UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo DSTR 1512Vertigo 872 029-1
- Format
- 12", Single
- Runout / matrix
DSTR 1512 A-2U-1-1 The ExchangeSide A runout
DSTR 1512 B-1U-1-1 JONZSide B runout
Dire StraitsSultans Of Swing / Portobello Belle - Live
Vinyl pressings
Sultans Of Swing / Portobello Belle - Live
by Dire Straits · 1988
12 pressings8 countriesPop RockClassic RockRock
Sultans Of Swing 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Sultans Of Swing
12 pressings came out in 1988, 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.
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo DSTR 15Vertigo 872 028-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Paper Labels
- Runout / matrix
DSTR 15 A-2U-1-1 The ExchangeSide A runout
DSTR 15 B-1U-1-1 JonzSide B runout
DSTR 15-ASide A label
DSTR 15-BSide B label
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo DSTR 15
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
DSTR 15 A-1U-1- Q2 The ExchangeSide A runout
DSTR 15 B-2U-1- Q1 JonzSide B runout
DSTR 15ASide A label
DSTR 15BSide B label
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo DSTR 15
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint
- Runout / matrix
DSTR 15 A-1U-1- Q2 The ExchangeRunout A
DSTR 15 B-2U-1- Q1 JonzRunout B
DSTR 15ALabel A
DSTR 15BLabel B
Canada
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo 872 028-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Same song/version on both sides
- Runout / matrix
872 028-7A SNB 230 EL (illegible)Side A and AA runout
Europe
1988- Label and catalog number
- Vertigo 872 029-1Vertigo DSTR 1512
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
872 029 1 S1=1 670 04 113Runout side A, stamped
872 029 1 S2=1 670 04 115Runout side B, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 12 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Brazil | Vertigo 2801 306First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Canada | Vertigo DJV 300First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Canada | Vertigo 872 028-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Europe | Vertigo 872 029-1 / Vertigo DSTR 1512First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Vertigo 872 028-7First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Single | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Single |
| 1988 | South Africa | Trutone Music DS 1First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Spain | Vertigo DSTR 15 / Vertigo 872 028-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 15First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint |
| 1988 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 1512 / Vertigo 872 029-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1988 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 15 / Vertigo 872 028-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 15First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK & Europe | Vertigo DSTR 1512 / Vertigo 872 029-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
Tracklist
- ASultans Of Swing
- BPortobello Belle - Live
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Sultans Of Swing are there?
12 vinyl pressings of Sultans Of Swing are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was Sultans Of Swing first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, Canada, Europe, Netherlands and more. One of them is Vertigo DSTR 1512.
How do I tell if my copy of Sultans Of Swing is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DSTR 1512, DSTR 15, 872 028-7, 872 029-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DSTR 1512 A-2U-1-1 The Exchange and DSTR 1512 B-1U-1-1 JONZ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Sultans Of Swing on vinyl worth?
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.
