Vinyl pressings
by Helen Shapiro · 1961
Helen was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1961, the album's first year, in 6 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.
7TCA 1783-1NRunout side A, stamped, variant 1
7TCA 1784-1NRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
7TCA 1783-1N L ET 1 2Runout side A, stamped, variant 2
7TCA 1784-1N P ET 1 2Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
7TCA 1783 - 1NRun-out side A, stamped
7TCA 1784 - 1NRun-out side B, stamped
7TCA 1783Label side A, in parenthesis
7TCA 1784Label side B, in parenthesis
Side 1:7TCA 1783-1N
Side 2:7TCA 1784-1N
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Australia | Columbia SEGO 8128 / Columbia SEGO-8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1961 | India | Columbia SEG 8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Netherlands | Columbia SEG 8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | New Zealand | Columbia SEGM 8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1961 | South Africa | Columbia SEGJ 8128First year7", EP | 7", EP |
| 1961 | UK | Columbia SEG 8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1961 | UK | Columbia SEG 8128First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | UK | Columbia ESG 7872First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1961 | UK | Columbia ESG 7872First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1962 | Germany | Columbia C 41 507 / Columbia SEGW 79807", EP, 45 RPM | 7", EP, 45 RPM |
| 1962 | Netherlands | Columbia SEG 81287", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | Germany | Columbia C 41 507 / Columbia SEGW 79807", 45 RPM, EP, Misprint, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Misprint, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Ireland | Columbia SEG(I) 81287", 45 RPM, EP | 7", 45 RPM, EP |
13 vinyl pressings of Helen are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1961 and 1962.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in UK, Australia, India, Netherlands and more. One of them is Columbia SEG 8128.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SEG 8128, ESG 7872, SEGO 8128, SEGM 8128) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7TCA 1783-1N and 7TCA 1784-1N. 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.
