Vinyl pressings
by Earl Klugh · 1983
Low Ride was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 13 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.
ST-1-12253-2-4 0Side A runout, variant 1, hand-etched
ST-2-12253-2-3 MASTERDISK RL 0Side B runout, variant 1, hand-etched
ST-1-12253-Z-2 #1 MASTERDISK RL 0Side A runout, variant 2, hand-etched
ST-2-12253-Z-1 #2 MASTERDISK RL 0Side B runout, variant 2, hand-etched
ST-1-12253-2-4 ——◁Side A etched, variant 1
ST-2-12253-Z-4 #2 MASTERDISK PL ——◁Side B etched, except "MASTERDISK" which is stamped, variant 1
ST-1-12253-Z 3 MASTERDISK · —◁Side A etched, variant 2
ST-2-12253-Z-3 MASTERDISK RL · —◁Side B etched, variant 2
Matriz/Zona muerta (Run out A stamp): EST 1 12253-1-1-1
Matriz/Zona muerta (Run out B stamp): EST 2 12253-1-1-1
ST1 12253Label side A
ST2 12253Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | Capitol Records ST.12253 / Capitol Records ST-12253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Brazil | Capitol Records 64 4001661First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Canada | Capitol Records ST 12253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Europe | Capitol Records 1C 064-400 166First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Europe | Capitol Records 1C 064-400 166First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Italy | Capitol Records 64 4001661First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | Liberty K28P-6230 / Liberty (SILBT 11831 ) LIFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | Capitol Records ECJ-70209First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Capitol Records ST 12253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Portugal | Capitol Records 11C 080-400166First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | South Africa | Capitol Records ST(L)12253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Spain | Capitol Records 10 C 064-400 166First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | UK | Capitol Records EST-12253 / Capitol Records OC 062-400 166First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | Capitol Records ST-12253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | US | Capitol Records ST-512253 / Capitol Records ST 512253LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
18 vinyl pressings of Low Ride are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is Capitol Records ST-12253.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ST-12253, EST-12253, ST.12253, 64 4001661) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ST-1-12253-2-4 0 and ST-2-12253-2-3 MASTERDISK RL 0. 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.
