Vinyl pressings
by Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys · 1966
Hank Williams was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1966, the album's first year, in 4 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.
MS-509 SIDE 1 64-MTS-818Side A, Variation 1
MS-509 SIDE 2 64 MTS 819 RE-1 XSide B, Variation 1
MS-509 SIDE-1 64-MTS-818Side A, Variation 2
MS 509 SIDe 2 64MTS 819 RE-1 XSide B, Variation 2
M-509 S-1 64-MT-318Side 1 (Etched)
M-509 S-2 64-MT-319Side 2 (Etched)
M-509 SIDE1 64-MTS-818-RE-1Side 1 (Etched)
M-509 SIDE 2 64 MTS 819 RE -1XSide 2 (Etched)
AA 236 098 1Y 1 670Side 1
AA 236 098 2Y 1 670Side 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Canada | Metro Records M-509 / Metro Records M-509(A)First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1966 | Canada | Metro Records MS-509(B)First yearLP, Stereo, Compilation | LP, Stereo, Compilation |
| 1966 | Canada | Ringside MS-509First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1966 | Netherlands | Polydor 236 098First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1966 | Scandinavia | Tip 634.024First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1966 | US | Metro Records MS-509First yearLP, Stereo, Compilation | LP, Stereo, Compilation |
| 1966 | US | Metro Records M-509First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | US | Metro Records M-509LP, Compilation, Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Repress, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Music For Pleasure MFP 1223LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Music For Pleasure MFP 1223LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
10 vinyl pressings of Hank Williams are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in US, Canada, Netherlands, Scandinavia. One of them is Metro Records MS-509.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MS-509, M-509, MS-509(B), 236 098) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MS-509 SIDE 1 64-MTS-818 and MS-509 SIDE 2 64 MTS 819 RE-1 X. 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.
