Vinyl pressings
by Los Bravos · 1974
Ma Marimba was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 1974, 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.
850 SQR 1992 M=1J COLRunout side A
850 SQR 1993 M=1J COLRunout side B
SQR 1992 MA side label, upside down @ 9 o'clock
SQR 1993 MB side label, upside down @ 9 o'clock
850 SQR 1992M=1J COLRunout side A
850 SQR 1993M=1J COLRunout side B
SQR 1992.M-ICLabel Side A
SQR 1993.M-ICLabel Side B
SQR 1992-MLabel Side A
SQR 1993-MLabel Side B
SQR-1992-1- 2-9-74- fomicaRunout, Side A
SQR-1993-2. 2-9-74- fomicaRunout, Side B
SQR-1992 MMatrix, label side A
SQR-1993-M MMatrix, label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Belgium | Decca 26.424-Y / Decca 105-26.424YFirst year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Germany | Decca 6.11 536 / Decca 6.11536First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Greece | Minos MSI 1043First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Italy | Ariston AR/0635First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Spain | Columbia MO 1393First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | UK | Decca F R 13535First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Italy | Ariston AR/0635First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1974 | France | Decca 85.048First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Spain | Columbia MO 1393First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Decca F R 13535First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1974 | Guatemala | Alhambra AA-2053 / Dila AA-2053First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Ma Marimba are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in Spain, UK, France, Guatemala and more. One of them is Columbia MO 1393, released July 26, 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MO 1393, F R 13535, 85.048, AA-2053) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 850 SQR 1992 M=1J COL and 850 SQR 1993 M=1J COL. 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.
