Unusual writing on vinyl records
Posted by: mfazer on 26 August 2011
I was looking through some old 7" singles today, and noticed that on the vinyl between the end of the track and the centre is sometimes some writing scribbled. On my Kate Bush single, it clearly says "Up Yours Ugly". What is weird that I have two copies of this single, one being a picture disc, and both have the same writing on!
Has anyone else noticed any funny/odd writing on their vinyl?.
I think I should contact EMI for compensation, due to the upset and distress this has caused me
On the assumption that this is a serious query, the funny writing is left there by the Mastering Engineer, the one who operated the cutting lathe to make the master disc from which the stampers and the end-product were made.
At one London mastering room, the words 'A Porky Prime Cut' were typically left by Denis 'Porky' Peckham, as I recall, and you'll have to forgive me that I can't recall the other engineer who shared the habit, but had his own nickname.
On A Dawn After Dark * record there is written on the run off "For Bowsy and Frank"
I was mugged, left unconscious and hospitalised hitching to the gig. .
Nice gesture!
(DAD = Howard Johnson ex Kerrang journalist's band)
Bowsy was their roadie.
On "Star Trekking" the 45 has "Beam me up, Snotty" etched in the run-off area.
Look for some funny writing saying "Bob Ludwig".
Dave
Got me interested in checking a few vinyls.
Billy Bragg Workers Playtime has "Bye Bye Boling Broke" on the run off, whatever that means.
What a good thread.
I have seen the writing on vinyl run off, but never thought of reading it before now.
I am now going to have to look everytime i play some vinyl.
Stu
It's an interesting curiosity.
Similar to the microchip etchings made by some engineers, I think dating way back from early '60's manufacturing, onward.
There are some amusing "pictures" etched onto some chips
Denis must have been the 'other' mastering engineer in their org, then...... Dennis.... Brown?
Must go googling
The run-out grooves of Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures presage a line from the follow-up. On the 1st side is engraved: "This is the way," followed by the matrix number "FACT 10 Outside". On the 2nd side: "Step" followed by the matrix number "FACT 10 Inside".
The run-out groove of side A of Exposure by Robert Fripp warns that , "1981 is the year of the Fripp," while that on side B proclaims that, "The aim is freedom, conscience and truth," the aim in question presumably the one that the sampled JG Bennett repeatedly insists on the title track is impossible to achieve without suffering.
The run-out grooves of Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures presage a line from the follow-up. On the 1st side is engraved: "This is the way," followed by the matrix number "FACT 10 Outside". On the 2nd side: "Step" followed by the matrix number "FACT 10 Inside".
The run-out groove of side A of Exposure by Robert Fripp warns that , "1981 is the year of the Fripp," while that on side B proclaims that, "The aim is freedom, conscience and truth," the aim in question presumably the one that the sampled JG Bennett repeatedly insists on the title track is impossible to achieve without suffering.
Paul,
Your post made me just go and look at my copy of Blue Monday/Beach Factoty 73.
B004FS108A.
It was easy to pick up as it was played on Friday and not put back in the rack.
Their is loads of stuff engraved on the run off groove on both sides.
I cant read it even under the spots though?
To much black on black for my eyes.
Stu