Vinyl pressings
by The Byrds · 1973
History Of The Byrds was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
S 65525 A1 S 68242 A1 ΛA Side runout, variant 1
S 65525 B1 S 68242 B1 CB Side runout, variant 1
S 65526 A1 S 68242 C1 Λ CC Side runout, variant 1
S 65526 B1 S 68242 D1 D 1D Side runout, variant 1
S-68242 ARunout side A, stamped
S 68242-B 1RRunout side B, etched
S 68242-C 1RRunout side C, etched
S 68242-DRunout side D, etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Europe | CBS S 68242First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | New Zealand | CBS SBP 474109First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Taiwan | Union TD-1946-47LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| 1973 | UK | CBS 68242First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Stereo, Mono · Mono |
| 1973 | UK | CBS 68242LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1973 | UK | CBS 68242 / CBS S 65525LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1976 | Spain | CBS S 68242LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1977 | Australia | CBS S2BP 220197LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1977 | New Zealand | CBS S2BP 220197LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Spain | CBS S 68242LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | UK | CBS 460115 1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 28238LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 460115 1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 68242 / CBS S 68242LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | CBS 28238 / CBS Special Products CBS 28238LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 460115 1LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | CBS CBS 68242LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | UK | CBS 68242LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
18 vinyl pressings of History Of The Byrds are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1973 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, Europe, New Zealand. One of them is CBS 68242.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 68242, S 68242, SBP 474109) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S 65525 A1 S 68242 A1 Λ and S 65525 B1 S 68242 B1 C. 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.
