Top 10 Ways to Grab Test Pressings and Give the Perfect Vinyl Gift This Holiday Season
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Test pressings are often produced in small batches for quality control or promotional purposes, in other words they are limited edition, making them a perfect gift idea for vinyl collectors.
Here are some of the ways to keep an eye on upcoming test pressings or rare vinyl releases:
- Vinyl Me, Please (VMP)
Vinyl Me, Please, is a subscription service and vinyl label that releases limited-edition records and test pressings of popular albums, sometimes with alternate mixes or unique editions often before the full mass production. It has a dedicated upcoming featured albums section. You can also sign up for their newsletter for announcements.
- Third Man Records
Jack White’s label, known for its innovative and special vinyl releases, having previously released special test pressings from artists like The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and other popular musicians. Often announcing special vinyl pressings and test pressings on their website and social media.
- Record Store Day (RSD)
An annual event where vinyl collectors and music lovers can get test pressings or advanced copies of albums, and also exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases. Check their website for announcements about RSD drop dates and upcoming special editions. The spring and fall drops often feature rare or experimental releases, sometimes featuring limited test pressings.
- Discogs
The largest online databases for vinyl records often lists upcoming limited-edition and special vinyl pressings, including test pressings. Many sellers list test pressings of upcoming albums shortly after they are made available making it a good place to track new releases and check the "test pressing" listings. Use their filters to search for test pressings.
- Band and Artist Websites/Social Media
Test pressings can be part of an early fan promotion, pre-release event, or even offered as part of exclusive bundle packages. Follow artists and labels for sneak peeks at limited-edition vinyl, special test pressings, or alternative mixes.
- Specialized Vinyl Labels
Some labels and boutique vinyl presses are known for their exclusive releases of test pressings or special editions like:
- Dead Oceans
- Secretly Canadian
- Sub Pop
- Merge Records
- XL Recordings
Keep an eye on their websites and mailing lists for the latest announcements.
- Vinyl Auctions
Auction sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions and Sotheby’s sometimes feature rare test pressings that are up for bid before the full release including promotional pressings or extremely rare versions of upcoming releases.
- The Vinyl Factory
Known for its high-quality, limited-run pressings, it often works with popular artists to produce exclusive releases, some of which are test pressings or very small runs. Their website too is a great place to scout for test pressings.
- Limited-Edition Reissues
Keep an eye on upcoming 50th anniversary editions, deluxe box sets, or anniversary reissues by popular labels, often featuring test pressings or early access releases.
- Artist Crowdfunding Platforms
Independent artists or small labels often release test pressings or limited vinyl editions via platforms like PledgeMusic or Kickstarter before the full album release allowing backers early access to test pressings or limited-edition vinyl. Subscribing to your favourite artist’s crowdfunding campaigns is a great way to help them and for real music lovers to be there from the start.