Vinyl pressings
by Hank Crawford · 1973
Wildflower was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
RVG SQ 98775 A-1 VAN GELDERRunout, Side A Variant 1
RVG SQ 98775 B-3 VAN GELDERRunout, Side B Variant 1
RVG SQ﹒98775﹒A-1 T VAN GELDER A4Runout, Side A Variant 2
RVG SQ 98775 B-1 T VAN GELDER A1Runout, Side B Variant 2
S RVG SQ ·98775·A - 1 · VAN GELDERSide A runout etched/stamped, variant 1
S RVGSQ·98775·B - 3 VAN GELDERSide B runout etched/stamped, variant 1
S RVG SQ ·98775·A·2· VAN GELDERSide A runout etched/stamped, variant 2
S RVG SQ·98775·B-3 VAN GELDERSide B runout etched/stamped, variant 2
RVG SQ 98775 A - 2 VAN GELDERSide A runout, variant 1
RVG SQ 98775 B -3 VAN GELDERSide B runout, variant 1
RVG SQ •98775 • A • 2 • B VAN GELDERSide A runout, variant 2
RVG SQ •98775 • B-3 O VAN GELDERSide B runout, variant 2
RVG SQ 98775 A-1 VAN GELDERRunout Side A
RVG SQ 98775 B-3 VAN GELDERRunout Side B
RVG SQ 98775 ALabel side A
RVG SQ 98775 BLabel side B
C.T.I. K.u. 15 A² Q TXD RA runout etched
C.T.I. Ku-15 B² Q TXD RB runout etched
RVG SQ 98775-AA label
RVG SQ 98775-BB 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | Kudu KU-15 / Kudu KSQ-15First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Kudu KU-15First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Kudu KU 15 / Kudu KU-15First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Kudu KSQ 15First yearLP, Quadraphonic | LP, Quadraphonic |
| 1973 | US | Kudu KU 15First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Kudu KU 15 / Kudu KU-15First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1974 | Argentina | Parnaso Records PNE 10028LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Japan | Kudu SR 3353LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Spain | CTI Records OW-595LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Brazil | Kudu 343-404-002 / One Way OW-595LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Japan | Kudu GP 3064LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Japan | Kudu GP 3064LP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Wildflower are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1973 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Canada. One of them is Kudu KU-15.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use KU-15, KU 15, KSQ 15) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RVG SQ 98775 A-1 VAN GELDER and RVG SQ 98775 B-3 VAN GELDER. 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.
