Vinyl pressings
by Bee Gees · 1973
Massachusetts 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.
4 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
2870196 1Y // 2 ∇ 420 11 2 4Runout, Side A, variant 1
2870196 2Y // 1 ∇ 420 11 1 9Runout, Side B, variant 1
2870196 1Y // 2 ∇ 420 12Runout, Side A, variant 2
2870196 2Y // 1 ∇ 420 12Runout, Side B, variant 2
2870 196 S1 320 Made In SwitzerlandRunout, A-side, stamped
2870 196 S2 320 Made In SwitzerlandRunout, B-side, stamped
2870196 1Y // 2 ∇ 420 12Side 1, stamped
2870196 2Y // 1 ∇ 420 12Side 2, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | UK | Contour 2870 196First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | UK | Contour 2870 196First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | UK | Contour 2870 196First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | UK | Contour 2870 196First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1978 | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | UK | Pickwick Records CNV 2002 / Contour CNV 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Contour CN 2002LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Massachusetts are listed here, from 1 country, released between 1973 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK. One of them is Contour 2870 196.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2870 196) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2870196 1Y // 2 ∇ 420 11 2 4 and 2870196 2Y // 1 ∇ 420 11 1 9. 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.
