Vinyl pressings
by Jim Capaldi · 1978
The Contender was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 11 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.
2383490A//1 C 11 3Side A, stamped variant 1
2383490B//1 C 1 1 1Side B, stamped variant 1
2383490A//1 C 11 5Side A, stamped variant 2
2383490B//1 C 1 2 1Side B, stamped variant 2
200 JA 2383 490 A1 LRSide 1 Etched
200 JA 2383 490 B1 LRSide 2 Etched
2383 490 = 2 S1Side A runout, variant 1
2383 490 S2Side B runout, variant 1
2383 490 = 2 S 1 320 E 1Side A runout, variant 2
2383 490 S 2 3 20 D 1Side B runout, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Australia | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | France | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Germany | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | Italy | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Netherlands | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Portugal | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Spain | Polydor 23 83 490First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor 2383 490First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Japan | Polydor MPF1152First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
11 vinyl pressings of The Contender are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, Australia, Brazil, France and more. One of them is Polydor 2383 490.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2383 490, 23 83 490, MPF1152) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2383490A//1 C 11 3 and 2383490B//1 C 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.
