Vinyl pressings
by Barbara · 1968
Le Soleil Noir was first pressed on vinyl in 1968. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1968, the album's first year, in 3 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.
PHI AA 844783 1Y DN 380 844783 BYRunout side A, stamped
PHI AA 844783 2Y DN 380 844783 BYRunout side B, stamped
844.783 1YLabel side A
844.783 2YLabel side B
PHI AA 844783 1Y DN 380 844783 BYStamped side A
PHI AA 844783 2Y DN 380 844783 BYStamped side B
844.783 1YCenter label, A-side
844.783 2YCenter label, B-side
PHI AA 844783 1Y DN 380 844783 BYRunout side 1 stamped
PHI AA 844783 2Y DN 380 844783 BYRunout side 2 stamped
844.783 1YOn Label Side 1
844.783 2YOn Label Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Canada | Philips 844.783First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | France | Philips 844 783 BY / Philips 844.783 BYFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | France | Philips 844.783 BY / Philips 844 783 BYFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1968 | Italy | Philips 844.783 BYFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1969 | Japan | Philips SFL-7371LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Japan | Philips FDX-117LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Philips 6332 106LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | France | Philips 6332 106LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | France | Philips 6332 106LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | France | Philips 844.783 BYLP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | France | Philips 6332 106LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | France | Philips 844.783 BYLP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Israel | Phonodor 13055LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Japan | Philips SFL-7371LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
14 vinyl pressings of Le Soleil Noir are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1968 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1968, in France, Canada, Italy. One of them is Philips 844 783 BY.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 844 783 BY, 844.783 BY, 844.783) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PHI AA 844783 1Y DN 380 844783 BY and PHI AA 844783 2Y DN 380 844783 BY. 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.
