Vinyl pressings
by Bee Gees · 1971
Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year. 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.
00 2487 013 S1 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K DRunout side A, stamped, 90°rotated D
00 2487 013 S2 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K BRunout side B, stamped, 90°rotated B
00 2487 014 S3 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K BRunout side C, stamped, 90°rotated B
00 2487 014 S4 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K BRunout side D, stamped, 90°rotated B
00 2487 013 S1 1 C 3 3̶ ℗ 1970 G71◊KSide A, stamped
00 2487 013 S1 2 B 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊KSide B, stamped
00 2487 014 S3 1 ℗ 1970 X G71◊KSide C, stamped
00 2487 014 S4 1 ℗ 1970 X G71◊KSide D, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1974 | South Korea | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Japan | RSO MW 9919/20LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | Japan | RSO MW 9919/20LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| 1981 | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Austria | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Karussell 2674 007LP, Compilation, Repress | LP, Compilation, Repress |
16 vinyl pressings of Best are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1971 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in Germany. One of them is Karussell 2674 007.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2674 007) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 00 2487 013 S1 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K D and 00 2487 013 S2 1 ℗ 1970 G71◊K B. 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.
