Vinyl pressings
by Gitte Hænning · 1976
Happy End was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1976, 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.
PPBO-4154-A''' PF Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A, etched
PP-BO-4154-B PF Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B, etched
PPBO-4154-ALabel side A
PPBO-4154-BLabel side B
6C 006-98270-AA side runout
6C 006-39270-BB side runout
006 98270 AA side label
006 98270 BB side label
PB-50309-A D.T.
PB-50309-B D.T.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Canada | RCA Victor PB-50309First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | Canada | RCA Victor PB-50313First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | Canada | RCA Victor PB-50313First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | Denmark | EMI 6C 006-98270 / EMI 006-98270First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | RCA Victor PPBO-4154 / RCA Victor 26.11 464First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | RCA PPBO-4154 / RCA Victor 26.11 4647", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1977 | Portugal | RCA Victor PB-55007", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Italy | RCA PB 5500 / RCA Victor PB 55007", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | Italy | RCA PB 5500 / RCA Victor PB 55007", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | RCA PB-503097", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Happy End are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in Germany, Canada, Denmark. One of them is RCA Victor PPBO-4154.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PPBO-4154, PB-50313, 6C 006-98270, PB-50309) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PPBO-4154-A''' PF Manufactured in Germany and PP-BO-4154-B PF Manufactured 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.
