Vinyl pressings
by Ricky Skaggs · 1982
Highways & Heartaches was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 7 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.
G1 AL-37996 1C MasterfonicsSide A, Etched ("Masterfonics" Stamped), Variant 1
G1 BL-37996 1D MasterfonicsSide B, Etched ("Masterfonics" Stamped), Variant 1
G1 AL-37996-1R Masterfonics BSide A, Etched ("Masterfonics" Stamped), Variant 2
0 G1 BL-37996-1R MasterfonicsSide B, Etched ("0" and "Masterfonics" Stamped), Variant 2
A o P AL-37996-1E 1 I MasterfonicsSide A runout
P o BL 37996 G1D 1 anna 1Side B runout
AL 37996Side A label
BL 37996Side B label
T1 AL-37996 1A MasterfonicsSide A, Etched ("Masterfonics" Stamped)
T1 BL-37996 1A MasterfonicsSide B, Etched ("Masterfonics" Stamped)
AL 37996Side A, Printed On Label
BL 37996Side B, Printed On Label
P 0 AL-37996 1E MasterfonicsSide A runout, variant 1
P 0 BL-37996 1G MasterfonicsSide B runout, variant 1
o P AL-37996-1E 1 1 Masterfonics CSide A runout, variant 2
P o BL-37996-1 ̶H̶ G 1 Masterfonics ASide B runout, variant 2
AL-37996-1B-2HZ: DM 1Side A runout, variant 1
BL-37996-1A 2HZ: DM 1Side B runout, variant 1
AL-37996-1A-2HZ: DM 5Side A runout, variant 2
BL-37996-1A 2HZ: DM 3Side B runout, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4345First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4345First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Ireland | Epic EPC 85715First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Epic EPC 85715First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Epic ELPS 4345First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | UK | Epic EPC 85715First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | Epic FE 37996First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Highways & Heartaches are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, Canada, Australia and more. One of them is Epic FE 37996, released September 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FE 37996, EPC 85715, ELPS 4345) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, G1 AL-37996 1C Masterfonics and G1 BL-37996 1D Masterfonics. 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.
