Vinyl pressings
by IF · 1972
If 4 was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
UAG 29315 A-1U R STERLING LH-2 1Runout, Side A
UAG 29315 B-1U P STERLING LH 1Runout, Side B
UAG 29315ALabel, Side A
UAG 29315BLabel, Side B
ECP-80534-A 1S3 5〄 2Jside A
ECP-80534-B 1S2 5〄side B
C 29315 A-1 Made in GermanyRunout side A stamped
C 29315 B-1 Made in GermanyRunout side B stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Australia | United Artists Records SUAL-934.587First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Australia | United Artists Records SUAL-934.587LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1972 | France | United Artists Records UAG 29315First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Germany | United Artists Records UAS 29315 IFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | Germany | United Artists Records UAS 29 315First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Italy | United Artists Records UAS 29315First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Italy | United Artists Records UA-G29315First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Japan | Capitol Records ECP-80534First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 1972 | New Zealand | United Artists Records SU AL 934587First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | UK | United Artists Records UAG 29315First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | Japan | Capitol Records ECP-80534First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Japan | Capitol Records ECP-80534First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | United Artists Records 29 315 ILP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Germany | United Artists Records UAS 29 315 ILP, Album | LP, Album |
14 vinyl pressings of If 4 are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in UK, Japan, Australia, France and more. One of them is United Artists Records UAG 29315.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UAG 29315, ECP-80534, SUAL-934.587, UAS 29315 I) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, UAG 29315 A-1U R STERLING LH-2 1 and UAG 29315 B-1U P STERLING LH 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.
