Vinyl pressings
by Lynyrd Skynyrd · 1974
Free Bird 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.
11 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 5 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.
MC 3582 W2 B.D.I ⧈-G-⧈A side runout etched
MC 2321 W2 B.D.I ⧈-G-⧈B side runout etched
(MC 3582)A-Side Label
(MC 2321)B-Side Label
MC3582 W3 B.D.1. ◈-P-◈Runout side A
MC2321 W4 B.D.1. ◈-P-◈Runout side B
(MC3582)A-Side Label
(MC2321)B-Side Label
MC 3582 W4 B.D.I ◈-P-◈Runout A
MC 2321 W4 B.D.I ◈-P-◈Runout B
(MC3582)Label A
(MC2321)Label B
MC 3582 W3 B.D.I. ⧈-P-⧈Runout side A etched
mono MC 3582 m W3 B.D.I. ⧈-P-⧈Runout side B etched
MC3582Matrix label side A
MC3582-MMatrix label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | MCA Records MCA-1420First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Japan | MCA Records D-1272First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Japan | MCA Records D-1272First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | New Zealand | MCA Records MCS 7729First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | MCA Records MCA-40328First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1975 | Brazil | MCA Records 4-07-101-038 / MCA Records MCS-77297", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1975 | Italy | MCA Records MCS 77297", Single | 7", Single |
| 1975 | Spain | MCA Records SN-20.9577", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | Canada | MCA Records 19487", Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
15 vinyl pressings of Free Bird are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1974 and 1976.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Australia, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-40328.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-40328, MCA-1420, D-1272, MCS 7729) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MC 3582 W2 B.D.I ⧈-G-⧈ and MC 2321 W2 B.D.I ⧈-G-⧈. 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.
