Vinyl pressings
by Hubert Laws · 1974
In The Beginning was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1974, 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.
RVG87700A-8 VAN GELDER T1Side A runout, variant 1
RVG87700B-8 VAN GELDER T1Side B runout, variant 1
RVG87701A-1ASide C runout, variant 1
RVG87701B-1ASide D runout, variant 1
T1 RVG87700A-8 VAN GELDER AA-Side runout etched/stamped Variant 1
P RVG 87700B-1E COLUMBIA NY AB-Side runout etched/stamped Variant 1
1 RVG 87701A-1B P BC-Side runout etched Variant 1
P RVG 87701B-1A 1 BD-Side runout etched Variant 1
PXT RVG 87700 A-3 VAN GELDERRunout Record 1 Side 1
PXT RVG 87700 B-4 VAN GELDERRunout Record 1 Side 2
PXT RVG 87701 A-1 VAN GELDERRunout Record 2 Side 1
PXT RVG 87701 B-3 VAN GELDERRunout Record 2 Side 2
RVG 87701A-1ASide A
RVG 87701B-1ASide B
RVG 8700 A-6 VAN GELDERSide A runout
RVG 8700 B-6 VAN GELDERSide B runout
RVG 87701 A-5 VAN GELDERSide C runout
RVG 87701 B-5 VAN GELDERSide D runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Canada | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP | LP |
| 1974 | Germany | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP | LP |
| 1974 | Japan | CTI Records GSW 3013~4First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Japan | CTI Records GSW 3013~4First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Japan | CTI Records GSW 3013~4First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3 + 3 S1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTI 6066First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | CTI Records CTX 3+3 S1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Spain | CTI Records 500-145/146 S (AS) / Hispavox 500-145/146 S (AS)LP, Album | LP, Album |
15 vinyl pressings of In The Beginning are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1974 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Canada, Germany, Japan. One of them is CTI Records CTX 3+3.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CTX 3+3, CTX 3 + 3 S1, CTI 6066, CTX 3+3 S1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RVG87700A-8 VAN GELDER T1 and RVG87700B-8 VAN GELDER T1. 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.
