Vinyl pressings
by Donald Byrd · 1976
Donald Byrd's Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. 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 1976, the album's first year, in 6 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.
BN-LA700-1- 33Side A runout, variant 1
BN-LA700-2-X 33Side B runout, variant 1
BN-LA700-1- 33 M3Side A runout, variant 5
BN-LA700-2- 33Side B runout, variant 5
T1 BN-LA-700-1-6 BSide A runout, variant 1
T1 BN-LA-700-2-7 ASide B runout, variant 1
T1 BN-LA-700-1-3 ̷B̷N̷-̷7̷0̷0̷-̷1̷-̷Side A runout, variant 2
T1 BN-LA-700-2-2 A2Side B runout, variant 2
BN-LA700-1-xSide A runout, variant 1
BN-LA700-2-x(2)Side B runout, variant 1
BN-LA 700-1- Ⓡ PSide A runout, variant 2
BN-LA 700-2-xSide B runout, variant 2
SMX.50145 2ASide A runout
SMX.50146 2ASide B runout
SMX50145Side A label
SMX50146Side B label
BN-LA700-G-A GT
BN-LA700-B DT
BN-LA700-1-
BN-LA700-2-X
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Blue Note L-36105 / Blue Note BN-LA700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | Blue Note BN-LA700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | Blue Note 84 561 XOT / Blue Note BN-LA 700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Mozambique | Muse Records BN-LA 700First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | New Zealand | Interfusion L 36105First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA700-G / Blue Note BN-LA 700-GLP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Blue Note BN-LA700-GFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1977 | Turkey | Ronnex RON 34LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
10 vinyl pressings of Donald Byrd's Best are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, Australia, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Blue Note BN-LA700-G.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BN-LA700-G, L-36105, 84 561 XOT, BN-LA 700) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BN-LA700-1- 33 and BN-LA700-2-X 33. 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.
