
The Dead Wax (Runout)
The smooth area between the end of the music and the center label. This contains the 'Matrix Numbers'—the unique codes that identify the exact pressing and factory.
The Spindle Hole
The hole in the center. If it's a 7-inch single, it might be a 'Large Hole' requiring an adapter. For 12-inch LPs, it's a standard small hole.
Inner Sleeve
The paper or poly bag that holds the record inside the jacket. We always recommend upgrading these to anti-static 'Rice Paper' sleeves.
OBI Strip
A paper band wrapped around the left side of Japanese pressings. It contains Japanese text and is highly prized by collectors for increasing value.
The Grooves
Where the music lives. The 'Lead-in' is the outer edge, and the 'Lead-out' is the inner spiral that guides the needle to the label.
The "Dead Wax" Secret
Every record has a story scratched into the center. By reading the Matrix Runout, you can find the engineer's initials or even secret messages (like "Porky Prime Cut"). This is the gold standard for verifying if a record is a true first pressing.
Learn how to verify pressings →