pisar wrote:

Recently i found some records with two cat numbers.
Both numbers are similar...one number is on the sticker of vinyl when other one on eatching.

For example... "xxx" and "x.x.x"

Are there any rules which cat number should i use?

julesparis wrote:

the reference etched in the runout grooves is not a cat # per se - it's a master reference
some labels use the same reference as cat # and master ref. / some use slight variations of the same reference / some use something entirely different

I'd use the cat # given on artwork / labels as cat # and add a mention of the other reference etched in the notes section

BigTone wrote:

Same question came up (again) just a few days ago.

http://www.discogs.com/help/forums/topic/169639

Same answer.

BigTone wrote:

julesparis is correct re. runout etchings. Hopefully this will be in the SG soon.

From another recent thread ( http://www.discogs.com/help/forums/topic/168719 ) and others before it -
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This rule should be in the RSG (IMHO) :-

"ANYTHING engraved in the runout of a vinyl record is NEVER an OFFICIAL catalog number.

Etchings similar to Catalog Numbers in the runout area should only be considered for entry as Catalog Numbers when THERE IS NO OTHER CATALOG NUMBER INFORMATION ON THE RELEASE, AND ALSO the format of the etching is very similar to known catalog numbers used by the label for similar releases.

In this case, make it clear (via Release Notes) that the catalog number has been derived from an etching in the runout area and is not present anywhere on the release itself.

If in doubt, always use "none" as the Catalog Number."
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