Vinyl pressings
by Jean Knight · 1971
Mr. Big Stuff 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.
13 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.
SS-0279 M HC (MR) ^ △16160Side A runout etched / (MR) stamped
SS-0280 M HC (MR) ^ △16160-XSide B runout etched / (MR) stamped
SS-0279Side A label
SS-0280Side B label
SS-0279 SON M HC K-4759Side One runout
SS-0280 M HC SON K-4760Side Two runout
SS-0279Side One label
SS-0280Side Two label
SS-0279 ARP MHCSide A runout
SS-0280 MJLS ARPSide B runout
SS-0279Side A label
SS-0280Side B label
SS-0279 ARP MHCSide A runout etched / ARP stamped
SS-0280 MJLS ARPSide B runout etched / ARP stamped
SS-0279Side A label
SS-0280Side B label
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 | Canada | Stax STS 2045First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | Colombia | Stax 2325 046First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1971 | Germany | Stax 2325 046First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1971 | Germany | Stax 2325 046First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1971 | Japan | Stax MW 2038First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1971 | Nigeria | Stax 2325 046First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | UK | Stax 2362 022First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | LP, Album, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1971 | US | Stax STS-2045First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Spain | Stax 23 25 067LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1972 | US | Stax STS-2045LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | UK | Stax SXE 003LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | US | Stax MPS-8554LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
23 vinyl pressings of Mr. Big Stuff are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1971 and 1990.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in US, UK, Canada, Colombia and more. One of them is Stax STS-2045.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STS-2045, 2362 022, STS 2045, 2325 046) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SS-0279 M HC (MR) ^ △16160 and SS-0280 M HC (MR) ^ △16160-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.
