Vinyl pressings
by Hank Snow · 1952
Country Classics was first pressed on vinyl in 1952. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1952, 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.
E2PW 0305 A 1Etched Side A variant 1
E2PW 0306 A 1Etched Side B variant 1
E2PW 0307 A 1Etched Side C variant 1
E2PW 0308 A 1Etched Side D variant 1
E2PW 0305Stamped Side A
E2PW 0306Stamped Side B
E2PW 0307Stamped Side C
E2PW 0308Stamped Side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Canada | RCA Victor LPM 3026First year10", Album, Mono · Mono | 10", Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1952 | Canada | RCA Victor EPB 3026First year7", 45 RPM, Album, EP | 7", 45 RPM, Album, EP |
| 1952 | US | RCA Victor EPB 3026First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1952 | US | RCA Victor LPM 3026First year10", Album | 10", Album |
| 1952 | US | RCA Victor P 3026First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Mono · Mono | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Canada | RCA Victor LPM-1233LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | Germany | RCA Victor LPM-1233 / RCA Victor LPM 1233LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1956 | US | RCA Victor LPM-1233LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Japan | RCA RPL-2044LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1988 | UK | Stetson HAT 3084LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | RCA Victor LPM-1233LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Canada | RCA Victor LPM 1233LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | RCA LPM-1233 / RCA LPM 1233LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | RCA LPM-1233 / RCA LPM 1233LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | RCA Victor WP 30267", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set | 7", 45 RPM, Album, Box Set |
15 vinyl pressings of Country Classics are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1952 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1952, in US, Canada. One of them is RCA Victor EPB 3026.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EPB 3026, LPM 3026, P 3026) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, E2PW 0305 A 1 and E2PW 0306 A 1. 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.
