Vinyl pressings
by Gilla · 1978
Bend Me Shape Me was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
24 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 17 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.
11859 A-1/78S Made in GermanyRunout A, stamped
11859 B-1/78S Made in GermanyRunout B, stamped
S 11 859 ALabel A
S 11 859 BLabel B
AHAD· 518/12 · A1 △TRunout side A, etched
AHAD·518/12· B1 △TRunout side B, etched
†AHAD 518-A†Label side A
†AHAD 518-B†Label side B
AHA 518 A1△TRunout side A
AHA 518 B1△TRunout side B
014 11859 A-1/78S ̶M̶a̶d̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶G̶e̶r̶m̶a̶n̶y̶Runout A side
014 11859 B-1/78S ̶M̶a̶d̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶G̶e̶r̶m̶a̶n̶y̶Runout B side
11 859-ALabel A side
11 859-BLabel B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Argentina | RCA Victor 41A-2926First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Argentina | RCA Victor 41A-2926First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Australia | RCA Victor 103150First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Ecuador | RCA Victor 200723 / Fadisa 200723First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | France | Atlantic 11 139 / Hansa 11 139First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | France | Atlantic 11 139 / Atlantic 11.139First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Greece | Music-Box MB 10056First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Italy | Durium DE. 3003 / Durium DE 3003First year7", Stereo | 7", Stereo |
| 1978 | Japan | Hansa International MA-136-SAFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Japan | Hansa International MA-136-SAFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Hansa International 11 859 ATFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | New Zealand | RCA Victor 103150First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1978 | Philippines | Polydor PRO-3589First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Portugal | Ariola 5011 859First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | South Africa | Gallo PD 1580First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
25 vinyl pressings of Bend Me Shape Me are listed here, from 18 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in Germany, UK, Netherlands, Panama and more. One of them is Hansa International 11 859 AT, released January 1978.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 11 859 AT, AHAD 518-12, AHA 518, 41A-2926) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 11859 A-1/78S Made in Germany and 11859 B-1/78S Made in Germany. 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.
