Artist
Stevie Wonder
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- Stevie Wonder's peak recording era primarily used analog multi-track magnetic tape.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at Columbia Records and Motown's own facilities.
- Lacquer Cut:
- His records often feature wide frequency ranges, which can lead to inner-groove distortion if not cut properly.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors should look for etchings like 'TML' or 'MASTERED BY FRANK' for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Securing an authentic 1972 first pressing on the Tamla imprint remains the ultimate pursuit for anyone hunting down Stevie Wonder on wax.
- Best Reissue:
- Recent deluxe Motown catalog remasters successfully preserve the depth of the original Stevie Wonder audio master tapes.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The dense multitrack vocal harmonies and electronic sub-bass frequencies characteristic of Stevie Wonder's production demand a stable microlinear stylus to prevent high-frequency sibilance.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Collectors tracking this era typically search out companion pressings from Marvin Gaye (Tamla) alongside Curtis Mayfield (Curtom).
