Expert: Bill V. - 5/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill,

I have recently been made aware of a US single sided test pressing that was made of the song "Snake eye", which I have seen on AC/DCdb, which was never released as a commercial single.

I have been offered a very similar single sided test pressing of a song that was never released as a commercial single in the country where it was pressed, it's a Bon Scott track, from between '77 to '79 (without giving the game away..lol). with hand written white factory labels. I have read somewhere(????), that these sort of pressings usually have a maximum press run of up to 5 copies and indeed some could be unique or the only surviving copy.

I would think they are probably worth more than the test pressings of singles that did eventually become commercial records, but I don't know.

My question is what money do you think these thing sort of records are worth, it's quite expensive to purchase, so I'd like to know a rough idea before I decide to purchase or not. I mean is it worth like say $100 US dollars or more like $500 US dollars.... any rough estimate will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

Bob

ANSWER: Hello Bob,

Thank you for your question.
If the "Snake Eye" test pressing is legit, it would normally have the A side along with it ("Heatseeker"). The same goes for the Bon Scott one you mention.

I have seen over the past year to year and 1/2 an unfortunate clutter of bootleg/pirate releases from a number of individuals around the world who have access to or must possess their own machines to press records, and this has resulted in an overwhelming amount of "test pressings" that are really nothing more than a home made record in someones basement or garage. Passing them off as authentic test pressings of very high value is the worst part of this.
Authentic test pressings should have correct matrix #'s, so without further information about the titles and sources, it's hard to say.

Best Regards,
Bill


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI Bill,
many thanks for your quick reply,

I have just looked on Popsike, and there are 2 entries for the Snake Eye record, but it appears to be the same record initially sold in 2004, then re-sold in 2005.
http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildatar.php?itemnr=4747461291

It gives a Matrix No. for the Snake Eye as Atlantic ST-A-53758-1, which appears to be unique, as does the record I have been offered also have a unique matrix number written on the label.

My question is, do you think this Snake Eye record is the real deal or some sort of fake/bootleg thing?

Many Thanks,
Bob

p.s.
I too have noticed a now almost inexhaustible supply of test pressings and promo's appearing out of the woodwork, as it were, for sometimes quite shocking prices, and therefore your advice and knowledge in these matters are greatly appreciated......thanks.

Answer
Hello Bob,

Thank you again for your question. It is my opinion that the "Snake Eye" record is not an official pressing, but actually a bootleg/pirate record, much like the "Satellite Blues" 7" single which was being passed off as a legitimate release many years ago. I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Bill

PS I would only trust "test pressings" that originated from Specialty Records which include a Specialty Records record label, and would always include the records artist, title, record number and matrix number, in either a type written or hand written format, and housed in a plain white sleeve.