H.V. Waddell Co.

Vinyl pressing plant founded by Horace V. Waddell and located in Burbank, California. They began operations in 1953, and closed in the mid-80s. They were a longtime presser for MGM Records and London Records and subsidiary labels, as well as other companies. Identification tips: Waddell pressings often have a large "W" etched in the runout matrix. In some cases "WC" will be stamped instead. Pressings for London Records will often have a "W" suffix appearing in the label matrix. Pressings for MGM / Verve may not have any identifiable etchings in the runouts (Please refer to the section below for identification based on the size of pressing rings which appear on the labels.) Note.H.V. Waddell Co. never pressed records for Atlantic releases, so do not mistake the "M" found in the runouts of many Atlantic releases as the "W" from this plant. • Waddell pressings had a 2.875" (73 mm) 'deep groove' pressing ring from the '50s through the late '60s: see Award Winning Album. • From the late '60s to mid/late '70s, the 2.875" ring was often supplemented with another circular indent of 3.625" (92 mm) diameter. The two rings had a rough texture where they overlapped - see On The Threshold Of A Dream. • From approximately 1976, small 1.25" (32 mm) pressing rings were used, continuing through plant closure circa 1985. These often have a 'wavy' appearance to the inner pressing ring.