SOFT MACHINE - - 1976 UK HARVEST LABEL TEST PRESSING "SOFTS" SHSP4056
£
50
$
59
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Description
SOFT MACHINE
"SOFTS"
ULTRA RARE
1976 WHITE LABEL PRE-RELEASE
UK TEST PRESSING
ON THE HARVEST LABEL
SHSP 4056
you will probably never find another!
SHSP 4056 A-1 & SHSP 4056 B-1
1st Pressing Machine Stamped Matrix Numbers
1G/1G
Earliest Possible Machine Stamped Stampers
HTM
In the run-out groove on both sides
WHAT IS A TEST PRESSING?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
When record companies manufacture vinyl records, they invariably produce a ‘test’ pressing to ensure that there have been no errors in reproducing the vinyl disk from the master tapes. Also, to ensure that the artist is happy with the final mix.
Often the mix on a test pressing differs from the one that is finally released e.g. if the artist feels that changes need to be made before release - this makes test pressings even more collectible. I have never listened to this test pressing alongside the final released version of the LP, so I am unable to tell if there are any differences.
Test pressings are produced in very small numbers (often between 5 and 10) with copies going to the artist, the producer, sound engineer and possibly an expert (e.g. a DJ) for comments. Most Test Pressings are destroyed after they have fulfilled their function. However, a few filter through to collectors - usually given to fans by either the artist or possibly via an expert who has been asked to comment on the Test Pressing. It is because of their rarity value that many record collectors actively seek out Test Pressings and/or Promotional records.
Test pressings do not have regular ‘printed’ labels. This would cost too much to produce for small-run test pressings. The information on the labels is invariably hand written or non-existent. The most common colour for test pressing labels is white but do appear in other colours too.
If the final record covers are available from the printers when the test pressing is made, then test pressings sometimes have their original covers - in this case the cover was not available when the test pressing was made and comes without an original cover.
Labels: White label 'test pressing labels with the sound engineer's handwritten track titles. Near Mint condition - see scans.
Cover: No cover.
Vinyl: Play tested. Both sides look and play Excellent.
Postage
£4.50 (UK - signed for)
£12(EUROPE - signed for)
£17.50 REST OF THE WORLD - signed for)
Gradings.......
Mint - The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality.
Excellent - The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality.
Very Good - The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratches.
Good - The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and more significant scratches.
Fair - The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise, it may even jump.
Poor - The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc
Bad - The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection filler.
price rating