Vinyl pressings
by The Who · 1975
The Who was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. 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 1975, 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.
2409 213 S1 320 1 HRunout side A, variant 1
2409 213 S2 320 1 GRunout side B, variant 1
2409 213 S1 320 2A A MRunout side A, variant 2
2409 213 S2 320 2A B CRunout side B, variant 2
2409 213 S1 320Runout side A
2409 213 S2 320Runout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Germany | Track Record 2409 213First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1975 | Germany | Track Record 2409 213First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Austria | Polydor 2459 410LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Polydor 2459 410LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1980 | South Africa | Polydor POLY 4005LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | AMIGA 8 55 803LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1981 | Greece | Polydor 2486 204 / Pop Heroes 2486 204LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1981 | Spain | Polydor 24 86 204LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1982 | Spain | Polydor 28 61 316 / Orbis 28 61 316LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Greece | Polydor 2486 204 / Pop Heroes 2486 204LP, Compilation, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of The Who are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1975 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in Germany. One of them is Track Record 2409 213.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2409 213) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2409 213 S1 320 1 H and 2409 213 S2 320 1 G. 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.
