Vinyl pressings
by Jimmy Reed · 1963
Plays 12 String Guitar Blues was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 3 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.
63 3665 S 11-12-63 A RA AudioMatrixRunout A
63-3666 A RA S 11-12-63 AudioMatrixRunout B
63-3665Label A
63-3666Label B
63-3665 11-15-63 AudioMatrixA Side Etch, except "AudioMatrix" Stamp
63-3666 11-14-63 AudioMatrixB Side Etch, except "AudioMatrix" Stamp
63-3665 S Δ6127XSide A Runout, etched; MR, stamped
63-3666 S Δ6127XSide B Runout, etched; MR stamped
Δ6120(Side 1) Etched
Δ6120-X(Side 2) Etched
MR (in circle)(Both sides) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Canada | Vee Jay Records VJLP 1073 (C)First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | UK | Stateside SL 10086First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | UK | Stateside SL 10086First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJS 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP 1073First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJ 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP-1073First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJ 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP1073First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJS 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLPS 1073First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJ 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP-1073First yearLP, Album, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | LP, Album, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1963 | US | Vee Jay Records VJ 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP 1073First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1968 | UK | Joy Records JOYS 132LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Spain | Doblon 50.4112LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Vee Jay Records VJS 1073LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | US | Vee Jay Records VJ 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP1073LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | Vee Jay Records VJS 1073 / Vee Jay Records VJLP1073LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Plays 12 String Guitar Blues are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1963 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK, Canada. One of them is Vee Jay Records VJS 1073.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VJS 1073, VJ 1073, SL 10086, VJLP 1073 (C)) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 63 3665 S 11-12-63 A RA AudioMatrix and 63-3666 A RA S 11-12-63 AudioMatrix. 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.
