Vinyl pressings
by Carpenters · 1971
Superstar was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1971, the album's first year, in 8 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.
AMS 864 A-1*6Variant 1 – Machine stamped in run-out area A-side
AMS 864 B-1*6Variant 1 – Machine stamped in run-out area B-side
AMS 864 A-1*G1Variant 2 – Machine stamped in run-out area A-side
AMS 864 B-1*GVariant 2 – Machine stamped in run-out area B-side
AMS 864 A-1✳GMachine stamped in run-out area A-side
AMS 864 B-1✳GMachine stamped in run-out area B-side
AMS 864 ALabel A-side
AMS 864 BLabel B-side
AMS 864 A-1*6Machine stamped in run-out area A-side
AMS 864 B-1*6Machine stamped in run-out area B-side
AMS 864 A-1✳GSide A runout [Machine stamped]
AMS 864 B-1✳GSide B runout [Machine stamped]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Chile | A&M Records A&M-12021First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1971 | Ireland | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1971 | Mexico | A&M Records RX-23First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1971 | Netherlands | A&M Records 10 449 ATFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Portugal | A&M Records N-35-30First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | Scandinavia | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1971 | Spain | A&M Records HS-758 / Hispavox HS-758First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1971 | UK | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1971 | UK | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | UK | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | UK | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1971 | UK | A&M Records AMS 864First year7", 45 RPM, Advance, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Advance, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Superstar are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in UK, Chile, Ireland, Netherlands and more. One of them is A&M Records AMS 864.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMS 864, A&M-12021, 10 449 AT, N-35-30) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMS 864 A-1*6 and AMS 864 B-1*6. 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.
