Vinyl pressings
by Herman's Hermits · 1971
The Most Of Herman's Hermits was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 7 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.
SMFP 5216 A-2Runout side A, variant 1
SMFP 5216 B-2Runout side B, variant 1
SMFP-5216-A-3Runout side A, variant 2
SMFP-5216-B-3Runout side B, variant 2
SMFP 5216 A-2 MO 2Runout side A
SMFP 5216 B-2 L L 2Runout side B
SMFP 5216 ALabel side A
SMFP 5216 BLabel side B
SMFP 5216 A-2Side A Runout, Stamped
SMFP 5216 B-2Side B Runout, Stamped
SMFP 5216 ARunout groove, A-side, etched
SMFP 5216 BRunout groove, B-side, etched
SMFP.5216AA-side label
SMFP.5216BB-side label
SMFP 5216 A-2Runout Side A, Variation 1 - Etched
SMFP 5216 B-2Runout Side B, Variation 1 - Etched
MFP5216A//HD16655-1-YRunout side A, variant 1
MFP5216B//HD16656-1-YRunout side B, variant 1
MFP5216A//HD16655-1-Y 2 2 1Runout side A, variant 2
MFP5216B//HD16656-1-Y 5 1 1Runout side B, variant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Australia | Axis AXIS 6003First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | Australia | Music For Pleasure SMFP-5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | Denmark | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | Europe | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216LP, Compilation, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Remastered, Stereo |
| 1971 | Netherlands | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | New Zealand | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1971 | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Compilation, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1971 | UK | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | UK | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1971 | UK & Europe | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| 1975 | Netherlands | EMI 5C 050-93697LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Axis AX 1071LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Australia | Axis AX.701284LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | UK & Europe | Music For Pleasure MFP 5216LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
21 vinyl pressings of The Most Of Herman's Hermits are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1971 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in UK, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands and more. One of them is Music For Pleasure MFP 5216.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MFP 5216, AXIS 6003, SMFP-5216) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SMFP 5216 A-2 and SMFP 5216 B-2. 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.
