Vinyl pressings
by Bruce Springsteen · 1988
Chimes Of Freedom was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 7 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.
AL-44445-A-2̶3̶3B DMM MASTERDISK G1Side A runout, variant 1
BL-44445-B-3A DMM MASTERDISK G4Side B runout, variant 1
AL-44445-A-2̶3̶3B DMM MASTERDISK G1Side A runout, variant 2
BL-44445-B-3A DMM MASTERDISK G3Side B runout, variant 2
AL-44445 1B5HZ: DM-Side A runout
BL- 44445 1B5HZ: DM-Side B runout
AL 44445Side A label
BL 44445Side B label
01 653192 1A1 ARunout side A
01 653192 1B1 ARunout side B
01-653192-1Label side A
01-653192-2Label side B
SPRINGSTEEN A RAULSide 1
RAUL SPRINGSTEEN BSide 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Europe | CBS CBS 653192 6First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1988 | Philippines | CBS QCLEP-18172First year12", EP, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", EP, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1988 | Spain | CBS CBS 653192 6First year12", EP, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", EP, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1988 | Spain | CBS CBS 653192 6First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1988 | Uruguay | Wel S.A.12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Promo, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1988 | Uruguay | CBS 8266 1First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1988 | Zimbabwe | CBS XCB 6104 / ZMC XCB 6104First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Columbia 4C 44445First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1988 | Canada | Columbia CEP 44445First year12", EP, Stereo | 12", EP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Germany | Columbia 4C 4444512", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP |
10 vinyl pressings of Chimes Of Freedom are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1988 and 2018.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, Canada, Europe, Philippines and more. One of them is Columbia 4C 44445, released August 1988.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4C 44445, CEP 44445, CBS 653192 6, QCLEP-18172) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL-44445-A-2̶3̶3B DMM MASTERDISK G1 and BL-44445-B-3A DMM MASTERDISK G4. 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.
