Knowledge Base

Vinyl Authentication Guides

Everything you need to tell a genuine pressing from a counterfeit — written for collectors, by collectors. Browse by artist, by record label, or start with the complete authentication guide.

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Authentication Guides

Start here — the complete framework for spotting a fake.

How to Spot Fake Vinyl Records: The Complete Guide

Artist Counterfeit Guides

The most-faked artists, album by album.

Fake Beatles Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Led Zeppelin Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Pink Floyd Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake David Bowie Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Rolling Stones Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Sex Pistols Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Nirvana Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Fleetwood Mac Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Iron Maiden Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Bob Marley Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Velvet Underground Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Joy Division Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake The Clash Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Neil Young Records: How to Spot a CounterfeitFake Radiohead Records: How to Spot a Counterfeit

Buying Guides

Buy safely on eBay, Discogs, and at record fairs.

Buying Vinyl on eBay: How to Avoid Fake RecordsBuying Vinyl on Discogs: How to Avoid CounterfeitsBuying Vinyl at Record Fairs: How to Avoid FakesThe 50 Most Counterfeited Vinyl RecordsHow to Read Vinyl Matrix Numbers: A Complete GuideVinyl Record Label Authentication: How to Verify Any PressingBootleg vs Counterfeit Vinyl: What's the Difference?Record Store Day Fakes: How to Spot Counterfeit RSD ReleasesVinyl Record Grading Guide: Understanding Condition GradesHow to Sell Vinyl Records Safely: The Complete Guide

Label Guides

Authenticate by label — Parlophone, Atlantic, Island and more.

Fake Parlophone Records: How to AuthenticateFake EMI Records: How to AuthenticateFake Atlantic Records Vinyl: How to AuthenticateFake Island Records Vinyl: How to AuthenticateFake Factory Records Vinyl: How to Authenticate

Questions & Answers

Quick answers to the most common authentication questions.

Is My Vinyl Record Real?How to Check Vinyl Record Authenticity in 5 StepsWhat is a Matrix Number on a Vinyl Record?Vinyl Record Authentication ServiceHow Much Are Fake Vinyl Records Worth?Fake Records on Discogs: How Common Is It?Fake Vinyl Records on eBay: How to Protect YourselfIs It Illegal to Sell Fake Vinyl Records?Where to Buy Authentic Vinyl Records: Trusted SourcesOriginal Pressing vs Reissue vs Counterfeit: What's the Difference?What Is a First Pressing Vinyl Record?

Counterfeit Database

Album-by-album fake-spotting reference for the most counterfeited pressings.

Browse the Counterfeit Database →

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