Vinyl pressings
by Laurent Voulzy · 1978
Bubble Star was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
29 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 13 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.
8192 A PB8192 A agi 784Runout A side
8192 B PB8192 B agi 784Runout B side
PB 8192 ALabel side A
PB 8192 BLabel side B
PB-8192-A IE ATTRunout A
PB-8192-B IE A2 QRunout B
RCA 8192 A C|D|SSide A
RCA 8192 B C|D|SSide B
PB 8192 ASide A
PB 8192 BSide B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Argentina | RCA MIX 8191First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1978 | Belgium | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Belgium | RCA Victor PB 8255First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Bolivia | RCA Victor BOC/S - 1221First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Canada | RCA PB-50457First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Colombia | RCA Victor 05(0141)00015First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single · Colored vinyl |
| 1978 | Colombia | RCA 05(0111)52091First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PC 8191First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192 / RCA PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB-50457First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | France | RCA Victor PB 8192First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | RCA Victor PB 81927", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
31 vinyl pressings of Bubble Star are listed here, from 14 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in France, UK, Italy, Argentina and more. One of them is RCA Victor PB 8192, released May 1978.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PB 8192, PC 8191, PB-50457, PB 8255) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 8192 A PB8192 A agi 784 and 8192 B PB8192 B agi 784. 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.
