Vinyl pressings
by Herbie Mann · 1978
Sunbelt was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. 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 1978, 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.
ST-A-784147-AHand etched in runout, Side A
ST-A-784148-AHand etched in runout, Side B
ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Machine stamped in runout, Side A and B
(PR)PHand etched in runout, Side A and B
ST-A-784148-AA MR △23800 ① (PR) ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Side A runout
ST-A-784147-AA MR △23800-X ② (PR) ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Side B runout
ST-A-784147-MOSide A label
ST-A-784148-MOSide B label
ST-A-784 147-RILabel, side A
ST-A-784 148-RILabel, side B
ST-A-784147-AAA-1 PRCAlternate Label, side A
ST-A-784148-AAA-1-11 PRC (PR)Alternate Label, side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Australia | Atlantic SD 19204First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Italy | Atlantic W 50536First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | South Africa | Atlantic ATC9708First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Atlantic SD 19204First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Atlantic SD 19204First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Atlantic SD 19204First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Atlantic SD 19204LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1979 | Austria | Atlantic ATL 50 536LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Canada | Atlantic KSD 19204LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Germany | Atlantic ATL 50 536LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Atlantic ATL 50 536LP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of Sunbelt are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in US, Australia, Italy, South Africa. One of them is Atlantic SD 19204.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SD 19204, W 50536, ATC9708) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-A-784147-A and ST-A-784148-A. 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.
