Vinyl pressings
by Linx · 1981
So This Is Romance was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
CHS122546 A // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 1 RAYSRunout stamped/etched side A ,variant 1
CHS122546 B // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 1Runout stamped side B,variant 1
CHS122546 A // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 2 RAYSRunout stamped/etched side A,variant 2
CHS122546 B // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 2Runout stamped side B,variant 2
CHS2546 A//2▽E T 1 1Runout side A, variant 1
CHS2546 B//2▽E T 1 2Runout side B, variant 1
CHS2546 A//2▽E T 12 10 RAYSRunout side A, variant 2
CHS2546 B//2▽E T 1 1Runout side B, variant 2
CHS2546 A//1▽E T 1 1 5Runout stamped side A
CHS2546 B//2▽E T 1 1Runout stamped side B
RAYSEtched side A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | Chrysalis K-8474First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Colombia | Chrysalis 05884100046First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl |
| 1981 | Colombia | Chrysalis 05884100046First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Colored vinyl |
| 1981 | Germany | Chrysalis 103 583 / Chrysalis 103 583-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Ireland | Chrysalis CHS 2546First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Chrysalis 103 583 / Chrysalis 103 583-100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | New Zealand | Chrysalis K 8474First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Spain | Chrysalis CHS 2546First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2546First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2546First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 12 2546First year12", 45 RPM, White Label | 12", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1981 | UK | Chrysalis CHS 2546First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of So This Is Romance are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in UK, Australia, Colombia, Germany and more. One of them is Chrysalis CHS 12 2546.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CHS 12 2546, CHS 2546, K-8474, 05884100046) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CHS122546 A // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 1 RAYS and CHS122546 B // 2 ▽ E T 1 1 1. 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.
