Vinyl pressings
by Wishbone Ash · 1977
Classic Ash 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.
11 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 9 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.
MCF 2795 A - 1 MO 3 NICK WA side runout, variant 1
MCF 2795 B - 1 RP 2B side runout, variant 1
MCF 2795 A-1 AM 3 NICK WA side runout, variant 2
MCF 2795 B-1 AR 2B side runout, variant 2
YBARCX 84134 1 414015 A M6 317853 2SIde A runout, machine stamping
YBARCX 84135 1 414015 B M6 317854 2SIde B runout, machine stamping
YBARCX 84134 1 414015 A M6 317853 2Side A runout stamped
YBARCX 84135 1 414015 B M6 317854 2Side B runout stamped
yBarcx 84.134Side A label
yBarcx 84.135Side B label
0701 885 = 3 S1 320Runout side A, variant 1
0701 885 = 2 S2 320Runout side B, variant 1
0701 885 = 3 S1 320 1 FRunout side A, variant 2
0701 885 = 2 S2 320 FRunout side B, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | MCA Records MAPS 8632First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | France | MCA Records MCA 414 015First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | France | MCA Records MCA 414.015First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Germany | MCA Records 62.080 / MCA Records MAPS 8632First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Italy | MCA Records MCA 4011 / MCA Records MAPS 8632First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Japan | MCA Records VIM-20001First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1977 | Netherlands | MCA Records 5C 058.98900First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Netherlands | MCA Records 5C 058-98900First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1977 | New Zealand | MCA Records MAPS 8632First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Spain | MCA Records 63 28 835First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | UK | MCA Records MCF 2795 / MCA Records MCF2795First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Greece | MCA Records 14C 062-98900LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1983 | UK | Fame FA 3053LP, Reissue, Compilation | LP, Reissue, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | MCA Records 201 311-320 / MCA Records 201 311LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | France | MCA Records 201 311LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | MCA Records 201 311-320 / MCA Records 201 311LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| ? | India | MCA Records MCF 2795LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | South Africa | MCA Records LMCL 528LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | UK | MCA Records MCL 1621LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
19 vinyl pressings of Classic Ash are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1977 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is MCA Records MCF 2795, released May 6, 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCF 2795, MAPS 8632, MCA 414 015, MCA 414.015) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCF 2795 A - 1 MO 3 NICK W and MCF 2795 B - 1 RP 2. 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.
