Vinyl pressings
by Various Artists · 1977
Philadelphia Classics was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 4 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.
AL - 34941- A X TM/JRRun-out area A-side
BL - 34941- B X TM/JRRun-out area B-side
AL - 34942 - A TM/JRRun-out area C-side
BL - 34942 - B TM/JRRun-out area D-side
AL - 34941 - 1C TM / JRRun-out area A-side
P.I.R. BL - 34941 - 1G MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE PHILA NSRun-out area B-side
P AL - 34942 - A TM /JRRun-out area C-side
BL - 34942 X TM / JRRun-out area D-side
AL-34941-A̶1E TM/JR A2 1SSide A runout, var. 1
BL-34941-B̶1F TM/JR A4 1SSide B runout, var. 1
AL-34942-C̶1E TM/JR ̶3̶4̶9̶2̶ 1SSide C runout, var. 1
BL-34942-D̶1F TM/JR 1SSide D runout, var. 1
T1 AL-34941-1C TM/JRA-side runout
T1 BL-34941-1D TM/JRA-side runout
T1 AL-34942-1C TM/JRC-side runout
T1 BL-34942-1D TM/JRD-side runout
P AL-34941 A̶L̶-̶3̶4̶9̶1̶4̶ TM/JRRunout A
P BL-34941-1 X TM/JR ARunout B
P AL 34942-C̶ ̶B̶ A TM/JRRunout C
P BL-34942-D̶ B TM/JRRunout D
AL-34941-1A-2G:Side A run-out area
BL-34941-1A-2G:Side B run-out area
AL-34942-1A-2G:Side C run-out area
BL-34942-1A-2G:Side D run-out area
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Canada | Philadelphia International Records PZG 34940LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
10 vinyl pressings of Philadelphia Classics are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1977 and 2007.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, Canada, Europe, Italy. One of them is Philadelphia International Records PZG 34940.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PZG 34940, PIR 88274) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL - 34941- A X TM/JR and BL - 34941- B X TM/JR. 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.
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