Vinyl pressings
by Johnny Hammond · 1974
Higher Ground was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 4 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.
RVG SQ-98776•A-2• VAN GELDERRunout side A, variant 1
RVG SQ•98776•B-2• VAN GELDERRunout side B, variant 1
RVG SQ-98776•A-3• VAN GELDERRunout side A, variant 2
RVG SQ•98776•B-2• VAN GELDER TRunout side B, variant 2
RVG SQ 98776 AMatrix Side A
RVG SQ 98776 BMatrix Side B
KU-16-ASide 1 Etched
D-TO.Side 1 Etched
KU-16-ASide 2 Etched
D-TO.Side 2 Etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Brazil | One Way OW 596 / CTI Records OW 596First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Canada | Kudu KU-16First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Quadraphonic | LP, Album, Stereo, Quadraphonic |
| 1974 | Canada | Kudu KU-16First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | Japan | Kudu SR-3356First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1974 | US | Kudu KU-16First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | US | Kudu KSQ-16First yearLP, Album, Quadraphonic | LP, Album, Quadraphonic |
| 1974 | US | Kudu KU-16First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Spain | Kudu HKUS-771-05LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | France | CTI Records CTI 9032LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Kudu KU-16LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Higher Ground are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1974 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Brazil, Canada, Japan. One of them is Kudu KU-16, released February 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use KU-16, KSQ-16, OW 596, SR-3356) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RVG SQ-98776•A-2• VAN GELDER and RVG SQ•98776•B-2• VAN GELDER. 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.
