Records With "320"

[mtemur]

A couple of years ago I noticed records with "320" stamped on the matrix sound better than others. Recently I learned from a video of M. Fremer that 320 is the serial number of the Neumann lathe it's cut on and mastering facility is the tape vault of major labels in Hannover/Germany. I don't know if mastering facility is still active and what they do for impressive cutting quality but it's sure they sound great. Did anybody come across "320" or know anymore details?

 

[kodomo]

I thought that was a country designation, 320 for Germany.

 

[kodomo]

MATRIX_NUMBERS

check this one

 

[DasguteOhr]

polygram stopped production in hannover 25 years ago. The new owner EDC has been pressing records again since 2015. to the delight of many vinyl junkies in germany. Use google translator german

Hannover presst wieder Schallplatten

Vor 25 Jahren stellte die Entertainment Distribution Company in Langenhagen die industrielle Produktion von Schallplatten ein. Nun haben sie die Arbeit mit den schwarzen Scheiben wieder aufgenommen – denn Vinyl ist wieder in Mode.

www.haz.de

 

[mtemur]

I thought that was a country designation, 320 for Germany.

I haven't seen 320 on any other German pressing, just this one. the other numbers on the matrix are stamped too.

 

[mtemur]

MATRIX_NUMBERS

check this one

Thanks for sharing.

 

[mtemur]

In the link @kodomo shared it says:
Keith Stephens has been kind enough to send the following list of machine numbers and the countries in which they were used. Germany - 320

So it’s the serial number of the lathe in Hannover/Germany. Does anybody know any details about the mastering facility?

 

[mtemur]

This one is a reissue from 70’s and made in Holland. It has 320 stamped on the matrix and sounds great like other “320” records.

 

[bonzo75]

How does it compare to the original Verve?

 

[mtemur]

How does it compare to the original Verve?

I don’t have the US first pressing but I bought a 60’s reissue when I was in South Africa. It’s also pressed in US by Verve and has correct artwork. Compared to that, 320 reissue sounds much better on every aspect. It’s more dynamic and detailed. More intimate IMHO.

 

[mtemur]

Another nice example of great sounding 320 cutting/pressing

 

[zerostargeneral]

The 320 designates where the lacquer was cut, not always pressed at the same facility.

We have archived thousands of these as we believe them to be the ultimate in commercially available pressings.

Kindest regards, G.

 

[the sound of Tao]

The 320 designates where the lacquer was cut, not always pressed at the same facility.

We have archived thousands of these as we believe them to be the ultimate in commercially available pressings.

Kindest regards, G.

Given how good life was back in the 60’s I’m guessing there might also be a particularly cool version of all the great albums stamped 4:20 and known only to Miles Davis et al G…

 

[zerostargeneral]

Dearest Tao,

The cultural usage started way before the sixties. However you are correct to observe the eccentricities abound the music

Industry.

Kindest regards,G.

 

[mtemur]

The 320 designates where the lacquer was cut, not always pressed at the same facility.

Yes, 320 designates where the lacquer was cut but pressing plants also did a good job as well as cutting. I shared some photos of a 320 record pressed in Holland in one of my prior posts.

 

[kodomo]

Given how good life was back in the 60’s I’m guessing there might also be a particularly cool version of all the great albums stamped 4:20 and known only to Miles Davis et al G…

4:20 or 420 exists, are you reminiscing on your raver days Afaik, it should be the code for UK.

 

[mtemur]

We have archived thousands of these as we believe them to be the ultimate in commercially available pressings.

Very interesting, can you give a little information about that?

 

[the sound of Tao]

4:20 or 420 exists, are you reminiscing on your raver days Afaik, it should be the code for UK.

It’s amazing how early memories of the music from the late 60’s, the punk movement of the 70’s and the British goth bands of the 80’s thru to edm and early rave all seems like yesterday. Reminiscing… music style is such a time capsule.

 

[zerostargeneral]

Polygram test pressings;