Vinyl pressings
by Chris Rea · 1980
Tennis was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1980, 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.
MAG 163 A1MD BEtched runout, side A
MAG 163 B1MD AEtched runout, side B
MAG 163 ALabel matrix, side A
MAG 163 BLabel matrix, side B
MAG 163 A1MD 1 CRunout side A
MAG 163 B1MD 1 CRunout side B
MAG 163 A1MD 1 HRunout side A
MAG 163 B1MD 1 GRunout side B
MAG 163 ALabel side A
MAG 163 BLabel side B
6.12 740-01-1 S-II Manufactured in GermanyRunout Side A
6.12 740-01-2 S-II Manufactured in GermanyRunout Side B
6.12 740-01-1Label A
6.12 740-01-2Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Brazil | RCA 101.8176First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | Germany | Magnet 6.12740First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Magnet 6.12740First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | Germany | Magnet 6.12740First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Germany | Magnet 6.127407", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1980 | Italy | Durium DE 3132 / Durium Marche Estere DE. 3132First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Italy | Durium DE. 3132 / Durium Marche Estere DE. 3132First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Magnet 1A 006-63757First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Spain | Magnet MO 1935First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1980 | Spain | Magnet MO 1935First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1980 | UK | Magnet MAG 163First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1980 | Australia | Magnet K7858First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | France | Magnet 2097 838First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | UK | Magnet MAG 163First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | Magnet MAG 163First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
15 vinyl pressings of Tennis are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, Australia, France, Germany and more. One of them is Magnet MAG 163, released February 1980.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MAG 163, K7858, 2097 838, 6.12740) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MAG 163 A1MD B and MAG 163 B1MD A. 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.
