Vinyl pressings
by The Moody Blues · 1970
The Great Moody Blues was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. 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 1970, the album's first year. 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.
SML 711 1Y 1 670 D 12Runout side A
SML 711 2Y 1 670 D 13Runout side B
6835914 1Y AA 300001 .3 YRunout side C
6835914 2Y AA 300001 .4 YRunout side D
SML 711 1Y 2 670 D 1 1 1Stamped Label Side A
SML 711 2Y 1 670 D 1 1 13Stamped Label Side B
AA 300 001 - 3Y 1 670 D 1 1 2UStamped Label Side C
AA 300 001 - 4Y 1 670 D 1 3 4Stamped Label Side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Belgium | Deram BOX 724/5-Y 215First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1970 | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Deram 6645 300 / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Deram 6645 300 / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Deram 6645 300 / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Deram 6645 300 / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| 1973 | France | Deram 115.257/258 / Deram 115.257 B (SML 711)LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1978 | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1978 | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1978 | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Belgium | Deram DA 159/160LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Netherlands | Deram 300 001 DXU / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
| ? | Netherlands | Deram 300 001 DXU / Deram DXU 300 001LP, Compilation, Box Set | LP, Compilation, Box Set |
16 vinyl pressings of The Great Moody Blues are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1970 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in Belgium. One of them is Deram BOX 724/5-Y 215.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BOX 724/5-Y 215, DA 159/160) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SML 711 1Y 1 670 D 12 and SML 711 2Y 1 670 D 13. 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.
