The dead wax space (also called the run-out groove or matrix area) is the smooth section of a vinyl record between the last music groove and the center label.

Here’s what happens in that space:

End of the music – This is where the recorded audio stops so the stylus doesn’t run into the label.

Run-out groove – A locked circular groove where the needle spins until you lift the tonearm.


Matrix / etchings – You’ll often see numbers, letters, initials, or symbols scratched into the dead wax. These identify the pressing: catalog number, pressing plant, mastering engineer (like “RL” for Robert Ludwig), or sometimes even little messages from the band.

Technical purpose – It helps center and balance the record and protects the playable grooves.

So basically, it’s a “buffer zone” that also carries the secret codes about where and how your record was pressed.

Even my Record shop owner did not Know about ?

Looks like you're getting educated. Sometimes things are straight forward with identifying pressings, but not always. It can be a very expensive hobby when you pay first pressing prices for later copies. Also, be aware of swapping newer sleeves with the first pressing, happens a lot. Good luck with hunting.

I got a white label on - GET YOUR YAYAS OUT- I see some writings on the dead wax space but cant fugure it out ?

White label is usually a promo. If it's a UK pressing the matrix is machine stamped at the 6 o'clock position. If it's etched or not there than it's a counterfeit. USA copies are etched by the way.

High-profile Collectors always look at the dead space.
Covers, inners, labels and other details are only fenotype.
Genotype is in the dead vinyl.
When genotype and fenotype perfectly match, you got a ‘perfect’ copy.
If they collide, you have a hybrid and things get harder.
Low-profile Collectors tend to look at covers and, rarely, to labels.
That’s the reason why they often state they got ‘original’ or ‘first’ pressings while having a re-issue, instead.
Back to your question: 20%?

The key to the record lies in the dead wax and what might lie in those record grooves. Worth researching before buying any used vinyl given the cost of quality used records. Discogs and the Steve Hoffman site contain lots of vinyl information from knowledgeable people. Of course there are other information locations online as well, but those are a good place to start.

James Bond stuff

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steffiestones
The dead wax space (also called the run-out groove or matrix area) is the smooth section of a vinyl record between the last music groove and the center label.

Here’s what happens in that space:

End of the music – This is where the recorded audio stops so the stylus doesn’t run into the label.

Run-out groove – A locked circular groove where the needle spins until you lift the tonearm.


Matrix / etchings – You’ll often see numbers, letters, initials, or symbols scratched into the dead wax. These identify the pressing: catalog number, pressing plant, mastering engineer (like “RL” for Robert Ludwig), or sometimes even little messages from the band.

Technical purpose – It helps center and balance the record and protects the playable grooves.

So basically, it’s a “buffer zone” that also carries the secret codes about where and how your record was pressed.

Even my Record shop owner did not Know about ?

What kinda record store owner is this!!!

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Paddy

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steffiestones
The dead wax space (also called the run-out groove or matrix area) is the smooth section of a vinyl record between the last music groove and the center label.

Here’s what happens in that space:

End of the music – This is where the recorded audio stops so the stylus doesn’t run into the label.

Run-out groove – A locked circular groove where the needle spins until you lift the tonearm.


Matrix / etchings – You’ll often see numbers, letters, initials, or symbols scratched into the dead wax. These identify the pressing: catalog number, pressing plant, mastering engineer (like “RL” for Robert Ludwig), or sometimes even little messages from the band.

Technical purpose – It helps center and balance the record and protects the playable grooves.

So basically, it’s a “buffer zone” that also carries the secret codes about where and how your record was pressed.

Even my Record shop owner did not Know about ?

What kinda record store owner is this!!!

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!! It's bread & butter stuff for any serious collector.

A serious collector will spot a possible, pick it up to check it. They'll then ask the owner if it's OK to take the vinyl out carefully, and as well as checking the condition of the vinyl they'll look carefully at the gap between the last track and the innermost groove.

Captain Corella

I do not care about the dead wax space. But I do not collect vinyl records, not my cup of meat.

On the other hand, all those matrices strings and hub imprints for the CDs are the first thing I used to check.

You know, you can purchase them fancy In Mono Box or 45x45 Singles 1971-2006 from Ali Express really cheap. And some of those are already reappeared on ebay priced as regular official editions .

If I understand the topic, the most famous run out was after a day in the life on Sgt pepper, right? Also I seem to remember on some John Lennon single the words "Phil & Ronnie" etched into the run out

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bob r
If I understand the topic, the most famous run out was after a day in the life on Sgt pepper, right? Also I seem to remember on some John Lennon single the words "Phil & Ronnie" etched into the run out

XZAL 11018 Shelley 11-18-71 2 STERLING LH

In 1967 the Stones copied the Beatles by using the run out grooves on the 45rpm single “We Love You” / “Dandelion”.
In the run out a clip of the other song can be heard.
So, the A side had a clip of the B side and the B side had a clip of the A side.

Satanic Majesties also had “we wish you a merry Xmas” slowed down in the run out groove.

True, but it nothing to do with the off-trail data.
Data on the dead wax are about the making/ pressing of the record.