Vinyl pressings
by Del Shannon · 1961
So Long Baby was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
19 pressings came out in 1961, the album's first year, in 12 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.
45-BG-1223-2 BT M/S WMSide A runout, variant 1
45-BG-1224-3 BT M/S WMSide B runout, variant 1
45-BG-1223-2 BT M/S WM [Block-S logo]Side A runout, variant 2
45-BG-1224-2 BT M/S WM [Block-S logo]Side B runout, variant 2
BG-1223 M/S WMRunout, side A, etched
BG-1224 M/S WMRunout, side B, etched
BG - 1223Label side A
BG - 1224Label side B
BG-1223Side A label
BG-1224Side B label
MSCE.5530Label side A
MSCE.5531Label side B
45-MSCE-5530-1C GHOT 1Deadwax A
45-MSCE-5531-1C GHOT 1Deadwax B
45-MSCE-5530-1C H ET 3 CRunout side A variant 1
45-MSCE-5531-1C BU 3 CRunout side B variant 1
45-MSCE-5530-1C BG 3 CRunout side A variant 2
45-MSCE-5531-1C BI 3 CRunout side B variant 2
45-MSCE-5530-1CSide A runout, stamped
45-MSCE-5531-1CSide B runout, stamped
MSCE.5330Label A
MSCE.5331Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Australia | London Records HL-1879First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Belgium | London Records 9.5.297First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Belgium | London Records 9-5.297First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Canada | Quality 1347XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Denmark | London Records HL 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Greece | London Records 45-GL 7043First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Ireland | London American Recordings 45-HL-X 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Japan | Atlantic JET-1064First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Netherlands | London American Recordings FL 2017First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | Sweden | London Records 45-HL-X 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HLX 9462First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HL-X. 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HLX 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | London American Recordings 45-HLX 9462First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | US | Bigtop 45-3083First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Chile | London Records DLM 170687", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | UK | London American Recordings HLX 94627", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
23 vinyl pressings of So Long Baby are listed here, from 15 countries, released between 1961 and 1962.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in US, UK, Netherlands, Australia and more. One of them is Bigtop 45-3083, released September 1961.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-3083, 45-HLX 9462, 45-HL-X. 9462, FL 2017) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 45-BG-1223-2 BT M/S WM and 45-BG-1224-3 BT M/S WM. 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.
