Vinyl pressings
by Jethro Tull · 1977
The Whistler was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. 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 1977, the album's first year, in 10 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.
CHS 2135 A-1U A 1Runout side A, stamped, variant 1
CHS 2135 B-1U M 1Runout side B, stamped, variant 1
CHS 2135 A-1U M 1Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
CHS 2135 B-1U L 1Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
CHS-2135-A 1B sss5sSide A Runout [Variant 2]
CHS-2135-B 1B ssSide B Runout [Variant 2]
CHS-2135-ASSide A on label
CHS-2135-BSSide B on label
CHS-2135-A-1B s1Side A runout
CHS-2135-B-1S s1Side B runout
CHS-2135-A 1BSide A label
CHS-2135-B 1ASide B label
CHS-2135-A 1BA label
CHS-2135-B 1AB label
CHS-2135-M-A 1B SSSRunout Mono side
CHS-2135-A 1B SSRunout Stereo side
CHS-2135-AMLabel Mono side
CHS-2135-ASLabel Stereo side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Germany | Chrysalis 6155 095First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Guatemala | Chrysalis AC-C-3472First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 11 380 / Chrysalis 11380First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K 6700First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 21357", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1977 | US | Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | US | Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | US | Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1977 | US | Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | US | Columbia Record Productions CHS-21357", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo, Mono · Test pressing, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo, Mono · Test pressing, Mono |
| 1977 | Australia | Chrysalis K-6700 / Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Canada | Chrysalis CHS-2135First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Italy | Chrysalis CHN 2135First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2135First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2135First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
16 vinyl pressings of The Whistler are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 2135, released February 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 2135, CHS-2135, K-6700, CHN 2135) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS 2135 A-1U A 1 and CHS 2135 B-1U M 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.
