Put the object in question on a table, get yourself a hammer and smash it to pieces. Original
CDs break with a sound that's close to the standard pitch "A". Copies usually only hit the "E".

coma, January 30, 2007; 9:40 AM

Coma, don't you think that's a bit harsh to someone who is "...new to soundtrck collecting business ..."?

None of us like being ripped off - I always kick myself for being so stupid - so surely it's good to ask fellow collectors.

For my answer to you, dimetr1313, I'd have to say that the best means is a combination of research and experience. This site should be your starting point for research: is the CD release being offerred for sale listed here and, if so, is it in the valid release or "bootleg" section? Also check other film score websites - if it isn't reviewed anywhere then you may want to question its validity. Check on-line CD retailers to see if it's listed (not a guarantee of validity as some do sell "bootlegs").

Experience comes with ... experience. You can't expect to know if something's good until you know when it's not. Any good quality copy will fool many people ... whatever product we're talking about ... so you won't always know when you have been sold a copy.

Bear in mind one golden rule, however: if it appears cheap then it's probably not the real thing!

Enjoy your soundtrack collecting ... better still enjoy the music - it's much better than mere collecting!

Mitch, January 30, 2007; 10:25 AM

I don't think anyone would take advice coma gave seriously.

Actually the way to check against copies is to hold the disc up to your eye and look through it. If objects take on a red or pinkish hue you got problems. If everything glows a bright green you get the cigar.

victoravalentine, January 30, 2007; 12:20 PM

Thanks for your responses, guys. But let me rephrase my question a little. Suppose I did all the research and everything seems OK. But when I actually get my CD, is there any way to know if it is original or a copy? Thanks again.

dimetr1382, January 30, 2007; 12:38 PM

I honestly don't know myself. So much technology nowadays to duplicate. I'm not even sure I've not been cloned.

Sometimes you can smell the damn things. If they smell like a plastic milk jug there's a pretty good chance something is up.

victoravalentine, January 30, 2007; 12:47 PM

I have found that collecting anything has its pitfalls (counterfeits, copies, forgeries, etc...). Learning the ropes is part of being a collector. Reading this and other forums is your best way to increase your knowledge base and of course asking questions when you can't find an answer. Sure you'll have to take some flack from time to time, but everyone has experienced it. You'll find that even people who have been collecting for MANY YEARS will get duped. Places like EBay where you can not physically view an item will always make it possible for you to get a fake even when you have done all the research.

hammon, January 30, 2007; 1:41 PM

Unless, David, we were to talk about a very rare edition.
As far as I can remember, that has happened in past with both a Jerry Goldsmith Tribute Album and a Varese Club title (was it 'Cherry 2000'?).

antonio_lerias, January 30, 2007; 6:17 PM

I'm also somewhat new to collecting,and it's interesting reading various views on originals and fakes from different music sites. Not necessarily talking about movie scores,but most people generally dismiss cdrs,and rightfully so. But some others give credence to the more "high glossy" fakes. In my view,they should all be viewed in the same light no? So one guy has a little bit more money and resources to make pressed silvers and artwork,but they are still unlicensed fakes right?....like this copy of the scores to "Red Sonja" and "What dreams may come" -------http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Sonja-What-Dreams-May-Come-Orig-Score-CD-NEW_W0QQitemZ300049982655QQihZ020QQcategoryZ58612QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

And the titles identified in this post----http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/forum/displayquestion.php?topicid=2827

None of these are offical releases,my question is are these individuals selling these or legit companies who get the music and press them? Obviously they can't be too legit if they are selling fakes. With all that said,some of those titles are definitly appealing to those who don't feel like paying high prices for some of those impossible to find scores,and many say the quality isn't bad. But where does a site like Ebay draw the line? They ban the most obvious pirated cds,but hundreds get away with putting lipstick on a fake and rake in the profits. It's a bigger problem with other genres.

Take this cat for example----- http://cgi.ebay.com/Aceyalone-Book-of-Human-Language-Instrumentals-CD_W0QQitemZ180080480243QQihZ008QQcategoryZ307QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD10VQQcmdZViewItem He is selling a hip-hop instrumental cd which is a fake with unacceptable quality. I know because I bought it before knowing an offical release was out. The humourous thing about it is that there are numerous copies of the offical release( http://product.half.ebay.com/A-Book-Of-Human-Beats_W0QQprZ45653544QQtgZinfo)floating around ebay and half.com,yet he continues to sell his bootleg!

You have many sellers,so called djs who take mp3s of mixes or a compilation of songs that anybody could have made from a cdr or something. They press them on silver cds,and call them promos. You have to check on an individual basis to see if they are authentic,some are offical promos,many are not.

perfectflaw007, January 30, 2007; 7:24 PM

http://www.copynot.com/Spotting%20counterfeit.html

At a glance some pirate cd soundtracks seem like perfect copies but under closer observation one could identify its flaws.

The different numbers and codes around the center of the cd is enough valuable information for one to consider and a dead give away when compared to the authentic manufactured official soundtrack.

serifiot, January 30, 2007; 8:45 PM

I sure am glad I can find them when there are no official releases

dspin24358, January 31, 2007; 6:20 AM

...especially the Hurricane ones.

;- )

serifiot, January 31, 2007; 3:17 PM