Hotel California, Eagles - Speciality Press
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Some Light Hairlines and Grazing. Gatefold Sleeve - Great Pic - Original Inner Sleeve - No Poster
pecialty Records Corporation (SRC) pressing specifically makes this a much more targeted listing for audiophiles. Collectors actively hunt "SP" copies because Specialty was widely considered the most consistent and high-quality US pressing plant for Warner/Asylum in the 70s.
Eagles – Hotel California (Specialty Pressing)
Artist: Eagles
Title: Hotel California
Format: Vinyl LP (SP Variant)
Original Release: 1976
Label: Asylum Records
Manufacturing: Specialty Records Corporation (Olyphant, PA)
The "Deep Dive" Details:
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The "SP" Identification: To prove this is the Specialty press, check the label matrix (the small code printed on the record label itself). It must end with -SP (e.g.,
7E-1084-A SP). If it says "CSM," "PRC," or "MO," it’s from a different factory. -
The "SRC" Logo: Look in the dead wax (runout) for a large S with an R and C tucked inside it (resembling a stylized target). This is the Specialty Records Corporation stamp of quality.
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The Scratched-Out Matrix (7E vs. 6E): Since Specialty often used the same metal parts for reissues, you might see the original 7E-1084 scratched out with 6E-103 etched next to it. This indicates a "Transition Press"—it’s a later pricing run but still used the high-quality first-generation lacquers.
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Sterling LH in the Wax: Even on the Specialty press, you should see the STERLING stamp and LH (Lee Hulko). Specialty was famous for preserving the low-frequency "warmth" that Lee Hulko mastered into the original tape.
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The Famous Dead Wax Messages: Like other early US runs, a genuine SP first or second press should still have the etchings:
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Side A: "IS IT 6 O'CLOCK YET?"
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Side B: "V.O.L. IS FIVE PIECE LIVE"
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Keywords: Eagles, Hotel California, Vinyl LP, 1976, Specialty Records Corporation, SP Pressing, SRC Logo, 7E-1084, 6E-103, Sterling LH, Lee Hulko.
Tags: Audiophile Pressing, Specialty Press, 70s Rock Vinyl, Eagles Collector, SRC Matrix.
MINT - sealed
NM - likely never played - almost perfect
VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play
VG - signs of wear, light scratches you can feel
GOOD - surface noise, visible groove wear
POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio
OIS - original inner sleeve
