Vinyl pressings
by Joe Jackson · 1988
Tucker was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. 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 1988, 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.
AM SP 03917-A ES2.. ["Trumpet"] -EMW-Side A runout
AM SP 03917-B ES2. ["Trumpet"] -EMW-Side B runout
SP-03917-ASide A label
SP-03917-BSide B label
SP-3917-A CRA runout
SP-3917-BB runout
393 917 - 1 S 1 = 2 320A side
393 917 - 1 S 2 = 2 320B side
393 917 - 1 S 1 = 2 320A side
393 917 - 1 S 2 = 2 320B side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Canada | A&M Records SP 3917First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Europe | A&M Records 393 917-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1988 | Europe | A&M Records 393 917-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1988 | Greece | A&M Records 393 917-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Greece | A&M Records 393917First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1988 | Greece | A&M Records 393 917-1First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1988 | Mexico | A&M Records LPR 73058First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | Spain | A&M Records 393917-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | UK | A&M Records AMA 3917First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records SP 3917 / A&M Records SP-3917First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | Brazil | A&M Records 393 917-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | South Africa | A&M Records AMLS 63917LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Australia | A&M Records L 38949 / A&M Records SP-3917LP, Album | LP, Album |
13 vinyl pressings of Tucker are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is A&M Records SP 3917.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP 3917, AMA 3917, 393 917-1, 393917) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AM SP 03917-A ES2.. ["Trumpet"] -EMW- and AM SP 03917-B ES2. ["Trumpet"] -EMW-. 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.
