Vinyl pressings
by Bernie Paul · 1978
Lucky was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. 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 1978, the album's first year, in 8 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.
15743 A-1/78SRunout side A, variant 1
15743 B-1/78SRunout side B, variant 1
15743 A-1/78S Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 2
15743 B-1/78S II, Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 2
HKAS 32534 1S SM 1A 1Runout etchings side A
HKAS 32535 2S SM 1A 1Runout etchings side B
HKAS 32534Label side A
HKAS 32535Label side B
HKAS 32534 1S SM 1B 2Side A, runout, stamped
HKAS 32535 2S SM 1A 3Side B, runout, stamped
HKAS 32534Side A, label
HKAS 32535Side B, label
MPO WEA 11223A JS1Runout side A
MPO WEA 11223B JS1Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Austria | Ariola 15 743 ATFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | France | Atlantic 11 223First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Germany | Ariola 15 743 ATFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Greece | Ariola VER 2001First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | South Africa | Ariola ARS 224First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Spain | Ariola 15.743-AFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Bronze Records Ltd. BRO 65First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Italy | RCA PB 6239 / RCA Victor PB 6239First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Italy | RCA PB 6239 / RCA Victor PB 6239First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | Italy | RCA PB 6239 / RCA Victor PB 6239First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1979 | Japan | Ariola YK-119-K / Columbia YK-119-K7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Lucky are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in Germany, UK, Italy, Austria and more. One of them is Ariola 15 743 AT.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 15 743 AT, BRO 65, PB 6239, 11 223) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 15743 A-1/78S and 15743 B-1/78S. 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.
