I have been collecting for some time and hate to appear ignorant but can someone explain to me the difference between a regular US promo 12" (for example U Got The Look PRO-A-2771) and a US promo advance (example 0-41833-A).

Would a promo advance be considered like a test pressing or a regular promo issue?

Thanks for all the help in advance and I look forward to hearing the replies.

Seems to me like an advance comes out before a regular promo is sent to radio station. But who knows. I'm curious now too.

Advance Promos are generally sent out to DJs weeks in advance and don't have artwork, or in some cases may be an early version of a song or different mix from the retail release. Plain white or brown sleeves and labeling are common. CDs just feature B&W tray cards. Their main purpose is to generate early interest.

Promos may be completely realized albums or cuts, or special mixes and usually have unique artwork or the commercial version's art with a "promotional only" stamp or marking. These can be give-aways or radio station copies.

There is no difference. A promo is a promo...
and by nature, they are normally sent out in advance of the commerical release
so a "promo" and an "advance promo" are the same thing.

Thanks Boris, I guess I need to update my list and add advance promos to it. Aside from Space, are there any other advance promos? Thanks.

I've no idea how many promos actually include the word "advance" in the
title. Though as I said, it doesn't mean anything, as ALL promos are "advance"
whether they state it or not.

I only remember seeing the word "advance" included on the promos from
the Come album, but that's not to say that it doesn't appear on other promos
too. I probably have a list somewhere of all the promos I'm aware of, but I
certainly wouldn't have noted whether they say "advance" or not.

I've only ever separated material into...
1. Commercially released product
2. Promotional product
3. In-house product
as they're the only logical and meaningful divisions
(along with sub-dividing by format and/or country of origin)