Vinyl pressings
by Doc Watson · 1973
The Essential Doc Watson 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.
8 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 4 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.
V SD 45 A -1A P C 2Side A runout stamped
P V SD 45 B -1A C ASide B runout stamped
P V SD 46 A -1C 1 ASide C runout stamped
P V SD 46B -1C I A 1Side D runout stamped
V SD-45A-1B \ Ƨ ACenter Deadwax Side A Stamped, A, A Etched
V SD-45B-1B \ Ƨ A 1Center Deadwax Side B Stamped, A1, Etched
V SD 46A-1B \ ACenter Deadwax Side C Stamped, A, A Etched
V SD-46B-1B S B2Center Deadwax Side D Stamped, B, B2 Etched
VSD 4546 A-1E A1CSide A runout stamped
VSD 4546 B-1E A1CSide B runout stamped
VSD 4546 C-1E A1ASide C runout stamped
VSD 4546 D-1E A1BSide D runout stamped
VSD-45-1A DR 44Side A, etched
VSD -45-1-B2 B1A 1Side B, etched
VSD 46-2-A DRSide C, stamped
VSD-46-2-B A1A2Side D, etched
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 | Unknown | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Australia | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | UK | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Vanguard VSD - 45/46LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | US | Vanguard VSD - 45/46LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of The Essential Doc Watson are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1973 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, UK, Australia, Canada. One of them is Vanguard VSD - 45/46.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VSD - 45/46) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, V SD 45 A -1A P C 2 and P V SD 45 B -1A C A. 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.
