Vinyl pressings
by Four Tops · 1971
Four Tops Greatest Hits Vol. 2 was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1971, 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.
A4RS-2988-1-D TC (loop) S1 M-740L HS-1875-1Side A runout etched, except (A4RS-2988-1-D) stamped
A4RS-2989-1-D 1 TC (loop) S2 M-740LSide B runout etched, except (A4RS-2989-1-D 1) etched
A4RS-2988-1-A HS-1875-1 M-740L S-1 2 - ISide A
A4RS-2989-1-A HS-1876. M-740L 5.2 2 ISide B
A4RS-2988-1-C HS-1875-1 M-740L. S.1. dh HSide A runout
A4RS-2989-1-C HS-1876 M-740L. S2 dh HSide B runout
HS-1875-2 A4RS-2988Side A label
HS-1876 A4RS-2989Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Australia | Tamla Motown STMLO 10076First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | Canada | Tamla Motown M-740LFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | Germany | Tamla Motown 1 C 062-92 870First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | New Zealand | Tamla Motown STMLM 6083First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 740LFirst yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 740L DJFirst yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 740LFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 740LFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | US | Motown M 740LFirst yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1972 | Brazil | Motown M 740L / Tapecar M 740LLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Tamla Motown 2C 062 - 92.870LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
11 vinyl pressings of Four Tops Greatest Hits Vol. 2 are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1971 and 1972.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in US, Australia, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Motown M 740L.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use M 740L, M 740L DJ, STMLO 10076, M-740L) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A4RS-2988-1-D TC (loop) S1 M-740L HS-1875-1 and A4RS-2989-1-D 1 TC (loop) S2 M-740L. 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.
