Vinyl pressings
by Leo Kottke · 1979
Balance was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. 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 1979, 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.
S2 CHR-1234-AS-2 TML-SSide A - Runout Etched [TML-S stamped], variant 1
S1 CHR-1234-BS-1 TML-MSide B - Runout etched [TML-M stamped], variant 1
S2 CHR-1234-AS-1 TML-MSide A - Runout etched [TML-M stamped], variant 2
S2 CHR-1234-BS-1 TML-MSide B - Runout etched [TML-M stamped], variant 2
1 S P CHR-1234-AS-2 SX TML-S BSide A runout
P 2 S CHR-1234-BS-1 SX TML-M -A-Side B runout
CHR-1234-ASSide A label
CHR-1234-BSSide B label
CHR-1234-AS-2 TML-S C SXT ➰ SSide 1 - Runout Etched [TML-S stamped]
CHR-1234-BS-1 SXT TML-M C1 ➰ SSide 2 - Runout etched [TML-M stamped]
CHR-1234-ASSide 1 - Label - Between brackets
CHR-1234-BSSide 2 - Label - Between brackets
CHR 1234 A//1∇EP 12 bneRunout A, stamped, etched, Variant 1
CHR 1234 B//1∇EP 11Runout B, stamped, Variant 1
CHR 1234 A//2∇E P 11 2Runout A, stamped, etched, Variant 2
CHR 1234 B//1∇EP 11 2Runout B, stamped, Variant 2
SMX54263 2ARunout Side 1, etched
SMX54264 2ARunout Side 2, etched
SMX54263Label Side 1
SMX54264Label Side 2
CHR 1234-A D-T.O. B.G.A Runout, Etched
CHR 1234-B CK B.G.B Runout, Etched
◎A, B Runout, Stamped [Capitol Symbol]
CHR 1234-ASA Label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Australia | Chrysalis L 36955 / Chrysalis (CHR 1234)First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Canada | Chrysalis CHR-1234 / Chrysalis CHR 1234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Germany | Chrysalis 6307 668 / Chrysalis CHR 1234First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Italy | Chrysalis 6307 668First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 511234 / Chrysalis 51.1234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | UK | Chrysalis CHR 1234 / Chrysalis 804 554-985First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Chrysalis CHR-1234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Chrysalis CHR-1234LP, Album, Repress, Stereo | LP, Album, Repress, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Chrysalis CHR-1234First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Chrysalis CHR-1234First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Chrysalis CHR-1234 / Chrysalis CHR 1234LP, Album, Repress, Stereo | LP, Album, Repress, Stereo |
| 1979 | Yugoslavia | RTV Ljubljana LL 0576 / Chrysalis LL 0576First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Yugoslavia | RTV Ljubljana LL 0576 / Chrysalis LL 0576First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Chrysalis 202 733-320LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | US | Chrysalis PV 41234LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
15 vinyl pressings of Balance are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHR-1234.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHR-1234, CHR 1234, L 36955, 6307 668) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S2 CHR-1234-AS-2 TML-S and S1 CHR-1234-BS-1 TML-M. 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.
