Vinyl pressings
by Blue Öyster Cult · 1978
(Don't Fear) The Reaper 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.
2 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year. 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.
CBS-S 6333-A-1 12" Λ 1 CVariant 1 - Runout, Side A
CBS-S 6333-B-1 12" Λ 1 CVariant 1 - Runout, Side B
CBS-S-6333-A-1-12" Λ 2Variant 2 - Runout, Side A
CBS-S-6333-B-1-12" Λ 6Variant 2 - Runout, 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 | UK | CBS 12-6333 / CBS S CBS 12-6333First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1978 | UK | CBS S CBS 63337", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1978 | UK | CBS S CBS 63337", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | CBS S CBS 63337", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | CBS S CBS 6333 / CBS S CBS 6333 ADJ7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
| 1978 | UK | CBS S CBS 12 6333First year12", Limited Edition, Promo · Promo, Limited | 12", Limited Edition, Promo · Promo, Limited |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | UK | Old Gold OG 93987", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| 1984 | UK | Old Gold OG 93987", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| 1984 | UK | Old Gold OG 93987", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| 1984 | UK | Old Gold OG 93987", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Old Gold OG 93987", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of (Don't Fear) The Reaper are listed here, from 1 country, released between 1978 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK. One of them is CBS 12-6333.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 12-6333, S CBS 12 6333) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CBS-S 6333-A-1 12" Λ 1 C and CBS-S 6333-B-1 12" Λ 1 C. 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.
