If you’ve started building your vinyl collection, you’ve probably noticed that many classic records exist in multiple versions: original pressings, reissues, and sometimes even remastered editions. But what’s the difference and which one should you buy?
For DJs, collectors, and casual listeners, understanding the difference between an original pressing and a reissue can help you decide where to spend your money and how to shape your record collection.
What Is an Original Pressing?
An original pressing is the first batch of records made from the master recording when the album was originally released.
- For example, if a record came out in 1976, the very first run made by the label is considered the “original pressing.”
- Collectors often praise these because they capture the sound as it was first released, sometimes with slight quirks or imperfections that add to the charm.
- Original artwork, label designs, and inserts also make them highly sought after.
Why collectors love them: They often carry historical value, are limited in supply, and can (in some cases) appreciate in value over time. Most often, this version is the version with the highest quality sound.
What Is a Reissue?
A reissue is when a record label presses a new run of an old album, sometimes decades after its first release.
- Reissues can use the original master tapes, remastered versions, or even digital transfers.
- They often come on heavier vinyl (like 180g pressings), with updated packaging, and sometimes include bonus tracks or liner notes.
- For DJs, reissues are often the easiest way to access rare or expensive classics without paying a fortune.
Why DJs love them: Affordable prices, and accessibility of rare records that are difficult to find in original pressing form.
Sound Quality: Originals vs Reissues
One of the biggest debates among vinylheads is about sound.
- Originals often have a warmer, more authentic sound, especially if cut directly from analog master tapes. However, pressing quality varied by label and era. Some originals sound incredible, others not so much.
- Reissues can sound fantastic if they’re remastered properly. But sometimes labels cut corners, pressing from digital files or low-quality sources, which can sound flat compared to an original.
Rule of thumb: A well-done reissue can sound just as good (or better) than an original, but nothing beats a mint-condition, analog-mastered original pressing for true collectors. The 60’s are considered the best era for original pressings. This era is considered as the golden age for vinyl records as it was basically the only medium that people could buy their records on. A lot of care was put in the production and competition was fierce at the time.
Price & Availability
- Originals: Can be rare and expensive, especially for sought-after disco, funk, and jazz classics. Some originals easily sell for hundreds of dollars.
- Reissues: Much cheaper, often between €15–€30, and widely available from online shops, record stores, and labels like ZYX, Soul Jazz Records, or Full Time records.
For beginners, reissues are the best entry point into collecting. Originals are more for when you want to invest in specific artists that you are a big fan of.
Artwork & Packaging
- Originals: First-run artwork, sometimes with unique label designs or inserts that were later changed.
- Reissues: Sometimes recreate the original artwork faithfully, other times they modernize it with new logos or extras.
Collectors often care deeply about these small details. DJs usually less so (it’s what’s in the grooves that matters most).
Which Should You Buy?
It depends on your goals:
- If you’re a DJ → Reissues are perfect. They’re affordable, replaceable, and still deliver quality sound.
- If you’re a collector → Originals are where the magic is. They’re pieces of history and can rise in value.
- If you’re both → Mix and match. Grab reissues for everyday mixing, and save originals as your gems.
Personally, I do not care that much about which version I have. I only care about having the song that I love on vinyl so that I can play it. I do not have a Hi-Fi set up, so spending too much on a rare original pressing is not for me.
Not sure wether you bought an original or a reissue? You can always check on Discogs which version you have!
Conclusion
The debate between original pressings and reissues will always be part of vinyl culture and that is what makes it exciting! But the truth is, both have their place. Originals carry history and authenticity, while reissues make timeless music accessible for new generations of listeners and DJs.
In the end it does not matter whether you a collector that buys originals or reissues, as long as you enjoy the music that you buy and that are supporting the vinyl culture!
Now that you know how to spot originals versus reissues, you can search for the best spots to find rare records and pay a fair price for it!
