Vinyl pressings
by Freddie Hubbard · 1983
Sweet Return was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. 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 1983, 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.
STA 835300 G ANL STERLING I-I SRCA side runout
STA 835299 G ANL SRC STERLING IB side runout
ST-A-835299-SPA side label
ST-A-835300-SPB side label
ST-A-835299-ARA side label
ST-A-835300-ARB side label
STA 835299 G/ ANL STERLING I.I SRCA side runout
STA 835300 G ANL SRC STERLING 4B side runout
ST-A-835299-SPA side label
ST-A-835300-SPB side label
R/S Alsdorf 780108-1 A 18 STERLING 1. 3 S̶R̶C̶ [logo] GB STA 835299 G ANLA-side runout variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 780108-1 B STERLING STA 835300 G ANL SRC [logo] 1 1B-side runout variant 1
R/S Alsdorf 780108-1 A D STERLING 1.3 SRC [logo] STA 835299 G ANLA-side runout variant 2
R/S Alsdorf 780108-1 B STERLING STA 835300 G ANL SRC [logo] 1B-side runout variant 2
78-0108-1A-side label
78-0108-2B-side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | Atlantic 78 01081First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Europe | Atlantic 78-0108-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Atlantic 78-0108-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Italy | Atlantic 78-0108-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | Atlantic P-11426First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Atlantic 78-0108-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Atlantic A1 80108LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1983 | US | Atlantic 80108-1First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Atlantic 80108-1First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1983 | US | Atlantic 80108-1 / Atlantic S 089007First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Sweet Return are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, Canada, Europe, Italy and more. One of them is Atlantic 80108-1, released June 13, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 80108-1, 78 01081, 78-0108-1, P-11426) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STA 835300 G ANL STERLING I-I SRC and STA 835299 G ANL SRC STERLING I. 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.
