Vinyl pressings
by John Mayall · 1977
A Hard Core Package 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.
10 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 8 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.
AB-1039-A ② D \ SRunout Side A etched
AB-1039-B ③ A ~XS~Ԁ \ SRunout Side B etched/ Upside-down "P" stamped
AB-1039-ARunout Side A label
AB-1039-BRunout Side B label
AB-1039-A ② 8C SXT 1SSide A runout
AB-1039-B ③ SXT 2SSide B runout
AB-1039-ASide A label
AB-1039-BSide B label
1 S AB-1039-A ② A2Side A Runout, variant 1
1 S AB-1037-B ② A7Side B Runout, variant 1
1 S AB-1039-A ② A3Side A Runout, variant 2
1 S AB-1039-B ② A1Side B Runout, variant 2
9022-1039-A TLCSide A, etched
9022-1039-B TLCSide B, etched
S 25 237 ALabel side A
S 25 237 BLabel side B
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 | Canada | ABC Records 9022-1039First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | France & Benelux | ABC Records 25237 XATFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | ABC Records 25 237 XOTFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Italy | ABC Records ABC 473First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Mexico | ABC Records EDI - 60381First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Netherlands | ABC Records 25 237 XOTFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Spain | ABC Records 17.1243/5 / Mediterraneo 17.1243/5First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AB-1039First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AB-1039First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | ABC Records AB-1039First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | ABC Records 6-26-404-093LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | ABC Records 0062.738LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
12 vinyl pressings of A Hard Core Package are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, Canada, France & Benelux, Germany and more. One of them is ABC Records AB-1039, released March 19, 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AB-1039, 9022-1039, 25237 XAT, 25 237 XOT) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AB-1039-A ② D \ S and AB-1039-B ③ A ~XS~Ԁ \ S. 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.
