US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 0-66931
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · AR
Midnight StarOperator
Vinyl pressings
Operator
by Midnight Star · 1984
28 pressings7 countriesElectroDiscoElectronicFunk / Soul
Operator was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Operator
21 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 4 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.
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 96 69310
- Format
- 12"
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 7-69684
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo · AR - Allied Pressing
- Runout / matrix
ST-ES-69684A-3 [Flower] [Allied logo] R-13576-A3 SLM Δ8188 1-1Etched Side A, except Allied logo stamped
ST-ES-69684-B 3 [Birds] [Allied logo] R-13577-B3 SLM Δ8188-X 1-1Etched Side B, except Allied logo stamped
ST-ES-69684-A-ARLabel side A
ST-ES-69684-B-ARLabel side B
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 0-66931
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo · Specialty Pressing
- Runout / matrix
SRCRunout Side A&B Stamped
ST-ED-66931-A-2 ❀ 1-1Runout Side A Etched
ST-ED-66931-B-1 ⁀⁀︵︵ 1-1Runout Side B Etched
ST-ED-66931-A-SPLabel Side A
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 7-69684
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · SP - Specialty Pressing
- Runout / matrix
ST-ES-69684-A-SPSide A
ST-ES-69684-B-SPSide B
US
1984- Label and catalog number
- Solar 7-69684
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · SP - Specialty Pressing
- Runout / matrix
SRC ST-ES-69684A 2 [flower] 1-2A-Side Runout Etching
SRC ST-ES-69684-B 1 [birds] 1-2B-Side Runout Etching
ST-ES-69684-A-SPLabel A
ST-ES-69684-B-SPLabel B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 28 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s28 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Canada | Solar 96 96847First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Canada | Solar 96 69310First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | Canada | Solar 96 96847First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | TSR Music GmbH TSR·320201First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Solar TSR 310201First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Germany | TSR Music GmbH TSR 320201First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Germany | Solar TSR 310201First year7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, 45 RPM, Stereo, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | Germany | TSR Music GmbH TSR·320201First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | Solar TSR 310201First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Solar MCAT 942 / MCA Records MCAT 942First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | Solar 0-66931First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | US | Solar ED 5018First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Solar 96 69310First year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | US | Solar 7-69684First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Solar 7-69684First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AOperator (Vocal/LP Version)7:40
- B1Operator (Vocal/Edit of LP Version)4:04
- B2Playmates (Vocal/LP Version)5:28
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Operator are there?
28 vinyl pressings of Operator are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1984 and 1985.
When was Operator first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, UK, Canada, Germany. One of them is Solar 0-66931.
How do I tell if my copy of Operator is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 0-66931, 96 69310, 7-69684, ED 5018) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Operator on vinyl worth?
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.
