Reissue vs Original Grade (OG): What’s Your Choice?

By Jock — Crimson Vinyl

There are two kinds of vinyl collectors in this world: Those who swear by OG pressings like they’re sacred relics forged in the fires of Mount Doom… And those who love a good reissue because it’s clean, affordable, and doesn’t sound like someone sandpapered it during the mastering process.

Me? I’m somewhere in the middle — a proud fence‑sitter with a metal collection that’s half pristine reissues and half OGs that look like they’ve survived a bar fight at a Motörhead gig.

But let’s be honest: the debate between OG and reissue isn’t just about sound quality or authenticity. It’s about the hunt, the heartbreak, the wallet‑draining chaos, and the pure collector joy that keeps us digging through crates like archaeologists searching for ancient treasure.

So let’s talk about it — the thrill, the pain, the economics, and the eternal question: Reissue vs OG — what’s your choice?

🎪 The Vinyl Fair: Where Dreams Are Made and Wallets Are Destroyed

There’s nothing quite like walking into a vinyl fair. The smell of old cardboard sleeves. The sound of crates being flipped at 200 BPM. The collectors who look like they haven’t slept since the last Record Store Day.

You know the vibe.

You walk in with a plan — “I’m only spending $100 today.” And then you see it. A rare OG pressing of a metal classic you’ve been hunting for years. Your heart rate spikes. Your palms sweat. You start negotiating with your future self:

“Look, we don’t need groceries this week.”

This is the magic of the hunt — the moment you spot gold in a sea of battered 80s pop compilations and dusty country records. You pick it up, inspect the sleeve, check the matrix numbers like a forensic scientist, and convince yourself this is destiny.

And sometimes… it is.

Other times, destiny has a wicked sense of humour.

💸 The OG Heartbreak: When You Spend a Fortune… and Then It Gets Reissued

Let me tell you about the time I dropped a small fortune on an OG copy of Opeth’s Damnation.

I’d been hunting it for ages. Finally found it. Paid more than I care to admit. Walked out of that fair feeling like I’d won the vinyl lottery.

Ahhh Opeth Damnation...

Three months later — three — Opeth announced a reissue.

I swear I could hear the universe laughing.

And because the universe loves a sequel, it happened again with The Darkness – One Way Ticket to Hell… and Back. Another OG. Another chunk of cash. Another reissue announcement shortly after.

At this point, I’m convinced the record labels are watching me specifically. Some intern has a spreadsheet titled: “Records Jock Just Bought — Reissue Immediately.”

And while we’re here — Opeth, if you’re listening, please… for the love of all things heavy… hurry up and reissue Deliverance.   I’m begging you. My wallet cannot handle another OG hunt.

🎧 The Moment of Truth: You Found the OG Gem… But Does It Sound Good?

There’s nothing like the thrill of placing a newly acquired OG on the turntable. You lower the needle with reverence. You sit back, ready for sonic transcendence.

And then…

Grain. Static. A faint hiss that sounds like someone frying bacon in the background.

Or worse — A scratch so deep it looks like the previous owner used the record as a cutting board.

This is the OG gamble. You can inspect a record under bright lights, tilt it at every angle, squint like you’re trying to read ancient runes… But sometimes the damage hides until the needle hits the groove.

And when it does, you feel it in your soul.

Death Reissue with Splatter Vinyl

I’ve had OGs that look immaculate but sound like they were pressed on sandpaper. I’ve had reissues that sound absolutely phenomenal. And I’ve had OGs that sound so good they make you question whether modern mastering engineers are asleep at the wheel.

That’s the thing — you never really know until you spin it.

💵 The Economics: OG Prices vs Reissue Prices

Let’s talk money — because this is where the debate gets spicy.

OG Prices

OGs can be:

• Expensive

• Ridiculously expensive

• “I need to remortgage my house” expensive

Metal OGs especially. Some collectors treat them like holy artefacts. Some sellers price them like they’re made of gold leaf.

And look — sometimes the price is justified. Scarcity is real. Certain pressings are legendary. Some albums were barely pressed at all.

But other times… you’re paying $300 for a record that sounds worse than the $55 reissue sitting on the shelf at your local store.

Reissue Prices

Reissues, on the other hand, are:

• Affordable

• Accessible

• Clean

• Reliable

• And often pressed with modern mastering that absolutely slaps

Sure, not all reissues are created equal. Some labels cut corners. Some pressings are noisy.

Some artwork gets butchered.

But generally speaking, reissues give you:

• A fresh, clean copy

• No mystery scratches

• No “VG+” listings that are actually “G at best”

• No gambling

• No heartbreak

• And no need to sell a kidney

For most collectors — especially new ones — reissues are the gateway drug.

🔥 The Collector Brain: Why We Still Chase OGs Anyway

Here’s the truth:

Collectors don’t always make rational decisions.

We chase OGs because:

That Damn Darkness Reissue

• They feel special

• They feel authentic

• They feel like history

• They feel like owning a piece of the era

• They scratch the itch that reissues can’t reach

There’s something magical about holding an original pressing from the year an album dropped. It’s like time travel. It’s like connecting directly with the band, the studio, the

moment.

Even if the reissue sounds better. Even if the OG is scratched. Even if the price is absurd.

Collector brain is a powerful force.

🛒 My Stance: Crimson Vinyl = New Vinyl Only

Now, here’s where I stand — both as a collector and as the owner of Crimson Vinyl:

I stock new vinyl only.   Whether that’s:

• A brand‑new OG release

• Or the latest reissue

Why?

Because new vinyl gives you:

• Clean grooves

• Fresh pressings

• No surprises

• No scratches

• No “VG+” lies

• No heartbreak

And because I want collectors — new and old — to enjoy the pure sonic pleasure of vinyl without the stress of gambling on condition.

OGs are beautiful. OGs are special. OGs are part of the culture.

But reissues keep the music alive, accessible, and affordable.

And for a lot of people, that’s exactly what they need.

🎤 So… Reissue or OG? What’s Your Choice?

Here’s the truth — and the conclusion I’ve come to after years of collecting, hunting, crying, celebrating, and begging Opeth for reissues:

There is no winner.

OGs are magic. Reissues are practical. Both have their place. Both bring joy. Both keep the vinyl world spinning.

Collect what makes you happy. Collect what sounds good to your ears. Collect what makes your heart beat faster when you drop the needle.

Whether it’s a pristine reissue or a battle‑scarred OG — if it brings you sonic pleasure, it’s the right choice.

And if you ever find an OG of Deliverance that doesn’t cost the same as a used car… Please let me know. I’ll be at the next vinyl fair, flipping through crates, chasing gold, and probably buying something that gets reissued three months later.