Quote:
Originally Posted by becca
Someone with a decent copy of the original LP could make a new mold from it, which would be pretty lousy quality, but they probably made a new master to press so many.
|
In all likelihood, Polydor still has the the original lacquer and acetates which could be used to press new copies whenever they desire. Master tapes are used to create a lacquer, which in turn is used to press the records. Unless they're using the same lacquer to press hundreds of thousands of copies, it is not likely that a new one needs to be created.
When an album is remastered, either for vinyl or digital, the master tapes are needed. Differences in sound from one pressing to another are often the rsult of different lacquers being used, from different mastering engineers. It is also normal for European, Asian and American releases to all be made with different lacquers, cut from different masters.
If you're curious about record-making, here's a great writeup. It is absurdly complex. There are also some videos on youtube.
http://eil.com/explore/guide/vinyl_making.asp