Introduction
Released in November 1971, Meddle represents one of the most important transitional albums in Pink Floyd's catalog. The experimentation of the band's late-1960s work was beginning to develop into the atmospheric, expansive sound that would ultimately define The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and Animals.
Featuring "One of These Days," "A Pillow of Winds," "Fearless," "San Tropez," "Seamus," and the monumental side-long composition "Echoes," Meddle captures Pink Floyd at the moment when experimentation, studio technology, and increasingly ambitious songwriting began converging into something extraordinary.
For vinyl collectors, Meddle is particularly interesting because its sound can expose meaningful differences between pressings. The quiet passages, deep bass, stereo effects, acoustic textures, and enormous dynamic shifts of "Echoes" make condition and mastering especially important.
The question, therefore, isn't simply whether to own Meddle; it's which pressing deserves a place in your collection. To see what we have for Pink Floyd, click here: Pink Floyd
Whether you're searching for an original UK collectible, a classic audiophile edition, or an affordable modern pressing, understanding the major versions can help you make a more informed purchase.
Why Pressing Matters
Meddle was recorded at several London studios, including EMI's Abbey Road Studios, AIR Studios, and Morgan Studios. Original-era pressings therefore offer collectors an opportunity to hear the album through vinyl editions produced close to the period in which the recording was created.
The album is also unusually revealing.
"One of These Days" demands substantial low-frequency authority and dynamics. "A Pillow of Winds" and "Fearless" benefit from clarity, texture, and a low noise floor. Most importantly, the approximately 23-minute "Echoes" occupies the entire second side and moves from extremely quiet atmospheric passages to powerful full-band crescendos.
Collectors should evaluate Meddle pressings based on:
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Mastering quality
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Dynamic range
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Bass extension
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Instrument separation
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Soundstage and imaging
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Surface noise
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Vinyl condition
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Historical significance
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Packaging completeness
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Long-term collector appeal
On a revealing turntable and audio system, differences in mastering and record condition can become particularly noticeable during "Echoes."
Our Top Recommendations
1. Original UK Harvest First Pressing (SHVL 795, A-1U/B-1U)
Best Overall Collector Pressing
For serious Pink Floyd collectors, the original 1971 UK Harvest pressing is one of the most desirable editions of Meddle.
Early examples can be identified by the SHVL 795 A-1U / B-1U matrices in the runout area. Original examples were issued on the familiar green-and-yellow Harvest label and housed in the distinctive textured gatefold sleeve.
Its reputation among collectors rests on several qualities:
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Strong dynamics
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Substantial bass response
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Spacious presentation
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Natural instrumental texture
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Excellent dimensionality
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Historical significance
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Original UK packaging
"Echoes" is particularly impressive on a clean early copy. The recording's transitions between near-silence, atmospheric effects, keyboards, guitar, vocals, and powerful ensemble passages give a properly preserved early pressing considerable room to demonstrate its capabilities.
From a collecting perspective, condition is critical. The textured gatefold sleeve is prone to wear, and finding a first pressing with clean vinyl, a well-preserved sleeve, and the right original components is increasingly difficult.
Collector Rating: ★★★★★
2. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Original Master Recording (MFSL 1-190)
Best Vintage Audiophile Pressing
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab released its audiophile edition of Meddle in 1984 as part of its Original Master Recording series.
This edition was produced using Mobile Fidelity's half-speed mastering process, sourced from the original stereo master tape, and pressed in Japan by JVC on the company's high-definition Super Vinyl.
Collectors appreciate the MFSL edition for:
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Very quiet vinyl surfaces
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Excellent detail retrieval
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Strong stereo imaging
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High manufacturing quality
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Audiophile-oriented mastering
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Collectible Mobile Fidelity packaging
The Mobile Fidelity presentation should not necessarily be viewed as simply a "better" version of the original UK pressing. It represents a different mastering approach, and listeners may prefer one presentation over the other depending on their system and priorities.
Its combination of audiophile history, limited production, Japanese JVC pressing quality, and Pink Floyd collectibility has made clean examples increasingly desirable.
Collector Rating: ★★★★★
3. 2016 Pink Floyd Records 180g Reissue (PFRLP6)
Best Value
For collectors who primarily want an excellent listening copy without paying vintage collector prices, the 2016 Pink Floyd Records edition deserves serious consideration. For other desirable Pink Floyd records, check out the link: Pink Floyd
The reissue was remastered from the original analog tapes by James Guthrie, Joel Plante, and Bernie Grundman and issued on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl.
Advantages include:
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Excellent overall clarity
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Strong dynamics
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Quiet vinyl
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Consistent manufacturing
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Easy identification
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Wide availability
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Affordable pricing compared with collectible originals
You can identify the pressing by catalog number PFRLP6, with copies carrying Bernie Grundman's "BG" initials in the runout.
For someone building a Pink Floyd collection primarily for listening rather than investment in original pressings, this edition provides a compelling balance between performance, condition, availability, and price.
Collector Rating: ★★★★☆
4. Japanese EMI/Toshiba Pressings
Japanese editions of Meddle have long attracted collectors because of Japan's reputation for high-quality vinyl manufacturing and careful packaging.
Depending on the issue, collectors may encounter catalog numbers including EOP-80375 and later EMS-80324 editions.
Typical strengths include:
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Exceptionally quiet vinyl surfaces
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Excellent manufacturing consistency
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Attractive packaging
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Strong detail retrieval
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High collector appeal
Japanese pressings can have a somewhat different tonal presentation from early UK copies. For that reason, they are particularly attractive to collectors who prioritize exceptionally clean surfaces and manufacturing quality rather than attempting to duplicate the presentation of the original UK mastering.
Complete examples retaining their obi strips and inserts are generally more desirable from a collector standpoint.
Collector Rating: ★★★★☆
5. Later UK Harvest Pressings
Collectors should not overlook later UK Harvest editions simply because they are not first pressings.
Some later UK cuts can provide excellent analog playback while costing considerably less than clean A-1U/B-1U originals.
Their advantages can include:
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Strong analog presentation
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Good bass response
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Excellent dynamics
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UK mastering heritage
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Lower acquisition cost than first pressings
For collectors focused primarily on listening, a clean later UK pressing can be a smarter purchase than an expensive but heavily worn first pressing.
As with every vintage copy of Meddle, the actual condition of the record should take priority over assumptions based solely on pressing chronology.
Collector Rating: ★★★★☆
Which Pressing Should You Buy?
For Serious Collectors
The original UK Harvest SHVL 795 A-1U/B-1U pressing is the logical target.
Its combination of historical significance, original UK presentation, distinctive packaging, early matrices, and strong collector demand makes it one of the cornerstone editions of Meddle.
For Audiophiles
The 1984 Mobile Fidelity MFSL 1-190 offers an important alternative.
Its half-speed mastering, original-master-tape source, Japanese JVC pressing, and exceptionally quiet vinyl make it one of the album's most significant audiophile editions.
For Budget-Conscious Collectors
Look for a clean later UK Harvest pressing before assuming that only a first pressing will provide satisfying analog playback.
Condition matters enormously with Meddle, particularly because of the extended quiet passages in "Echoes."
For New Vinyl Enthusiasts
The 2016 Pink Floyd Records PFRLP6 reissue is the easiest recommendation.
It provides excellent sound, reliable manufacturing, heavyweight vinyl, and straightforward availability without requiring a collector to navigate the complexities and condition risks of 50-year-old records.
Buying Tips
When shopping for Meddle, pay close attention to:
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Matrix and runout numbers
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Catalog number
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Harvest label variations
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Gatefold jacket condition
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Surface scratches
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Groove wear
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Spindle marks
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Original inner sleeve
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Obi and inserts on Japanese copies
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Surface noise during quiet passages
For an original UK first pressing, look for SHVL 795 A-1U/B-1U matrices rather than relying exclusively on a seller's description.
This is particularly important because record jackets can be switched over decades of ownership. The deadwax provides much stronger evidence about the actual record inside the sleeve.
The textured original UK gatefold is another important consideration. Well-preserved examples are increasingly difficult to find, and sleeve condition can substantially influence collector desirability.
Most importantly, do not sacrifice condition merely to obtain an earlier matrix.
A clean later pressing will usually provide a more satisfying listening experience than a heavily worn first pressing.
Final Thoughts
More than five decades after its release, Meddle remains one of the most important records in Pink Floyd's evolution.
It captures a band moving beyond its psychedelic beginnings while developing the atmospheric compositions, studio experimentation, expansive soundscapes, and long-form songwriting that would soon produce some of the most celebrated albums in rock history.
For the serious collector, an original UK Harvest A-1U/B-1U pressing represents the album in its most historically significant form.
For the audiophile collector, the Mobile Fidelity MFSL 1-190 remains a fascinating and highly collectible alternative.
For listeners seeking outstanding value, the 2016 Pink Floyd Records PFRLP6 reissue makes owning a clean, excellent-sounding copy remarkably straightforward.
Whichever edition you choose, prioritize condition, verify the matrix information, and properly preserve the record once it enters your collection.
Whether you're searching for a rare first pressing, an audiophile favorite, or the next great addition to your collection, new records arrive at Maple City Music regularly.
Browse our latest arrivals and discover records that deserve a place on your turntable.
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At Maple City Music, we are proud to help collectors discover, preserve, and enjoy the records that matter most.