Vinyl pressings
by Neil Diamond · 1983
Classics The Early Years was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
21 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 14 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.
PAL 38792-2F TML-S E2 o 1-GRunout A variant 1
PBL 38792-1E TML-M A10 1-G oRunout B variant 1
PAL 38792-2E TML-M B11 o GRunout A variant 2
PBL 38792-1E TML-M A6 1G oRunout B variant 2
P PAL 38792 - 2C TML-S CRunout side 1, variant 1
P o PBL 38792 - 1J TML-SRunout side 2, variant 1
P PAL 38792 - 1-A TML-X ΛRunout side 1, variant 2
P PAL 38792 - 2C TML-SRunout Side 1
CBS. 32349-A3 ⋀Side A runout, etched/stamped
CBS. 32349-B1 CSide B runout, etched/stamped
CBS. 32349-A1Side A runout, etched/stamped
CBS. 32349-B1Side B runout, etched/stamped
AL-38792-1A-2HDZK: DM-1Side A runout
BL-38792 1B2HDZK DM-4Side B runout
AL 38792Side A label
BL 38792Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Unknown | Columbia COL 40032First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Argentina | CBS 20.427First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Argentina | Columbia 20.427First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Australia | CBS SBP 237924 / CBS PC38792First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Australia | CBS SBP 237924 / CBS PC38792First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Europe | CBS 25531 / CBS CBS 25531First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Europe | CBS CBS 25531First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Greece | CBS CBS 32349First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Italy | CBS CBS 25531First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Jamaica | Columbia PC 38792First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1983 | Mexico | CBS CLS-5795First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Portugal | CBS 25531First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | South Africa | Columbia NIC 017First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Spain | CBS S 25531First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | Spain | CBS S 25531First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 32349 / CBS FC 38792/25531LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
24 vinyl pressings of Classics The Early Years are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Canada, Argentina and more. One of them is Columbia PC 38792.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PC 38792, COL 40032, 32349, WPC 38792) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PAL 38792-2F TML-S E2 o 1-G and PBL 38792-1E TML-M A10 1-G o. 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.
