Vinyl pressings
by Daniel Boone · 1973
Skydiver was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. 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 1973, 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.
46 3D1 PE22791ARunout side A stamped
46 3D1 PE22791 BRunout side B stamped
DU 24.082Label side A
DU 24.083Label side B
MX 42627 2ASide A runout hand-etched
MX 42628 2ASide B runout hand-etched
MX42627Side A label
MX42628Side B label
6067 045 A M ROMMSide A runout hand-etched
6067 045 BSide B runout hand-etched
6067 045 1WSide A label
6067 045 2WSide B label
PEN 814 1FSide A label
PEN 814 2FSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | Penny Farthing K-5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Australia | Penny Farthing K-5256 / Penny Farthing PEN 814First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, White Label · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 1973 | Australia | Penny Farthing PFK-5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Belgium | Penny Farthing 6067 045First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Belgium | Penny Farthing 6067 045First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Stereo |
| 1973 | Canada | Penny Farthing PEN 814First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Pink Elephant PE 22.791 / Penny Farthing PE 22.791First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Penny Farthing K-5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Penny Farthing PFK 5256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Scandinavia | Penny Farthing PEN 814First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Spain | Penny Farthing 06-052First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Mercury 73428First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Skydiver are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Netherlands, US, Australia, Belgium and more. One of them is Pink Elephant PE 22.791.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PE 22.791, 73428, K-5256, PFK-5256) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 46 3D1 PE22791A and 46 3D1 PE22791 B. 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.
