Vinyl pressings
by Benny Andersson · 1985
Chess Pieces was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. 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 1985, 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.
B-3439 A-2 IISide A runout, variant 1
B-3439 B-3 020Side B runout, variant 1
020 B-3439 A 1Side A runout, variant 2
020 B-3439 B 3Side B runout, variant 2
B-3439 A-1
B-3439 B-1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia & New Zealand | RCA VLP1 7602First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1985 | Europe | Telstar STAR 2274First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Telstar STAR 2274First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK & Europe | Telstar STAR 2274First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Unknown | RCA PL 70947LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Argentina | RCA Victor TLP-70006LP, Album, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Compilation, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | Brazil | RCA Victor 104.8351LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Ecuador | RCA Victor 923-1081LP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Germany | RCA PL 70947LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Greece | RCA RCLP 20364LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1986 | Greece | RCA RCLP 20364LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | South Africa | RCA ML 4831LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Sweden | Polar POLS 414LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1986 | Venezuela | RCA Victor 102-01975LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Germany | RCA 63 937 7 / RCA 63937 7LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue, Stereo · Club edition |
15 vinyl pressings of Chess Pieces are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1985 and 1990.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in Europe, Australia & New Zealand, UK & Europe. One of them is Telstar STAR 2274.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STAR 2274, VLP1 7602) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, B-3439 A-2 II and B-3439 B-3 020. 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.
