Vinyl pressings
by Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band · 1987
Fire was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
25 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 13 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.
ZSS-175832-1A GI A1 MASTERDISKSide A - Etched (ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴅɪsᴋ stamp) - variant 1
ZSS-175833-1A GI B1Side B - Etched - variant 1
ZSS-175832-1A GI C1 MASTERDISKSide A - Etched (including ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴅɪsᴋ) - variant 2
ZSS-175833-1A GI C1Side B - Etched - variant 2
ZSS-175835-1B D G1 MASTERDISKRunout, Side B, etched (ᴅ ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴅɪsᴋ stamped)
ZSS-175836-1A G1 MASTERDISKRunout, Side B, etched (ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴅɪsᴋ stamped)
ZSS 175835Label Matrix - Side A
ZSS 175836Label Matrix - Side B
650381-6 A-1 3 ASide A runout
650381-6 B-1 1 5 ASide B runout
650381 6 A ☆Side A label
650381 6 B ☆Side B label
650381-7 A1 C AD2Runout etched/stamped side A
650381-7 B1 ⋀Runout etched/stamped side B
650381 7 A☆Label side A
650381 7 B☆Label side B
MX218417Side A label
MX218418Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | CBS 650381 7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Brazil | CBS 51150 / CBS 51.150First year12", Single, Promo · Promo | 12", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Canada | Columbia 38 06657First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Canada | Columbia 7CDN-40First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Europe | CBS 650381 7 / CBS CBS 650381 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | Greece | CBS CBS 650381 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | New Zealand | CBS 650381-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Philippines | CBS CS-10166First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Portugal | CBS CBS 650381 7 / CBS 650381 7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Portugal | CBS 650381 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Portugal | CBS CBS 650381 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | South Africa | CBS SSC 6011First year7" | 7" |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS CBS 650381 7 / CBS 650381 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS CBS 650381 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS CBS 650381 6 / CBS 650381 6First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
26 vinyl pressings of Fire are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, UK, Australia, Europe and more. One of them is Columbia 38 06657, released January 1987.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 38 06657, CS7 02639, CAS 2636, 650381 6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS-175832-1A GI A1 MASTERDISK and ZSS-175833-1A GI B1. 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.
