Vinyl pressings
by Jeffrey Osborne · 1986
Soweto was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. 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 1986, the album's first year, in 5 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.
AMY 334 A// 1◁(◁pointing down)420 T 1 1 JA 1Side A runout, stamped except 1's and JA are etched, Variant 1
AMY 334 B// 1◁(◁pointing down)420 T 1 1 1Side B runout, stamped except 1's etched, Variant 1
AMY 334 ALabel side A
AMY 334 BLabel side B
HERBIE JR :<) A+M-SP-012190-A-ES-1Runout side A, etched
HERBIE JR :<) A+M-SP-012190-B-ES-1Runout side B, etched
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKRunout side A, stamped
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKRunout side B, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Canada | A&M Records SP-12190First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 392 116-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 390116-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Germany | A&M Records 392 116-1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMY 334First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMY 334First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AM 334First year7" | 7" |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AM 334 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records SP-12190First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records SP-12190First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records AM 2863First year7" | 7" |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records AM 2863First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records AM 2863First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | A&M Records SP-12190First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Japan | A&M Records C12Y3082First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
15 vinyl pressings of Soweto are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, US, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is A&M Records AMY 334.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMY 334, AM 334, AM 334 DJ, SP-12190) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMY 334 A// 1◁(◁pointing down)420 T 1 1 JA 1 and AMY 334 B// 1◁(◁pointing down)420 T 1 1 1. 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.
