Vinyl pressings
by Ladysmith Black Mambazo · 1987
Shaka Zulu was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1987, 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.
1-2 5582-A-SR1Side One Etched, Variant 1
1-25582-B-SR3Side Two Etched, Variant 1
SRC [logo] STERLINGStamped Both Sides
1-2 5582-A-SR2 1-1Side One Etched, Variant 2
1-2 5582-A-SH1 ɑ [Allied logo] B-26845 -SH1 Δ15884 1-1 STERLINGSide A runout
1-25582-B-SH1 ɑ [Allied logo] B-26846-B-SHI Δ15884-X 1-1 STERLINGSide B runout
Δ MX 213199 25582-1 S1Runout etched side A
Δ MX 213200 25582-1 S2Runout etched side B
RCA-670.0054-A IS A 2Side A
RCA-670.0054-A IS B 2Side B
92•55821 A1 (CR)Side A runout
92•55821 B1 (CR)Side B runout
R/S Alsdorf 925582-1-A3 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-26845-SH1 1-2 582 A SH1 △ 15884 1-2Variant 1: side A, stamped/etched
R/S Alsdorf 925582-1-BVariant 1: side B, stamped
GER R/S Alsdorf 925582-1-A3 1-25582-A-SH 1 [Allied 'ɑ' logo] B-26845-SH1 △ 15884 1-2Variant 3: side A, stamped/etched
R/S Alsdorf 925582-1-B BE JK 34Variant 3: side B, stamped/etched
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.
12 vinyl pressings of Shaka Zulu are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1987 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in US, Australia, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is Warner Bros. Records 9 25582-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9 25582-1, 25582-1, 670.0054, 92 55821) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 1-2 5582-A-SR1 and 1-25582-B-SR3. 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.
