Vinyl pressings
by Black Light Orchestra · 1977
Once Upon A Time... 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.
7 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 6 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.
KKL-10252-A SNB-AℓSide A runout etch, variant 1
KKL-1-0252-B SNB-AℓSide B runout etch, variant 1
KKL-10252-A No 2 SNB-AℓSide A runout etch, variant 2
KKL-1-0252-B SNB-AℓSide B runout etch, variant 2
Manufactured in Germany 6,23350-01-1 H1Runout side A
Manufactured in Germany 6,23350-01-2 H1Runout side B
GKAY 31910Side A label
GKAY 31911Side B label
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 | RCA KKL1-0252First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Canada | RCA KKL1-0252 / RCA Victor KKL1-0252First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | France | RCA Victor KL 10252First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | Decca 6.23 350 / Decca 6.23350 AOFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Italy | RCA PL 40651 / RCA Victor PL 40651First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Italy | RCA PL 40651 / RCA Victor PL 40651First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | Netherlands | RCA Victor KL-10261First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Netherlands | RCA Victor KL-10261 / RCA KL-10261LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Lark KL-10261 / RCA KL-10261LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Lark KL-10261 / Lark KL-10261LP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Once Upon A Time... are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1977 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Canada, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is RCA KKL1-0252.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use KKL1-0252, KL 10252, 6.23 350, PL 40651) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, KKL-10252-A SNB-Aℓ and KKL-1-0252-B SNB-Aℓ. 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.
