Vinyl pressings
by Norma Jean Wright · 1978
Sorcerer was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 2 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.
BSSD - 0339 - WNY 1615 - S⃥ ⃥-⃥ ⃥S⃥R⃥I⃥ VI-S SP 1-3 ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K.Side A runout etched/stamped
BSSD - 0339 - WNY 1614 S - SRI SP 1-2Side B runout etched/stamped
WNY 1615V1SLabel side A
WNY 1614SLabel side B
BSS-0340 WNY 1615VII-S-ww1 (sideways trumpet symbol) DUN CA Side Runout Etched and "DUN C" Stamped
BSS-0340 WNY 1614-S-ww1 (sideways trumpet)B Side Runout Etched
WNY 1615VIISA Side Label
WNY 1614SB Side Label
BSSD-0339 WNY 1615S - M1--V1S MR △24301-X (1)Runout, Side A
BSSD 0339 WNY 1614S - M1 MR △24301 (2)Runout, Side B
WNY 1615V1SPrinted on label, Side A
WNY 1614SPrinted on label, Side B
WNY 1615 VI SLabel side A
WNY 1614 SLabel side B
BSS-0340-ARunout Side A
BSS-0340-BRunout Side B
WNY 1615 VII SLabel Side A
WNY 1614 SLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Canada | Bearsville BSSD 0339First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Canada | Bearsville BSS 0340First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Canada | Bearsville BSS 0340First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | US | Bearsville BSSD 0339First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Bearsville BSSD 0339First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | US | Bearsville BSS 0340First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Bearsville BSS 0340First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | France | Bearsville 8.06612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1979 | France | Bearsville 8.06612", Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Promo · Promo, Limited | 12", Maxi-Single, Limited Edition, Promo · Promo, Limited |
| 1979 | Spain | Bearsville BSS 03397", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Sorcerer are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in US, Canada. One of them is Bearsville BSSD 0339.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BSSD 0339, BSS 0340) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BSSD - 0339 - WNY 1615 - S⃥ ⃥-⃥ ⃥S⃥R⃥I⃥ VI-S SP 1-3 ATLANTIC STUDIOS D.K. and BSSD - 0339 - WNY 1614 S - SRI SP 1-2. 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.
