Vinyl pressings
by Jimmy Smith · 1982
Off The Top 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.
17 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 13 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.
B-17015-A3 60175-A-3-SH-AR Δ2145 ESR-MS-72082 + SLMSide A runout, etched
Δ2145-X 60175-B-4-SH-AR B-17016-B4 ESR-MS-72082 + SLMSide B runout, etched
[Allied Record Company "a" logo]Sides A & B runout, stamped
60175-A (AR)Side A label
60175-A-1-SP 1-1 ESR-MS-71982Side A runout, variant 1
60175-B-2-SP 1-1SM1-1 ESR-MS-72082Side B runout, variant 1
60175-A-1-SP 1-1 ESR-MS-71982Side A runout, variant 2
60175-B-2-SP 1-1 ESR-MS-72082Side B runout, variant 2
60175-A-1-SP 1-1 ESR-MS-71982Side A runout
60175-B-2-SP 1-1 ESR-MS-72082Side B runout
[Allied 'ɑ' Logo] B-17015-A3 60175-A-3-SH-AR △2145 ESR-MS-72082 + SLMRunout A
[Allied 'ɑ' Logo] B-17016-B4 ESR-MS-72082 + SLM △2145-X 60175-B-4-SH-ARRunout B
60175-A (AR)Label A
60175-B (AR)Label B
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 | Brazil | Elektra Musician 22.056First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Canada | Elektra Musician 96 01751First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Europe | Elektra Musician MUS K 52 418 / Elektra Musician 60175-1First yearLP | LP |
| 1982 | France | Elektra Musician MUS K 52 418 / Elektra Musician 60175-1First yearLP | LP |
| 1982 | Germany | Elektra Musician MUS K 52 418 / Elektra Musician 60175-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | Elektra Musician K 52 418 / Elektra Musician MUS K 52418First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Guatemala | Elektra 60175First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Japan | Elektra Musician P-11254First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Elektra Musician MUS K 52 418First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Elektra Musician EI-60175First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Panama | Elektra 60175First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Philippines | Elektra Musician 60175First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Scandinavia | Elektra Musician K 52 418 / Elektra Musician MUS K 52418First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Elektra Musician 60175 / Elektra Musician 9 60175First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | US | Elektra Musician 60175 / Elektra Musician 9 60175First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
18 vinyl pressings of Off The Top are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, Brazil, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Elektra Musician 60175.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 60175, 9 60175-1, 22.056, 96 01751) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, B-17015-A3 60175-A-3-SH-AR Δ2145 ESR-MS-72082 + SLM and Δ2145-X 60175-B-4-SH-AR B-17016-B4 ESR-MS-72082 + SLM. 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.
