Vinyl pressings
by Frankie Vaughan · 1961
Tower Of Strength was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. 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 1961, 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.
A326495 1 F▽2// 420 VXXYRunout Stamp Side A
AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 VVARunout Stamp Side B
A326495 1 F▽2// 420 0Runout Stamp Side A Variant 1
AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 0Runout Stamp Side B Variant 1
A326495 1 F▽2// 420 VXXYSide 1
AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 VVASide 2
A326495 1 F▽2 // 420 VX0XRunout Stamp Side A
AA326495 2 F▽2 // 420 VXXRunout Stamp Side B
A326495 1 F ∇ 2̷ // 4 2 0 v W v XA side runout stamped
AA326495 2 F ∇ 2̷ // 4 2 0 v v vB side runout stamped
A326495 1 F▽2// 420 VXXRunout Stamp Side A
AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 V0VRunout Stamp Side B
A326495 1 F▽2// 420 VXXYSide 1
AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 VVASide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Denmark | Philips 326 495 BFFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1961 | Denmark | Philips 326 495 BFFirst year7" | 7" |
| 1961 | Sweden | Philips 326 495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB.1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB.1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", Mono · Mono | 7", Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1961 | UK | Philips PB 1195 / Philips 326495 BFFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Germany | Philips 870 078-77", Reissue | 7", Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Norway | Philips 326 495 BF7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | UK | Philips PB.1195 / Philips 326495 BF7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
15 vinyl pressings of Tower Of Strength are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1961 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in UK, Denmark, Sweden. One of them is Philips PB 1195.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PB 1195, PB.1195, 326 495 BF) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A326495 1 F▽2// 420 VXXY and AA326495 2 F▽2// 420 VVA. 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.
