Vinyl pressings
by Leadbelly · 1970
Leadbelly was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1970, 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.
P AL-30035-1E A T1Side A runout, Variant 1
o P BL 30035-1D 2DSide B runout, Variant 1
P AL-30035-1H 1T ASide A runout, Variant 2
P BL 30035-1F 1T ASide B runout, Variant 2
o P AL-30035-1D S A1A runout
o P BL 30035-1A Ƨ 1DB runout
AL 30035A label
BL 300354B label
64103 A1Side A, stamped
64103 B1Side B, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Australia | CBS BP 233906First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | Australia | CBS BP 233906First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | UK | CBS M 64103 / CBS 64103First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | US | Columbia C 30035First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1970 | US | Columbia C 30035First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1977 | Spain | Columbia S 64103LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | UK | Travelin' Man TM 8810LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | CBS BP 233906LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Canada | Columbia C 30035LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Canada | Columbia C 30035LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | Columbia PC 30035LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | Columbia PC 30035LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
12 vinyl pressings of Leadbelly are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1970 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Australia. One of them is Columbia C 30035.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use C 30035, M 64103, BP 233906) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P AL-30035-1E A T1 and o P BL 30035-1D 2D. 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.
