Vinyl pressings
by Gang Of Four · 1983
Hard was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 14 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.
EMC 1652191 A-1U-1-1-2 timtom-cbsSide A runout, stamped [timtom-cbs etched] variant 1
EMC 1652191 B-1U-1-1-Side B runout, stamped, variant 1
EMC 1652191 A-1U-1-1 1 timtom-cbsSide A runout, stamped [timtom-cbs etched] variant 2
EMC 1652191 B-1U-1-1-4Side B runout, stamped, variant 2
1-23936-A-RE-1-SH-2 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18416-RE1-SH2 Criteria MF SLM △5014 1-1Side A, variant 1
1-23936-B-RE-1-SH-2 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18417-RE1 SH2 Criteria MF SLM △5014-X 1-1Side B, variant 1
1-23936-A-RE-1-SH-1 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18416-Re1-SH1 Criteria MF SLM △5014 1-1Side A, variant 2
1-23936-B-RE-1-SH-1 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18417-Re1-SH1 Criteria MF SLM △5014-X 1-1Side B, variant 2
1-23936-A-RE-1-SH-2 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18416-Re1-SH2 · ─◁ Criteria MF SLM △5014 1-2Side A
1-23936-B-RE-1-SH-2 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-18417-Re1 SH2 - ─◁ Criteria MF SLM △5014-X 1-1-SM 1-1Side B
EMC 165219.A AP MAXICUT -Side A runout
EMC 165219.B AP MAXICUT -Side B runout
65 219 - ARunout: Side A, Etched
65 219 - BRunout: Side B, Etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | EMI EMC 165219First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Australia | EMI EMC 165219First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Brazil | EMI 31C 064 65219First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92 39361First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | France | EMI 1652191First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Germany | EMI 1C 064 1652191 / EMI 1652191First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Greece | EMI 062-1652191First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Italy | EMI 64 1652191First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | EMI EMS-81626First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Japan | EMI EMS-81626First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | New Zealand | EMI EMC 208First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | Portugal | EMI 1652191First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | South Africa | EMI EMCJ(D) 5316First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1983 | Spain | EMI 064-1652191First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1983 | UK | EMI EMC 1652191First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
20 vinyl pressings of Hard are listed here, from 14 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, US, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is EMI EMC 1652191, released September 5, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMC 1652191, 1-23936, EMC 165219, 31C 064 65219) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMC 1652191 A-1U-1-1-2 timtom-cbs and EMC 1652191 B-1U-1-1-. 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.
