Vinyl pressings
by Electric Light Orchestra · 1986
Balance Of Power was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
34 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 25 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.
EPC 26467 A2 5 ARunout side A variant 1
EPC 26467 B2 1 0 BRunout side B variant 1
EPC 26467 A2 4 DRunout side A variant 2
EPC 26467 B2 2 0 ΛRunout side B variant 2
EPC 26467 A2Side 1
EPC 26467 B2Side 2
(AP) AL-40048-1B P STERLINGRunout A, variant 1
P BL-40048-1B (AP) STERLINGRunout B, variant 1
(AP) AL-40048-1B P STERLING /\Runout A, variant 2
P BL-40048-1B (AP) STERLING CRunout B, variant 2
STERLINGStamped Both Sides
AL-40048-1C GI C2Etched Side A (variant 1)
BL-40048-1D GI C3Etched Side B (variant 1)
AL-40048-1C GI B5Etched Side A (variant 2)
AL-40048 1A2HZ DM-12Side A runout
BL-40048 1A2HZ DM-11Side B runout
AL 40048Side A label
BL 40048Side B label
28AP-3153A1 1 A 3 + 〄CSSide A runout
28AP-3153B1 1 A ̷0̷ 3 +Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Argentina | CBS 20.732 / Discos CBS 20.732First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4528First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | Jet Records ELPS 4528 / Epic ELPS 4528First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | Epic ELPS 4528First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Brazil | Epic 144882 / Epic 144.882First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Colombia | Epic 19407First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Jet Records JET 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 26467 / Epic 26467First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Epic EPC 26467 / Epic 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | Jet Records JET 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | Epic EPC 26467 / Epic 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Greece | Epic EPC 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Hong Kong | CBS/Sony CYA 1137First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Ireland | Epic EPC 26467First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Israel | Jet Records JET 26467First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | Epic EPC 468576 1 / Epic 468576 1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
36 vinyl pressings of Balance Of Power are listed here, from 26 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK & Europe, US, Canada, Japan and more. One of them is Epic EPC 26467.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EPC 26467, FZ 40048, 28AP 3153, 20.732) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EPC 26467 A2 5 A and EPC 26467 B2 1 0 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.
