Vinyl pressings
by Frank Zappa · 1992
The Ark was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1992, the album's first year. 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.
R1-70598-Z1-A S25041 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37 HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735735Runout A-side, etched, variant 1
R1-70598-Z1-B S25042 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735xRunout B-side, etched, variant 1
R1-70538-Z1-A S-25041 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735Runout A-side, etched, variant 2
R1-70538-Z1-B S-25042 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735xRunout B-side, etched, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | US | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | US | FOO - EEE Records R1 70538First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Album, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Limited |
| ? | Unknown | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Italy | The Amazing Kornyfone Record Label 002LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | Italy | Exil Compact Music LP 003LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | Italy | Exil Compact Music LP 003LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | US | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| ? | US | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| ? | US | Bizarre Records FYDO-768LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | LP, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
10 vinyl pressings of The Ark are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1988 and 1992.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in US. One of them is FOO - EEE Records R1 70538, released June 16, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use R1 70538) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R1-70598-Z1-A S25041 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37 HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735735 and R1-70598-Z1-B S25042 FZ HOTLINE 818-PUMPKIN L-37735x. 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.
