Vinyl pressings
by Alphonso Johnson · 1977
Spellbound 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.
10 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 5 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.
PAL 34869-1DSide A runout, variant 1
PBL 34869-1DSide B runout, variant 1
PAL 34869-1ASide A runout, variant 2
PBL 34869-1BSide B runout, variant 2
T 1 o PAL-34869-1E CSide A runout, variant 1
o T 1 PBL 34869-1F ASide B runout, variant 1
T 1 o PAL-34869-1E CSide A runout, variant 2
o T 1 PBL 34869-1F ASide B runout, variant 2
1 S PAL 34869-1ASide A runout
1 S PBL 34869-1B G̶H̶ A2Side B runout
AL 34869Side A label
BL 34869Side B label
1 S PAL-34869-1A B4A runout
1 S PBL 34869-1B A4B runout
AL 34869A label
BL 34869B label
T1 o PAL-34869-1E C8Side A, etched, "o" stamped
o T1 PBL 34869-1F B4Side B, etched, "o" stamped
AL 34869A label
BL 34869B label
EPC-S.81279.A-1 ΛRunout side A
EPC-S.81297.2 timtom ΛRunout side B
S EPC 82197 A˚Label side A
S EPC 82197 B˚Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | Epic ELPS 3861First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | Epic 25AP 847First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Japan | Epic 25AP 847First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Europe | Epic EPC 82197First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | UK | Epic S EPC 82197 / Epic EPC 82197First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Epic JE 34869 / Epic 34869First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Epic JE 34869First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Epic JE 34869First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | US | Epic JE 34869 / Epic 34869First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Epic JE 34869First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | Italy | Epic EPC 82197LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Epic EPC 82197LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
12 vinyl pressings of Spellbound are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, UK, Europe, Australia and more. One of them is Epic JE 34869, released July 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use JE 34869, S EPC 82197, EPC 82197, ELPS 3861) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PAL 34869-1D and PBL 34869-1D. 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.
