Private and Promo Records

Before a vinyl record was released to the public, a small number of copies were often pressed to be sent to distribution company executives and radio stations for promotional purposes. And in some cases these limited press runs were used so the band could approve the final layout, album cover, and sound quality.

These private and promotional pressings are valued highly today, because of their small quantities and because changes would often be made to the finished product, making the promo copies unique. They often have a 'cut-out' to indicate that they were not for public sale. Some even include papers for the recipients to verify their approval, which generally increases their value to collectors.