How to Spot an Original Nirvana Love Buzz 7" Vinyl

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:SpotOriginalNirvanaLoveBuzzVinyl

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Introduction The Love Buzz 7" vinyl record is the first official Nirvana release.It was

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Introduction

The Love Buzz 7" vinyl record is the first official Nirvana release. It was released in the US on Sub Pop Records as SP-23 on 10/88. This is considered the most collectable Nirvana vinyl one can own. The record typically goes for over $1000 and more for mint copies. Due to the collectibility and premium price the Love Buzz Vinyl is often counterfeited. Below is a simple check list to help you spot fake Love Buzz copies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

  • A seller willing to part with his/her copy of Love Buzz
  • A keen eye for details
  • Common sense

Steps

1

Step One

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The Albums entire cover is printed in black and white on thicker white paper. It is one sheet folded in half.
2

Step Two

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The official vinyl was only pressed in black vinyl, any other color is fake.
3

Step Three

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Only 1000 hand numbered copies were released with a limited number of unnumbered copies given away by Sub Pop staff and band members. A small handful just have a red slash in the number box. These numbers were created by a fine tip red felt pen. Numbers 1-540 were numbered by a left handed person. 541-1000 were numbered by a second person.
4

Step Four

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On back cover of the album several names and credits are listed. The original album had the names printed in black over some black background images. This has been the most difficult thing for counterfeiters to recreate due to limitations of copiers. On many fakes the names ALICE WHEELER and SUZANNE SASIC are paratially faded out due to the black on black issue. Their names will be clearly visible on all real Love Buzz albums.
5

Step Five

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On the actual record the Side A run-out groove reads: SP-23-A Why Don't You Trade Those Guitars For Shovels? L-31540. The Side B run-out groove reads: SP-23-B L-31540X. These messages are both hand written and are 2mm high. One known counterfeit has the saying: "Why Don't You Trade Those Guitars For Shovels". Notice the phrase is in quotes and it does not include the question mark, avoid these copies.
6

Step Six

There is a machine-stamped word on both run-out grooves, it reads, Kdisc. This is often very light and you may need to hold the disc up to a light to see it. If this is missing you are looking at a fake.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • If you see any unnumbered copies for sale make sure the seller gives you extra verification as most counterfeits come in this manner.
  • Original copies turn up on eBay several times a month
  • Most Nirvana Love Buzz albums coming from sellers in Japan or Asia are fake.
  • If you buy a Love Buzz copy on eBay make sure the seller provides pictures of all the above details.
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