Vinyl pressings
by Don McLean · 1976
Solo was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 11 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.
UAD 60139 A -1UA-side runout, variant 1
UAD 60139 B -2UB-side runout, variant 1
UAD 60140 A -1UC-side runout, variant 1
UAD 60140 B -2UD-side runout, variant 1
TI UA-LA-652-1-2 STERLINGRunout Side A
TI UA-LA-652-2-3 STERLINGRunout Side B
TI UA-LA-652-3-2 STERLINGRunout Side C
TI UA-LA-652-4-4 STERLINGRunout Side D
UA-LA-652-1A-side runout, stamped (var. 1)
UA-LA-652-2B-side runout, stamped (var. 1)
UA-LA-652-3C-side runout, stamped (var. 1)
UA-LA-652-4D-side runout, stamped (var. 1)
UA-LA-652-1 M2 STERLINGSide 1
UA-LA-652-2 (Z) STERLINGSide 2
UA-LA-652-3 M2 STERLINGSide 3
UA-LA-652-4 STERLINGSide 4
T1 UA-LA-652-1-1 STERLING DSide A runout
T1 UA-LA-652-2-3 STERLING FSide B runout
T1 UA-LA-652-3-2 STERLING CSide C runout
SZ UA-LA 652-4-1B 2 ASide D runout
#33 UA-LA-652-1 (SET1) STERLINGSide A runout
#32 UA-LA-652-2 (SET2) STERLINGSide B runout
#32 UA-LA-652-3- (SET3)Side C runout
#33 UA-LA-652-4 (SET1) STERLINGSide D runout
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 | Europe | United Artists Records 5C 152-98179/80 / Liberty 5C 152-98179/80LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Liberty UAC.5102LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | Europe | EMI America 1C 128 15 7677 3LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Europe | EMI America 1C 128 15 7677 3LP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| ? | Italy | Liberty 3C 154-98179LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
21 vinyl pressings of Solo are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1976 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in UK, US, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is United Artists Records UAD 60139/40.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UAD 60139/40, UA-LA652-H2, UA-LA 652-H2, L 70067/8) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, UAD 60139 A -1U and UAD 60139 B -2U. 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.
