> -----Original Message-----
> From Tom Fine:
> We're talking about "For Broadcast Use Only" or "For Demonstration Use
> Only" records.
There are two levels of these. One is the very desirable white label
broadcast version (assuming it is in good condition) and the other is a
"street copy" with a "promotional copy" or "For Demonstration Use Only"
sticker and often a hole punched through it like a cut-out. These latter
copies were sent to reviewers, NARAS members and record store owners to
promote the record. They were nothing special quality-wise like the DJ
copies often were.
In many cases fairly large quantities would be sent as a bribe in order to
get a review printed. They were marked because no royalties were paid on
them and the artists didn't want them showing up as returns from
consignment. Naturally publishers took advantage of this practice and
frequently paid reviewers a pittance. It is yet another reason to never
believe anything that one reads in the music "press."
Most pressing plants including RCA offered different quality pressings at
different prices. It was partly a question of vinyl purity but more often
about how fast the presses were run and fillers that were added to speed
things up.
Bob Olhsson Audio Mastery, Nashville TN
Mastering, Audio for Picture, Mix Evaluation and Quality Control
Over 40 years making people sound better than they ever imagined!
615.385.8051 http://www.hyperback.com http://www.thewombforums.com
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