US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor PD 3504
- Format
- Compilation, LP · Top Fold
- Runout / matrix
POLP-80337-1A STERLINGSide A
POLP-80338-1A STERLINGSide B
POLP-80339-1A STERLINGSide C
POLP-80340-1A STERLINGSide D
Ginger BakerAt His Best
Vinyl pressings
At His Best
by Ginger Baker · 1972
13 pressings7 countriesRockBlues
At His Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of At His Best
7 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 2 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.
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor PD 3504
- Format
- Compilation, LP · Top Fold, Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POLP-80337-1C (MR) Δ17299Side A etched (Variant 1)
POLP-80338-1C (MR) Δ17299-XSide B etched (Variant 1)
POLP-80339-1C (MR) Δ17300 Δ17300(1)Side C etched (Variant 1)
POLP-80340-1C (MR) Δ17300-X(1)Side D etched (Variant 1)
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor PD 3504
- Format
- Compilation, LP · Terre Haute Pressing, Top Fold
- Runout / matrix
T1 POLP-80337-1D STERLING C3Runout side A
T1 POLP-80338-1D A3Runout side B
T1 POLP-80339-1D STERLING A3Runout side C
T1 POLP-80340-1D A2Runout side D
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor PD 3504
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Promo · Top Fold, Monarch Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POLP-80337-1C (MR) Δ17299 (1)Side A etched
POLP-80338-1C (MR) Δ17299-XSide B etched
POLP-80339-1C (MR) Δ39300 (1) X Δ17300(1)Side C etched (39 scratched out)
POLP-80340-1C (MR) Δ17300-X(1)Side D etched
US
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor PD 3504
- Format
- LP, Compilation, Promo · Top Fold, Capitol Scranton Pressing
- Runout / matrix
POLP-80337-1ASide A etched
POLP-80338-1ASide B etched
POLP-80339-1ASide C etched
POLP-80340-1ASide D etched
Canada
1972- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 2662 010
- Format
- LP, Compilation
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 13 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s9 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Canada | Polydor 2662 010First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1972 | Canada | Polydor 2662 010First yearCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1972 | US | Polydor PD 3504First yearCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1972 | US | Polydor PD 3504First yearCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1972 | US | Polydor PD 3504First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | US | Polydor PD 3504First yearCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1972 | US | Polydor PD 3504First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Japan | RSO MW 9033 / 4Compilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| 1973 | UK | RSO 2659 023LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
Year unknown4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | RSO 2658 103LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | RSO 2479 105 (LP1) / RSO 2479 106 (LP2)LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| ? | Italy | RSO 2671103 LCompilation, LP | Compilation, LP |
| ? | New Zealand | RSO 2671 103LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
Tracklist
- A1Let Me Ride4:22
- A2Had To Cry Today8:43
- A3I Don't Want To Go On Without You3:56
- B1Do What You Like15:21
- C1Da Da Man7:12
- C2Sweet Wine3:34
- C3Well All Right4:28
- D1Can't Find My Way Home3:13
- D2Aiko Biaye12:58
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of At His Best are there?
13 vinyl pressings of At His Best are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1972 and 1973.
When was At His Best first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, Canada. One of them is Polydor PD 3504.
How do I tell if my copy of At His Best is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PD 3504, 2662 010) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, POLP-80337-1A STERLING and POLP-80338-1A STERLING. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is At His Best on vinyl worth?
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.
