Artist
Elton John
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- Primarily recorded using analog multi-track magnetic tape during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were mainly pressed at RCA and UNI Records pressing plants.
- Lacquer Cut:
- The frequency ranges in his music can lead to inner-groove distortion if the lacquer cut isn't optimized for low-end response.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors look for matrix codes such as 'A-1' or 'B-1' in the runout for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Dating back to 1973, the original DJM pressing stands as the definitive vinyl grail for Elton John collectors.
- Best Reissue:
- For an accessible alternative, the 2014 Universal 180g remaster of 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' delivers exceptional pressing precision.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The dense multitrack vocal harmonies and electronic sub-bass frequencies characteristic of Elton John's production demand a stable microlinear stylus to prevent high-frequency sibilance.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Crate companions that natively share this specific vinyl profile include Gary Numan (Beggars Banquet) and Kraftwerk (Capitol).
