UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- RCA CHESST 4
- Format
- 12", Maxi-Single
Björn SkifsThe Arbiter
Vinyl pressings
The Arbiter
by Björn Skifs · 1985
22 pressings10 countriesSynth-popMusicalElectronicStage & Screen
The Arbiter 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.
How to spot a first pressing of The Arbiter
21 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 10 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.
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- RCA CHESS 4
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
CHESS 4-A-3 timtom BSide A runout
CHESS 4 B1̶ 2 ⋀Side B runout
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- RCA CHESS 4
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Chess PB-14123RCA PB-14123
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- RCA JD-14125
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
JD-14125A-1 BRun-out area A-side [hand-etched]
JD-14125B-1 CRun-out area B-side [hand-etched]
V1Run-out area both sides [machine-stamped]
JARun-out area both sides [hand-etched, script]
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- RCA JK-14123RCA PB-14123
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 22 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s21 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Canada | RCA CHESS 5First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Canada | RCA CHECK-5First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1985 | France | RCA PT 40148 / RCA CHESST 4First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | France | RCA Victor PB 40147First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Germany | RCA PB 40147First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Germany | RCA PT 40148 / RCA CHESST 4First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Netherlands | RCA PB-40147First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | New Zealand | RCA 104420First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Spain | RCA Victor PB-40147First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Spain | RCA PT-40148First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Spain | RCA Victor PB-40147First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | UK | RCA CHESST 4First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | UK | RCA CHESS 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | RCA CHESS 4First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | US | RCA JD-14125First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
Year unknown1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia & New Zealand | RCA 1044207", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- AThe Arbiter4:08
- BMerchandisers2:35
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Arbiter are there?
22 vinyl pressings of The Arbiter are listed here, from 10 countries.
When was The Arbiter first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, South Africa, Australia & New Zealand and more. One of them is RCA CHESST 4.
How do I tell if my copy of The Arbiter is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHESST 4, CHESS 4, PB-14123, JD-14125) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Arbiter on vinyl worth?
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.