Artist
Bobby King
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- Bobby King's peak recording era utilized analog multi-track magnetic tape, commonly found in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at facilities like RCA and Columbia Records.
- Lacquer Cut:
- His recordings feature a wide frequency range, which can impact inner-groove tracking, especially in high-energy tracks.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors should look for matrix codes indicating first pressings, often featuring unique etchings from mastering engineers.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Dating back to 1992, the original Alligator Records pressing stands as the definitive vinyl grail for Bobby King collectors.
- Best Reissue:
- For an accessible alternative, the 2018 Fat Possum Records 180g remaster of 'Bobby King' delivers exceptional pressing precision.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The sharp mid-range transient spikes and acoustic engineering in Bobby King's master cuts require precise tonearm calibration to clear heavy vocal peaks without inner-groove distortion.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Crate companions that natively share this specific vinyl profile include Albert King (Stax) and B.B. King (ABC Records).
