Vinyl pressings
by Frank Tovey · 1986
Snakes & Ladders 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.
8 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 6 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.
MPO - TimTom STUMM-23-A1-Side A, Runout
MPO - TY STUMM-23-B1-Side B, Runout
MPO - 12-STUMM 23-A1 TimTomSide C, Runout
MPO - 12-STUMM 23-B1Side D, Runout
STUMM- 23- A1- MPO - TimTomRunout side 1
STYMM- 23-B1- MPO - TYRunout side 2
1 25483 A SH2 α B-23941-SH2 △12919 1-1Side A, etched
1 25483-B SH1 α B-23942-SH1 △12919-X 1-2Side B, etched
ASide A & B, embossed on label
[SRC logo] 1 25483A=R2Side A runout, etched
[SRC logo] 1 25483B=R1Side B runout, etched
STUMM-M̶U̶T̶E̶-46023-A AP N1Runout side A
STUMM-M̶U̶T̶E̶-46023-B AP N1Runout side B
92· 54831 A1 CR (In a circle)Side A Runout
92· 54831 B1 #2 ➂ CR (In a circle)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 | Belgium | Mute MUTE 46023 / Mute STUMM 23LP, Album, Reissue, 12", EP | LP, Album, Reissue, 12", EP |
| 1986 | Belgium | Mute MUTE 46023 / Mute STUMM 23First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Canada | Sire 92 54831First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | France | Mute 70449 / Mute 70450First yearLP, Album, 12", EP, Compilation, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, 12", EP, Compilation, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1986 | Germany | Mute INT 146.814First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | Mute STUMM 23 / Mute 12 STUMM 23First yearLP, Album, Stereo, 12", 45 RPM, EP, Compilation, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited | LP, Album, Stereo, 12", 45 RPM, EP, Compilation, Limited Edition, Stereo · Limited |
| 1986 | UK | Mute STUMM 23First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Sire 9 25483-1 / Sire 1-25483First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Sire 9 25483-1 / Sire 1-25483First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | UK | Mute STUMM 23LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of Snakes & Ladders are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Belgium, Canada and more. One of them is Mute STUMM 23.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STUMM 23, 9 25483-1, MUTE 46023, 92 54831) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MPO - TimTom STUMM-23-A1- and MPO - TY STUMM-23-B1-. 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.
