Vinyl pressings
by Herbie Hancock · 1974
Chameleon / Vein Melter was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 7 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.
ZSS 157777-1FRunout A, etched variation 1
ZSS 157778-1FRunout B, etched variation 1
ZSS 157777-1FRunout A, etched variation 2
ZSS 157778-1C TIRunout B, etched variation 2
ZSS 157777-1JRunout A, etched
ZSS 157778-1HRunout B, etched
ZSS 157777-1F pA-Side Runout Etching
p ZSS 157778-1EB-Side Runout Etching
ZSS 157777Side A Label
ZSS 157778Side B Label
ZSS 157777-1L PRScribed in runout A
ZSS 157778-1J-1-1 PRScribed in runout B
ZSS 157777Label A
ZSS 157778Label B
ZSP 157776-1FA-Side Runout Etching
ZSS 157777-1EB-Side Runout Etching
JZSP 157776Side A Label
JZSS 157777Side B Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Australia | CBS BA-222050First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Jamaica | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Jamaica | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Spain | CBS CBS 2329First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Turkey | CBS CBS 2329First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1974 | US | Columbia 4-46002First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | UK | CBS S CBS 2329First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | UK | CBS S CBS 2329First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | UK | CBS S CBS 2329First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
15 vinyl pressings of Chameleon / Vein Melter are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Columbia 4-46002.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4-46002, S CBS 2329, BA-222050, CBS 2329) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS 157777-1F and ZSS 157778-1F. 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.
