UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra 9 60469-1Elektra 60469-1
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 A"UK" is handwritten under stamped matrix number
R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 B
Vinyl pressings
3 Ships
by Jon Anderson · 1985
16 pressings10 countriesArt RockHolidayRock
3 Ships was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of 3 Ships
12 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 8 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.
UK
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra EKT 22Elektra 960 469-1
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 ARunout, side A, stamped
R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 B 14 UKRunout, side A, stamped & etched
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra 9 60469-1Elektra 60469-1
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
STE - 60469-A-2 [SRC logo] RTB STERLINGRunout side A, variant 1
STE - 60469-B2 [SRC logo] STERLINGRunout side B, variant 1
STE-60469-A-2 [SRC logo] 1-1 RTB STERLINGRunout side A, variant 2
STE-60469-B2 [SRC logo] 1-3 STERLINGRunout side B, variant 2
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra 9 60469-1Elektra 60469-1
- Format
- LP, Album · AR - Allied Press
- Runout / matrix
STE - 60469-A-2 SPAR A-2 RTB Δ11090 o- B-22202-A2Runout side A, etched
STE - 60469-B2 A-2 SPAR B-22203-B2 Δ11090-X o-Runout side B, etched
[SRC logo] STERLINGRunout both sides stamped
ST-E-60469-1-A-ARLabel side A
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra 9 60469-1Asylum Records 9 60469-1
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo
- Runout / matrix
STE-60469-A-2 SPAR B-22202-A2 RTB (Triangle) 11090Etched in Runout A
STE-60469-B-2 SPAR B-22203-B2 (Triangle) 11090Etched in Runout B
US
1985- Label and catalog number
- Elektra 9 60469-1Asylum Records 9 60469-1
- Format
- LP, Album, Promo · SP
- Runout / matrix
ST-E-60469-1-A-SP
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 16 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s16 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Argentina | Elektra ST E-60469-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Australia | Elektra 60469.1 / Asylum Records 60469.1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Canada | Elektra 96 04691First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Europe | Elektra 960-469-1 / Elektra EKT 22First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Italy | Elektra 96 0469-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Spain | Elektra 96 0469-1 / Elektra LL 960469-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | UK | Elektra 9 60469-1 / Elektra 60469-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | UK | Elektra EKT 22 / Elektra 960 469-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Elektra 9 60469-1 / Elektra 60469-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Elektra E1 60469LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1985 | US | Elektra 9 60469-1 / Asylum Records 9 60469-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Elektra 9 60469-1 / Elektra 60469-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | US | Elektra 9 60469-1 / Asylum Records 9 60469-1First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Venezuela | Elektra ELEKTRA 3103LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1987 | Japan | Elektra P-13594LP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1Save All Your Love1:23
- A2Easier Said Than Done4:14
- A3Three Ships3:43
- A4Forest Of Fire3:31
- A5Ding Dong Merrily On High1:58
- A6Save All Your Love (Reprise)3:10
- B1The Holly And The Ivy3:07
- B2Day Of Days3:36
- B32,000 Years0:57
- B4Where Were You?3:55
- B5Oh Holy Night4:16
- B6How It Hits You5:12
- B7Jingle Bells0:31
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of 3 Ships are there?
16 vinyl pressings of 3 Ships are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1985 and 1987.
When was 3 Ships first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, US, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is Elektra 9 60469-1.
How do I tell if my copy of 3 Ships is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9 60469-1, EKT 22, ST E-60469-1, 60469.1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 A and R/S Alsdorf 960469-1 B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is 3 Ships on vinyl worth?
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.
