Vinyl pressings
by Japan · 1982
Nightporter was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
VS 55412 A-2U-1-1⇀ 3 toneSide A runout, stamped / etched, variation 1
VS 55412 B-2U-1-1⇀3Side B runout, stamped, variation 1
VS 55412 A-3U-1-1⇀ 7 toneSide A runout, stamped / etched, variation 2
VS 55412 B-2U-1-1⇀31Side B runout, stamped, variation 2
VS 554·A1 ƱTOPIA ASide A runout, etched, (Λ stamped), variant 1
VS 554 B1 ASide B runout, etched, (Λ stamped), variant 1
VS 554 A1 ƱTOPIA ASide A runout, etched, (Λ stamped), variant 2
VS 554·B2 ASide B runout, etched, (Λ stamped), variant 2
VS - 554 - 12 - A1 ƱTOPIASide A runout, variant 1
VS - 554 - 12 - B1 ƱTOPIASide B runout, variant 1
VS - 554 - 12 - A2 ƱTOPIA ASide A runout, variant 2
VS - 554 - 12 - B1 ƱTOPIA A : )Side B runout, variant 2
JASide A runout, etched, version 1 & 2
VS 554 12 A-3U-1- : ∙ ∙ ∙Side A runout, stamped, version 1
VS 55412 A-2U-1-1Side A runout, stamped, version 2
VS 554 12 B-2U-1- : ∙ ∙Side B runout, stamped, version 1 & 2
ƱTOPIA VS-554-A1-DJ ASide A runout, etched, Λ stamped
VS-554-B1-DJ ASide B runout, etched, Λ stamped
VDJ554aSide A label
VDJ554bSide B label
DS 104850 A-1/82S I Made in GermanySide A
DS 104850 B-1/82S I Made in GermanySide B
S 104 850 ASide A label
S 104 850 BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ireland | Virgin VS554First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VDJ5547", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Promo, White Label · Test pressing, Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, Promo, White Label · Test pressing, Promo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS554-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | Virgin 104 850 / Virgin 104 850-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VINX 876First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 554-12 / Virgin VS554-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Virgin B-104.850 / Virgin B·104850First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS554First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS554-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VDJ554 / Virgin VS554First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS554-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Nightporter are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and more. One of them is Virgin VS554-12, released November 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS554-12, VS554, VDJ554, 104 850) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 55412 A-2U-1-1⇀ 3 tone and VS 55412 B-2U-1-1⇀3. 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.
