Vinyl pressings
by Golden Earring · 1976
Contraband 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.
7 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.
AA 2310 491 1Y1 MELYSSide A runout Variant 1
AA 2310 491 2Y1 MELYSSide B runout Variant 1
AA 2310 491 1Y1 1 1 MELYSSide A runout Variant 2
AA 2310 491 2Y1 1. 3 MELYSSide B runout Variant 2
AA 2310 491 1Y1 MELYS.Runout side A
AA 2310 491 2Y1 MELYS.Runout side B
2344 059 S1 320A-side, stamped
2344 059 S2 320B-side, stamped
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 | France | Polydor 2310 491First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | France | Polydor 2310 491First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | Polydor 2344 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Germany | Polydor 2344 059First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Netherlands | Polydor 2310 491First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Netherlands | Polydor 2310 491First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Spain | Polydor 2310 491First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Scandinavia | Polydor 2310 491LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1977 | South Africa | Polydor 2310 491LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | UK | Polydor 2310 491LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Netherlands | Music On Vinyl MOVLP322 / Red Bullet RB 33 209LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Europe | Music On Vinyl MOVLP322 / Red Bullet RB33.209LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Polydor 2310491LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Contraband are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1976 and 2021.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain. One of them is Polydor 2310 491.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2310 491, 2344 059) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AA 2310 491 1Y1 MELYS and AA 2310 491 2Y1 MELYS. 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.
