Vinyl pressings
by Dexter Gordon · 1979
Great Encounters was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
AL 35978-2BSide A runout, variant 1
BL 35978-1BSide B runout, variant 1
AL 35978-2E S1Side A runout, variant 2
BL 35978-1E S2Side B runout, variant 2
IT AL 35978-2DSide A Variant 1 (stamped except for "IT")
BL 35978 -1C ITSide B Variant 1 (stamped except for "IT")
AL 35978-2ASide A
BL 35978-1BSide B
CBS-S-83643-A1SIDE 1
CBS-S-83643 B-1SIDE 2
AL 35978-2B 01_83643_2A 1Side 1, stamped
BL 35978-1A 01_83643_1B_1Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Brazil | CBS 225040 / Discos CBS 225040First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Europe | CBS CBS 83643First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Europe | CBS CBS 83643First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 1758First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | UK | CBS S CBS 83643First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Columbia JC 35978First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Columbia JC 35978First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Columbia JC 35978First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Spain | CBS S 83643LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Canada | Columbia JC 35978LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Great Encounters are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Brazil, Europe and more. One of them is Columbia JC 35978, released December 1979.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use JC 35978, S CBS 83643, 225040, CBS 83643) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL 35978-2B and BL 35978-1B. 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.
