Vinyl pressings
by Eric Clapton · 1973
Clapton was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 3 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.
PD-5526-A-1E T1 STERLING CSide A, variant 1
PD-5526-B-1E T1 STERLING CSide B, variant 1
T1 PD-5526-A-1E STERLING ASide A, variant 2
T1 PD-5526-B-1E STERLING ASide B, variant 2
PD-5526-A-1D STERLINGSide A runout, variant 1
PD-5526-B-1D X 66Side B runout, variant 1
PD-5526-A-1D STERLINGSide A runout, variant 2
PD-5526-B-1D / 66Side B runout, variant 2
PD 5526 A S/N TVCA
POLYDOR 5526 B S/N TVCA
T1 PD-5526-A-1E XScribed Side A
T1 PD-5526-BS-CTC-4 GKScribed Side B
T1 PD-5526-A - 1E XA SIde Runout Etch [Variant 1]
T1 PD-5526-B - 1E XB SIde Runout Etch [Variant 1]
PD-5526-A-1C △17590 (4)Runout Side A
PD-5526-B-1C △17590-X (4)Runout Side B
PD-5526-A-1C △17590 (2)Runout Side A
PD-5526-B-1C △17590-X (2)Runout Side B
PD 5526-A-1B-11-1 P.R. DSide A Etched
STERLINGSide A Stamped
PD-5526-B-1B-11-111 P.R. DSide B Etched
PD 5526 ASide A Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2383 192First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | Canada | Polydor 2383 192LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1973 | Japan | RSO MW 5005First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526 / Polydor PD-5526First yearLP, Album, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Album, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation, Promo · Promo | LP, Compilation, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526 / Polydor PD-5526First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | Polydor PD 5526First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1975 | Taiwan | Giant TD-1213LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Korea | Life Studio 54 Life 495LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial | LP, Compilation, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial |
15 vinyl pressings of Clapton are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1973 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Canada, Japan. One of them is Polydor PD 5526, released January 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PD 5526, 2383 192, MW 5005) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PD-5526-A-1E T1 STERLING C and PD-5526-B-1E T1 STERLING C. 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.
