Vinyl pressings
by Bar-Kays · 1968
A Hard Day's Night / I Want Someone was first pressed on vinyl in 1968. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 3 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.
VLT-12638-11Variant 1 - A side runout etched
VLT-13873-A-11Variant 1 - B side runout etched
VLT-12638-11 AT LW WVariant 2 - A side runout etched
VLT-13873-12 AT LW WVariant 2 - B side runout etched
VLT-12638-2Side A
VLT-13873-ASide B
VLT-13873 SPSide A
VLT-12638 SPSide B
VLT-13873-1 LW AT W (SRC-logo)in dead-wax side A
VLT-13873 SPSide A
VLT-12638 SPSide B
VLT-13873-22 MR (in circle) LW AT △70246 WSide A
VLT-12638-23 MR (in circle) LW AT △70247 WSide B
VLT-13873-22 MR (in circle) LW AT △70246 WSide A
VLT-12638-23 MR (in circle) LW AT △70247 WSide B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | France | Stax 169.030First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | France | Stax 169 030First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | UK | Stax 601036First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene · Promo |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1968 | US | Volt 45-158First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of A Hard Day's Night / I Want Someone are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in US, UK, France. One of them is Volt 45-158, released February 1968.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-158, 601036, 169.030, 169 030) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VLT-12638-11 and VLT-13873-A-11. 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.
