Dub

Dub was born in Jamaica in the late 1960s, when sound engineers and producers began re-working reggae tracks into instrumental versions. This musical laboratory transformed the role of the studio into a true instrument, playing on echo, reverberation, and sound effects.

Pioneers like King Tubby, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Augustus Pablo paved the way, subsequently influencing entire generations of musicians, from reggae to electro. Later, collectives like Zion Train and High Tone extended this legacy internationally, giving dub a new and contemporary resonance.

Each dub vinyl record is an immersive experience: a dive into enveloping soundscapes where bass and drums dictate the tempo. These records invite us to a listening experience that is both physical and meditative. Let's relive the evolution of a genre that pushed the boundaries of musical production.

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Dub on vinyl: when the recording studio becomes an instrument

Why dub reaches its full potential on the black disc

As bass music par excellence, Dub finds its natural home on vinyl. The analog warmth of the groove faithfully renders the infinite reverb layers, deep kicks, and earth-shaking basslines that move both body and soul. Back in the days of Jamaican sound systems, dubplates, those one-off acetate pressings cut exclusively for sounds, were secret weapons, a legacy that the vinyl format keeps alive today in the hands of passionate collectors.

From Kingston sound systems to King Tubby's mixing desk

Dub was born in late 1960s Jamaica, almost by accident: engineers like Osbourne 'King Tubby' Ruddock began remixing B-sides of reggae singles, stripping out the vocal tracks and pushing bass and drums to the forefront. Soon, Dub became an art form in its own right. King Tubby, Lee 'Scratch' Perry in his mythical Black Ark studio, then Scientist, Prince Jammy, and Augustus Pablo elevated mixing to a creative act. Dub crossed the Atlantic to seed the UK scene with Mad Professor, Jah Shaka, and Adrian Sherwood, later branching into steppers, digital dub, and even dub techno.

Essential labels and major currents

On the label front, Jamaica's cradle shines through Studio One, Treasure Isle, and Trojan Records, while in England, Adrian Sherwood's On-U Sound, Mad Professor's Ariwa, and Greensleeves carried Dub into new territories. Roots dub enthusiasts will gravitate towards 1970s productions by King Tubby or Lee Perry's Black Ark sessions, whereas digital dub and steppers aficionados will favour 1980s-90s pressings where Scientist and Prince Jammy reign supreme.

Pressings and editions: A grail for every collector

An original 1970s Jamaican pressing on Studio One or Black Ark is a treasure, but beware of dubious reissues: look for carefully remastered editions from labels like Pressure Sounds or Soul Jazz Records. By comparing offers across different shops, Dub hunters can unearth everything from affordable reissues to sought-after collector's pressings. Vinyles.com, as a price comparison service, lets you see at a glance what several merchants are charging for the same record, with no bias. The Dub market is also full of excellent compilations, the Dub Massive series or Trojan Dub Box sets, perfect for exploring the genre without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Dub and Reggae?

Dub grew out of Reggae in the late 1960s. It essentially consists of instrumental versions reworked in the studio, where the sound engineer becomes the creator: bass and drums take centre stage, while reverb, echo and delay effects transform the original track into a hypnotic, spacious sonic experience. Albums like Lee Perry's 'Super Ape' or Scientist's 'Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires' perfectly embody this approach.

Which Dub pressings should I prioritise when starting a collection?

For beginners, quality reissues from labels like Pressure Sounds, Soul Jazz Records, or Music On Vinyl offer great value with excellent sound quality. Original 1970s Jamaican pressings (Studio One, Black Ark, Treasure Isle) are costlier and rarer but remain highly sought-after collector's items. Compilations such as the 'Trojan Dub Rarities Box Set' or 'Soul Jazz Records Presents: Dub' are also fantastic entry points.

Does Vinyles.com sell the records shown in search results directly?

No, Vinyles.com is a price comparison service: the site aggregates and compares offers from multiple partner online shops. You browse prices, pick the seller that suits you best (new, used, location), and are then redirected to their store to complete your purchase. Sales terms, shipping, and customer support are handled solely by the merchant you've selected.