ABSTRACT
A serial number engraved or embossed on each side of a disc record by the manufacturer, usually near the center; or on the circumference of a cylinder record. This number is a guide to the date of the record; it may indicate which take or performance is on the record; and it may provide other data as well. The matrix number is sometimes useful in the case of reissues, as it suggests whether or not the reissue does in fact offer the identical take as the earlier record.
