Expert: Michael Scott - 9/15/2008

Question
Hi Mike
I wrote to another expert and it was complicated to this person also. I recently obtain a very good copy of Sgt Pepper LHCB. I've researched the codes on line,. I just can't figure out how to determine what pressing it was. The Matrix #'s  are 637-1/638-1  side 1 has 1 at 9 o'clock  and GAT at 3 o'clock  Side 2 number is 4 and GDT. I don't mean to sound dumb but I can't comprehend how to determine the pressing. I hope you can shed some light on this.
Thanks so much
Jerry

Answer
There are a few factors that determine the pressing :-
1 . Label Design - for UK pressings 1967-69 - Sgt Pepper would have a Black and Yellow Parlophone label with Sold In UK  on the label and Gramophone Company rim remark .
1969 Pressings  - Yellow and Black labels , OMITS Sold in UK
1969-71 - One Box EMI Label
1971 onwards 2 box EMI

2 . Matrix numbers  ,as a general rule the earlier pressings and not always the first end in 1 , eg XEX 637-1 . So Pepper first pressing always end in 1  , only the later pressings end in 2 and so on  .

3 . The science of stampers is complicated  , the press used is the first stamper , the initial ( I believe ) refer to the operator  . The lower the press the earlier the press  . Each side is pressed separately .

I hope this helps and is not too vague , thanks