Vinyl pressings
by Art Tatum · 1973
Art Tatum Masterpieces was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
MCA-218-W2. SIDE T̶W̶O̶ ◈-P-◈ 11Side A runout
MCA-220-W2. ◈-P-◈Side B runout
MCA-221-W2. ◈-P-◈ 1Side C runout
MCA-219-W2. ◈-P-◈Side D runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | MCA Records MAPS 7028First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-4019First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Italy | MCA Records AMCMP 23009 (MCA2-4019)First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | South Africa | MCA Records DLPA 183/4First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | MCA Records MCA2-4019First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1974 | Italy | MCA Records MAPD 7028LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-4019LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1979 | Australia | World Record Club R-05305 / World Record Club R-05306LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | US | MCA Records MCA2-4019LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | MCA Records MCA2-4019LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | US | MCA Records MCA2-4019LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | US | MCA Records MCA2-4019LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
12 vinyl pressings of Art Tatum Masterpieces are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1973 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Australia, Canada, Italy and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA2-4019.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA2-4019, MAPS 7028, AMCMP 23009 (MCA2-4019), DLPA 183/4) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA-218-W2. SIDE T̶W̶O̶ ◈-P-◈ 11 and MCA-220-W2. ◈-P-◈. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
