Vinyl pressings
by Brenda Holloway · 1965
Operator / I'll Be Available was first pressed on vinyl in 1965. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1965, 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.
WLV-126121 △57204X / S4KM-6359-1 MRSide A Etched / Stamped
WLV-126120 △57204 / S4KM-6360-1 MRSide B Etched / Stamped
DM WLV-126121Side A Label
DM WLV-126120Side B Label
WLV-126121 [S4KM-6859-1 R]Side A Runout, etched, except [stamped}
WLV-126121 [S4KM-6960-1 R]Side B Runout, etched, except [stamped]
DM WLV-126121 S4KM 6859Side A Label
DM WLV-126120 S4KM 6960Side B Label
WLV-126121 Nashville Matrix(script) 10 S4KM-6859-1A Side Runout
WLV-126120 Nashville Matrix(script) 10 S4KM-6859-1B Side Runout
DM WLV-126121A Side Label
DM WLV-126120B Side Label
WLV-126121A-side runout etched
S4KM-6859-1A-side runout stamped
WLV-126120B-side runout etched
S4KM-6860-1B-side runout stamped
WLV-126121A Side Runout
WLV-126121 Nashville Matrix(script) 10 S4KM-6859-1A Side Runout
S4KM-6859-1A Side Runout
WLV-126120B Side Runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Canada | Tamla Motown T-54115First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1965 | US | Tamla TAMLA 54115First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene · Promo |
| 1965 | US | Tamla Tamla-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1965 | US | Tamla TAMLA-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1965 | US | Tamla TAMLA 54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | US | Tamla Tamla-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | US | Tamla T-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | US | Tamla TAMLA-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | US | Tamla T-54115First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | UK | Tamla Motown TMG 519First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1965 | UK | Tamla Motown TMG 519First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Tamla T-541157", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | Tamla T-541157", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
13 vinyl pressings of Operator / I'll Be Available are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1965, in US, UK, Canada. One of them is Tamla TAMLA 54115, released May 14, 1965.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use TAMLA 54115, Tamla-54115, T-54115, TAMLA-54115) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, WLV-126121 △57204X / S4KM-6359-1 MR and WLV-126120 △57204 / S4KM-6360-1 MR. 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.
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