FAQ
Frequently (and Infrequently) Asked Questions.......and ANSWERS!
General FAQs
What is NPV Collectibles?
NPV Collectibles is a first-of-its-kind auction program offering fans and collectors the chance to own original vinyl LACQUERS and STAMPER PLATES used in the production of vinyl records. These are rare or one-of-a-kind artifacts from the vinyl manufacturing process.
What are LACQUERS and STAMPER PLATES??
LACQUERS – Where Sound Takes Shape! A LACQUER is the first physical representation of music, etched with precision to capture every nuance of the master recording. It’s fragile, rare, and historic marking the moment sound becomes tangible.
STAMPER PLATE – The Metal Memory. STAMPER PLATE are metal molds created from the lacquer via electroforming using nickel . Each set (A-side/B-side) presses 500–1000 records before wearing out, preserving the sonic fingerprint of the original cut.
Here is a great video showing the process - https://www.reddit.com/r/toolgifs/comments/ztqpn2/making_vinyl_records/
Why are lacquers and stamper plates considered valuable?
Lacquers are the first physical representation of sound, historic, rare, and typically discarded after use. Stamper plates are metal molds used to press vinyl records and wear out over time, making each set historically significant and rare. sonically unique. LACQUERS are almost always one-of-one, STAMPER PLATES are one-of-few.
Are these items functional or playable?
No. Each lacquer and stamper plate is permanently disabled to protect the original intellectual property and ensure they are purely collectible.
What’s the difference between a lacquer and a stamper plate?
A lacquer is the soft disc where audio is first cut using a lathe. Stamper plates are metal molds created from the lacquer via electroplating, used to press vinyl records.
How many records can a stamper plate press?
Typically, a set of A-side/B-side stamper plates can press between 500–1000 records before wearing out.
What happens to lacquers and stampers after production?
They’re usually discarded or recycled. NPV Collectibles rescues these artifacts and transforms them into authenticated, framed collectibles.
Product & Display FAQs
What comes with each collectible?
Each framed piece includes the original lacquer or stamper plate, authenticated hologram sticker, mini-album jacket image (often autographed), replica center label, dated plaque, and one-of-one/rarity badging. NFC-enabled digital authentication is also included.
How is authenticity verified?
Each item features NFC technology for secure, app-free authentication, along with physical documentation and branding. Matrix # is visible on each piece.
How does the NFC authentication work on NPV Collectibles?
Each framed piece includes two NFC tags:
– Front Tag: Located on the bottom center of the frame. Ideal for quick scans while the piece is on display.
– Back Tag: Embedded discreetly on the reverse side of the frame for archival or private verification. Cover sticker says "NFC TAP HERE!"
Tap either tag with your smartphone to instantly open a secure browser window confirming the item’s authenticity, auction history, and one-of-one status. No app required.
Can I see examples of past auctions or displays?
Yes. Examples are available on the New Press Vinyl Shopify store (Completed Auctions) and in presentation materials.
Auction & Purchase FAQs
How do the auctions work?
Auctions run for 7 days on our Shopify store, starting at $1 with no reserve. Bids must increase by at least $10. A 15-minute extension is added if a bid is placed in the final 15 minutes.
When do auctions start and end?
Auctions start at 11:00AM Eastern, and end at 5:00PM Eastern
What are the “Validation Tokens”?
To ensure that every registered bidder is valid, we employ a process where you are required to register by buying 100 bidding tokens for a marginal amount ($0.50 – the minimum charge amount on Shopify.) Each of these tokens will allow you to make one bid. This is done so that we can remove potentially “fake” bidders from the process.
When you buy the tokens, you also receive a one-time $10 rebate off a purchase.
We apologize for any inconvenience with this process, but the validity of our auction process is important!
What happens if I win an auction?
You’ll have 24 hours to complete your transaction. Payment is processed securely through Shopify. support@newpressvinyl.com is available for two-way communication on your purchase.
Can I bid on multiple items?
Yes, as long as you have a Shopify account, you can participate in multiple auctions simultaneously.