Vinyl pressings
by Miroslav Vitous · 1976
Majesty Music was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 3 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.
AL 4099 SA KRunout A-side, etching
AL 4099 SB X KRunout B-side, etching, crossed-out character before the 'K'
STERLING TJRunout, both sides, stamped, 'TJ' etched
AL 4099 SA-1 1-11 PRCSide A,etched
AL 4099 SB-1 1-1 PRCSide B,etched
STERLINGBoth Sides, stamped
AL 4099 SA -2 WSide A,etched
AL 4099 SB WSide B,etched
STERLINGBoth Sides, stamped
AL 4099 SA KSide A, etched
AL 4099 SB KSide B, etched
STERLINGBoth sides, stamped
AL 4099 SA -2 W STERLING TJSide A runout
AL 4099 SB W STERLING TJSide B runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Canada | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Japan | Arista IES-80721 / Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Japan | Arista IES-80721 / Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099 / Arista 4099First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Arista AL 4099First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1977 | Italy | Arista 3C 064-98802LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Arista AL 4099LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Japan | Arista 15RS-20LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Majesty Music are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1976 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, Canada, Japan. One of them is Arista AL 4099.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AL 4099, IES-80721) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL 4099 SA K and AL 4099 SB X K. 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.
