Vinyl pressings
by John Prine · 1976
Prime Prine - The Best Of John Prine was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. 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 1976, 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.
ST-A-763733 B @TGP (PR)Variant 1 Side A runout
ST-A-763734B @TGP PR) PVariant 1 Side B runout
ST-A-763733-C 0-1 SM1-2 (PR)Variant 2 Side A runout
ST-A-763734-C @TGP SP 0-1 SM1-1 (PR)Variant 2 Side B runout
ST-A-763733-RISide A, Variant 1
ST-A-763734-RISide B, Variant 1
ST-A-763733BBB-1 AT/GP (PR) PRCSide A, Variant 2
ST-A-763734BBB-1 AT/GP-1 PRC (PR)Side B, Variant 2
ST-A-763733 B AT/GP MR △21759(2)Var. 1-side A runout
ST-A-763734 B AT/GP MR △21759-X (1)Var. 1-side B runout
ST-A-763733 BB AT/GP MR △21759(2)Var. 2-side A runout
ST-A-763734 BB AT/GP MR △21759-X (4)Var. 2-side B runout
ST-A 763733-D SRC 1-1 sf atlSide A runout, etched variant 1
ST-A-763734-D SRC 1-1 sf atlSide B runout, etched variant 1
ST-A-763733B @tGP 0-1SM3-1 (PR)(SP)Side A runout variant 2
ST-A-763734-C @tGP SP 0-1SM1/ (PR)Side B runout variant 2
MX183415 SD-18202-1Side A runout, etched
MX183416 SD-18202-2Side B runout, etched
MX183415Side A label
MX183416Side B label
ST-A-763733- 1B-2G: o 24Side A runout
ST-A-763734- 1A-2GK DM 20Side B runout
STA-A-763733-Side A label
STA-A-763734-Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | Canada | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Atlantic SD 18202First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1976 | US | Atlantic SD 18202LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Europe | Atlantic R1 18202 / Atlantic 603497846085LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 2026 | US | Rhino Records RES1 18202 / Rhino Records 081227804299LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Prime Prine - The Best Of John Prine are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1976 and 2026.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, Australia, Canada. One of them is Atlantic SD 18202.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SD 18202) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-A-763733 B @TGP (PR) and ST-A-763734B @TGP PR) P. 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.
