Vinyl pressings
by Golden Earring · 1976
Bombay 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.
4 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 4 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.
✲116✲ AA 2121 312 1W6 ℗ 1976 670 111 03Runout side A, variant 1
✲116✲ AA 2121 312 2W6 ℗ 1976 670 111 03Runout side B, variant 1
✲116✲ AA 2121 312 1W6 ℗ 1976 670 113 03Runout side A, variant 2
✲116✲ AA 2121 312 2W6 ℗ 1976 670 113 03Runout side B, variant 2
2121312 A//2 IB 1 1 1 MELYSSide A runout
2121312 B//1 IB 1 1 2 MELYSSide B runout
2121-312 ARunout side A
2121-312 BRunout side B
2121 312 ALabel side A
2121 312 BLabel side B
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 | Australia | Polydor 2121 312First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1976 | Belgium | Polydor 2121 312First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1976 | Netherlands | Polydor 2121 312First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1976 | UK | Polydor 2121 312First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Germany | Polydor 2121 3127", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Rhodesia | Polydor PS 4617", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1977 | South Africa | Polydor PS 461 / Polydor 2121 3127", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Russia | буд кон Д60 8552Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono, Colored vinyl | Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono, Colored vinyl |
| ? | Russia | буд кон Д60 8552Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono | Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono |
| ? | Russia | буд кон Д60 8552Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono, Colored vinyl | Flexi-disc, 5½", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Single, Unofficial Release, Mono · Unofficial, Mono, Colored vinyl |
10 vinyl pressings of Bombay are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in Netherlands, UK, Australia, Belgium. One of them is Polydor 2121 312.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2121 312) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ✲116✲ AA 2121 312 1W6 ℗ 1976 670 111 03 and ✲116✲ AA 2121 312 2W6 ℗ 1976 670 111 03. 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.
