Scope and Content Note
The Columbia Records Paperwork Collection spans the years 1923 to 1964 and contains materials such as record label orders, record label copy sheets, press release information, recording studio job sheets, and cut-out project information (describing records to be cut out of the catalog). Many of the papers, if not the whole collection, appear to have come from the Columbia Records pressing plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Matrix Numbers: The concept of the matrix number is important in understanding the arrangement and contents of the collection. A matrix number is assigned by the recording company to identify each side of a disc recording. Often but not always unique, it may consist of letters, numbers, or both and may include a prefix and/or one or more suffixes. It is usually etched or stamped on the inside margin of the disc between the playing surface and the label. The matrix number can be useful in dating a recording and may indicate the take of the performance featured on the recording. Additional information may be included as well.
Matrix Number Prefixes Found in the Columbia Records Paperwork Collection: The following list of matrix number prefixes identifies the majority of the discs referenced in this collection. The first letter of the prefix represents the diameter of the disc: Z is the 7-inch diameter indicator, and X is the 12-inch diameter indicator. The default size is always 10 inches, which is why there is no special 10-inch indicator.
Additional information on matrix numbers can be found in the Columbia Matrix Number file located in the Recorded Sound Research Center in the Library of Congress.
- XTNY
- 12-inch experiments or commercials, New York
- XTV
- 12-inch mono (monophonic) LP master
- ZLP
- 7-inch stereo single master
- ZSP
- 7-inch mono single master
- ZSV
- 7-inch stereo master
- ZTS
- 7-inch mono single master
- ZTSP
- 7-inch mono single master
- ZTV
- 7-inch mono single master