Expert: James Michael Anderson - 12/1/2007

Question
Can anyone help me identify counterfeit Abbey Road LP? The copy I have just bought is on the apple label, cat no PCS 7088, plain white inner sleeve, laminated cover sleeve, alligned apple logo on rear of sleeve under side 1 track listing and Her Majesty credit on label. It all looks as it should do and as described in the Rare record price guide. However, when I compare it to my older copy of Abbey Road, the sleeve looks slightly paler in color, the vinyl feels slightly lighter, the apple labels are a very slightly lighter green around the actual apple and the apple is slightly yellower. On side 1 the matrix number in the run off grove is yex 749 4 and yex 750 3 on side 2 (compared to yex 749 2 and yex 750 1 on my older copy). I feel that my original copy is the real deal due to the slightly thicker vinyl, darker labels and richer color on the cover. I have come across these variations before. Is it usual or have I indeed bought a fake or just a later pressing?


Answer
It is more likely that you have bought a later pressing.  Unfortunately, all vinyls post 1987 were sourced from the same digital masters used for the original CD releases which were poorly sampled.  The vinyl was generally thinner and record more "tinny" in sound.  It sounds like you've got one of these.