Vinyl pressings
by Ersel Hickey · 1958
Bluebirds Over The Mountain was first pressed on vinyl in 1958. 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 1958, the album's first year, in 3 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.
ZSP43125-1B .A-Side Runout Etching, Variant 1
ZSP43126-1F ....B-Side Runout Etching, Variant 1
ZSP43125-1C .A-Side Runout Stamp, Variant 2
ZSP43126-1E ...B-Side Runout Stamp, Variant 2
ZSP 43125Label A
ZSP 43126Label B
ZSP43125-1D. TRunout A
ZSP43126-1B. TRunout B
ZSP 43125Label A
ZSP 43126Label B
C060133-1A
C060134-1A
C0 60133
C0 60134
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Canada | Epic 9263First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single |
| 1958 | Canada | Epic 5-2203First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1958 | Canada | Epic 5-9263First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1958 | New Zealand | Philips 263162 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1958 | US | Epic 5-9263First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene |
| 1958 | US | Epic 5-9263First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1958 | US | Epic 5-9263First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1958 | US | Epic 5-9263First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Epic 5-22037", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | Epic 5-22037", 45 RPM, Reissue, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Styrene |
| ? | US | Epic 5-22037", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
11 vinyl pressings of Bluebirds Over The Mountain are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1958, in US, Canada, New Zealand. One of them is Epic 5-9263, released February 1958.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 5-9263, 9263, 5-2203, 263162 BF) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSP43125-1B . and ZSP43126-1F ..... 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.
