UK
1972- Label and catalog number
- Freedom FLP 40105Polydor 2383 093
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
2383093 A//1∇420 11 04Side A, stamped
2383093 B//1∇420 11 1 04Side B, stamped
Noah HowardThe Black Ark
Vinyl pressings
The Black Ark
by Noah Howard · 1972
10 pressings6 countriesFree JazzJazz
The Black Ark 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Black Ark
5 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
Germany
1972- Label and catalog number
- Freedom 28 426-5 USpiegelei 28 426-5 U
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
A-0736 A-1 C31 Made in GermanyA
A-0736 B-1 C31 Made in GermanyB
Germany
1972- Label and catalog number
- Freedom 28 426-5 USpiegelei 28 426-5 U
- Format
- LP, Album · Gatefold
Japan
1972- Label and catalog number
- Trio Records PA-7035
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
PA-7035A 1 1B1Side A, stamped
PA-7035B 2 1A2Side B, stamped
Japan
1972- Label and catalog number
- Trio Records PA-7035
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo · Gatefold
- Runout / matrix
PA-7035A 1 1B1Side A, stamped
PA-7035B 2 1A2Side B, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s7 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Germany | Freedom 28 426-5 U / Spiegelei 28 426-5 UFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Germany | Freedom 28 426-5 U / Spiegelei 28 426-5 UFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Japan | Trio Records PA-7035First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Japan | Trio Records PA-7035First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1972 | UK | Freedom FLP 40105 / Polydor 2383 093First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | UK | Freedom FLP 40105 / Polydor 2383 093LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1974 | France | Freedom 278.120LP, Album | LP, Album |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | Freedom FLP 40105LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
2000s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | UK | Bo'Weavil Recordings Weavil 24LPLP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Numbered | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Numbered |
2020s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | US | Superior Viaduct SV206LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
Tracklist
- A1Domiabra10:20
- A2Ole Negro8:43
- B1Mount Fuji15:32
- B2Queen Anne5:43
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Black Ark are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Black Ark are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1972 and 2026.
When was The Black Ark first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in UK, Germany, Japan. One of them is Freedom FLP 40105.
How do I tell if my copy of The Black Ark is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FLP 40105, 28 426-5 U, PA-7035) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2383093 A//1∇420 11 04 and 2383093 B//1∇420 11 1 04. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Black Ark on vinyl worth?
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.