Canada
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMX-356
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
AMX-356-S-1Side A Runout
AMX337BSide B Runout
Keith HampshireBig Time Operator
Vinyl pressings
Big Time Operator
by Keith Hampshire · 1973
14 pressings6 countriesBlues RockRockBluesPop
Big Time Operator was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. 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 Big Time Operator
9 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 4 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.
Canada
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMX 356-S
- Format
- 7", Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
AMX-356-S-1Side A Runout
AMX-356-M-1Side B Runout
Canada
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMX 356-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
AM 356-M-1 ESide B Runout
AM 356-S-1 ESide A Runout
US
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-1486-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Stereo
US
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-1486-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
T A&M 2573-S-T-1Side A Runout Variant 1
A&M-2465-S-T1Side B Runout Variant 1
1T A&M 2573-S-T1Side A Runout Variant 2
1T A&M 2465-S T1Side B Runout Variant 2
US
1973- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records 1486A&M Records 1486-S
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono, Promo
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 14 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Brazil | A&M Records S7AM-5096First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Canada | A&M Records AMX-356First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | A&M Records AMX 356-SFirst year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Canada | A&M Records AMX 356-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Germany | A&M Records 13 122 ATFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1973 | Germany | A&M Records 13 122 ATFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | A&M Records 1486 / A&M Records 1486-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono, Promo · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Mono, Promo · Promo, Mono |
| 1973 | US | A&M Records AM-1486-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | A&M Records AM-1486-SFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | South Africa | A&M Records AMRS 10857", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Spain | A&M Records 13.122-A7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | A&M Records AMX-3567", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | US | A&M Records AM-1486-S7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| ? | US | A&M Records AM-1486-S7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
Tracklist
- ABig Time Operator2:36
- BYou Can't Hear The Song I Sing4:12
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Big Time Operator are there?
14 vinyl pressings of Big Time Operator are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1973 and 1974.
When was Big Time Operator first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in Canada, US, Brazil, Germany. One of them is A&M Records AMX-356.
How do I tell if my copy of Big Time Operator is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMX-356, AMX 356-S, AM-1486-S, 1486) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMX-356-S-1 and AMX337B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Big Time Operator 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.