Vinyl pressings
by Krokus · 1982
American Woman 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.
11 pressings came out in 1982, 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.
AS-0693-SA-CP1 STERLINGRunout side A, etched, except [STERLING] stamped
AS-0693-SB-CP1 STERLINGRunout side B, etched, except [STERLING] stamped
AS 0693-SALabel side-A
AS 0693-SBLabel side-B
AS-0693-MA-CT2 T1 STERLINGScribed in runout side A
AS-0693-SA-CT2 ✩ T1 STERLINGScribed in runout side B
+ SLM △1640 AS-0693-MA-SL1 [Allied 'ɑ' Logo] R-9187-SL1 STERLINGA runout
+ SLM △1641 AS-0693-SA-SL1 [Allied 'ɑ' Logo]R-9188-SL1 STERLINGB runout
AS 0693-MAA label
AS 0693-SAB label
AS-0693-SA-CP1 (etched) STERLING (stamped)Stereo side runout
AS-0693-MA-CP2 ✬ (etched) STERLING (stamped)Mono side runout
ARIST 468 A//1▽420 T 1Side A runout
ARIST 468 B//1▽420 T 1Side B runout
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 | Argentina | Arista RD 100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Canada | Arista AS 0680First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Europe | Arista 103 993 / Arista 103 993-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Mexico | Arista S-706 / Arista 104.313First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Spain | Arista B-103993First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Arista ARIST 468First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Arista ARIST 468First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | US | Arista AS 0693First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1982 | US | Arista AS 0693First year7", Single, Styrene | 7", Single, Styrene |
| 1982 | US | Arista AS 0693First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1982 | US | Arista AS 0693First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
11 vinyl pressings of American Woman are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is Arista AS 0693.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AS 0693, ARIST 468, AS 0680, 103 993) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AS-0693-SA-CP1 STERLING and AS-0693-SB-CP1 STERLING. 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.
