System Abbreviations
Page generated on 5/20/24
Here is a glossary of the system conventions used for the Nat King Cole discography. Instrument abbreviations are found on a separate page.
I. Media Type1. Transcription Disc
Performance stems from a transcription recording, not for commercial sale.
2. 78 12"
Performance issued on a 12-inch 78 rpm for nonprofit V-Discs.
3. 78
Performance issued on a standard 78 rpm disc.
4. 78/45
Performance issued on both a 78 rpm disc and 45 rpm single.
5. 45
Performance issued on a 45 rpm single.
6. 33 rpm Single
Performance issued on a promotional single that plays at 33 rpm.
7. EP
Two or four performances issued on a 45 rpm for an 'Extended Play' release.
8. 78 Album
Performance issued on a 78 rpm disc that was packaged within an album. A 12-inch variant is also used.
9. 45 Box
Performance issued on a 45 rpm single and packaged in a boxed set.
10. EP Album
Performance issued on a 45 rpm Extended Play disc and packaged as an album.
11. LP 10"
Performance issued on a 10-inch Long Play record album or compilation.
12. LP
Performance issued on a 12-inch Long Play record album or compilation.
13. 45 rpm LP
Performance issued on a 45 rpm audiophile reissue of an original Long Play album.
14. 45 rpm LP Box
Performance issued on a 45 rpm audiophile reissue of an original Long Play album and packaged in a box set.
15. Reel
Performance issued on an open reel (reel-to-reel) tape.
16. CS/CD
Performance issued on cassette and Compact Disc.
17. CD
Performance issued on a Compact Disc album or compilation.
18. SACD
Performance issued on a Super Audio CD.
19. LP Box
Performance issued in a 12-inch Long Play boxed set.
20. LP/CD Box
Performance issued in an LP/CD boxed set compilation.
21. CS/CD Box
Performance issued in both a cassette and Compact Disc boxed set.
22. CD Box
Performance issued in a Compact Disc boxed set.
23. CD/DVD Box
Performance issued in a Compact Disc boxed set which also contains Digital Video Discs.
24. LaserDisc
Performance issued on the LaserDisc home video format.
25. VHS/LaserDisc
Performance issued on Video Home System and LaserDisc video formats.
26. VHS
Performance issued on a Video Home System tape.
27. DVD
Performance issued on a Digital Video Disc.
II. Recording Session Type1. Studio
Recordings produced for commercial purposes by a record label.
2. Sideman Sessions
Recordings produced for commercial purposes that do not feature Nat Cole as leader.
3. Overdubs
Posthumous recordings of Cole masters with updated accompaniment.
4. Radio
Recordings produced for broadcast purposes.
5. Early Transcriptions
Non-Capitol recordings of Cole that were produced for transcriptions of varied purpose.
6. MacGregor
Transcription recordings of Cole that were produced for MacGregor between 1941-1945.
7. Trio Time
A broadcast or an AFRS transcription of the
King Cole Trio Time radio program.
8. Television
Performances filmed or taped before or during a television broadcast, including airchecks.
9. NBC Show
Performances that stem from the
Nat King Cole Show television program, including airchecks.
10. Film Recordings
Recordings of Cole that were made for features, shorts, Soundies, or Snader telescriptions.
11. Live Recordings
Performances recorded on stage.
III. Performance Type1. master (no abbreviation is displayed)
The superior take of a performance, selected by a producer or engineer for commercial release. Most studio recordings are of this type.
2. mono
This master was recorded using multi-track tape but not issued in stereo. Masters recorded in mono do not bear this description.
3. composite
This master was created by combining two disk recordings, or by splicing together multiple tape recordings.
4. splice
This master was created by combining two tape recordings.
5. splice/mono
This master was created by combining two multi-track tape recordings but not issued in stereo.
6. rejected
This master was withheld from release because it was deemed unsatisfactory; a recording from another session is often issued in its place.
7. held
This master was not issued by the original record label, though it was saved for possible release at a later time.
8. lost
This performance is missing or destroyed.
9. underdub
This performance lacks secondary elements that were subsequently overdubbed to create a master recording.
10. overdub
This master features primary vocals overdubbed into a backing track, or new instruments recorded into an original track.
11. overdub/alt
This performance features instrumental tracks that differ from the official version of the overdub.
12. overdub/edit
This performance features new instruments recorded into an original track with a trimmed running time.
13. alt
Another complete take of a recording, and differences are heard when compared to the master.
14. alt/mono
An alternate take of a multi-track recording not issued in stereo.
15. alt/composite
This alternate take consists of multiple recordings spliced together.
16. rhl
This is a rehearsal or warm-up take.
17. fs
This is a false start; usually a breakdown shortly after the recording begins.
18. lfs
A breakdown further into a performance.
19. inc
An incomplete performance.
20. demo
A demonstration recording, not usually for commercial sale.
21. rt
A transcription or radio broadcast recorded for airplay or archival purposes.
22. film
This performance was filmed or kinescoped.
23. aircheck
This performance was part of a televised broadcast that survived as a sound recording made by a private listener, or for a sponsor of the program.
24. live
This performance was recorded on stage.
25. live/inc
This live performance was partially recorded, or only a fragment survives.
26. home
This performance was recorded at a private residence.