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Test Pressings & Acetates

Promo Discs

SINGLES

Test Pressings, usually with Test Pressing written on the label, with catalogue number, artist and recording time or date, are the first vinyl discs made at the factory. They are produced in small quantities (usually under 5 copies) to evaluate the quality of the disc before mass production begins. (Wikipedia).

Scroll to see all eleven single labels

NOTE: All the above test pressings are unusual looking discs as they give no indication of record label, titles or recording artist. Any additional material has been hand written on the labels.

Two sided black vinyl 45rpm discs.

All discs are U.S.A. pressings.

With the exception of the final one for Honky Tonk Heaven/Morning, Noon And Night which has little printed info, all bear the words "United Record Pressing Inc."

ALBUMS

NOTE: Shown above two different test pressings for the DUETS album plus sleeve.

NOTE: Shown above test pressing for the Sun Trio+ album.

NOTE: Shown above are two different test pressings for the ROCKABILLY album.

NOTE: Shown above is the label for the ten inch (25cm) Australian SUN ROCKS ON test pressing.

DUETS SUN 1011 U.S.A.

Credited to Jerry Lee Lewis|
Two different test pressings available.
One is on gold vinyl with white labels bearing a small Sun logo and the words "Test Pressing" printed in black. Plain white cover with "Two Giant Forces Meet - The Explosive Results Are Enclosed" rubber stamped on one side.
Second version is on black vinyl with white labels and small Sun logo and "Test Pressing" printed in black. Details of cover unknown.

TRIO+ SUN 1018 U.S.A.

Credited to Jerry Lee Lewis & Friends

Black vinyl LP with white labels the small SSS logo and the words "Test Pressing" printed in black. No other information on labels.

ROCKABILLY SUN 1021T U.S.A.

Two slightly different test pressings for the ROCKABILLY album release. Both are plain white labels sporting the Sun Records logo at the top. First has the word "approved" stamped in red ink and S-1021-T handwritten. Also came with a note on Shelby Singleton's letterheaded paper asking which songs would be suitable for single release. Under the centre hole is stamped test pressing"

Second looks slightly different to the first one but, other than the stamped word "Approved", mainly down to the handwriiten info..

SUN ROCKS ON SUN SNL.20006 Australia

Credited to Orion

White label album. Very rare test pressing for the ten inch (25cm.) release. This disc was pressed with Side 1 labels on each side. In the copy used for reference the number 1 has been altered by hand to read Side 2.

FRESH SUN 1028 U.S.A.

Credited to Orion

Black vinyl LP with white labels the small Sun logo and the words "Test Pressing" printed in black. Cover is a paper version of the released album. Enclosed was a paper insert featuring two promotional labels.