Vinyl pressings
by Manfred Mann · 1972
The Greatest was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1972, the album's first year, in 2 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.
SMFP 5269 A-2 3Runout Side A, variant 1
SMFP 5269 B-1 4 5Runout Side B, variant 1
SMFP 5269 A-1 1Runout Side A, variant 2
SMFP 5269 B-1 2Runout Side B, variant 2
SMFP 5269 AMatrix Side A, On Label
SMFP 5269 BMatrix Side B, On 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | New Zealand | Music For Pleasure MFP 5269First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1972 | UK | Music For Pleasure MFP 5269First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Axis AXIS 6087LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Europe | Crystal 048 CRY 05 284 / Crystal 1C 048-05 284LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Crystal 048 CRY 05 284 / Music For Pleasure 1 M 048-05 284LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Music For Pleasure 1M 048-05 284LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Music For Pleasure 1M 048-05 284LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Netherlands | Crystal 048 CRY 05 284 / Music For Pleasure 1 M 048-05 284LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | New Zealand | Music For Pleasure MFP 5269LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| ? | South Africa | Music For Pleasure MFP 5269LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
10 vinyl pressings of The Greatest are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in UK, New Zealand. One of them is Music For Pleasure MFP 5269.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MFP 5269) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SMFP 5269 A-2 3 and SMFP 5269 B-1 4 5. 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.
