Vinyl pressings
by Norman Connors · 1973
Dark Of Light was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1973, 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.
FRANKFORD WAYNE MASTERING PHILA.Both Sides Stamped
CST 9035-A SONA Runout Etching, var.1
CST 9035-B SONB Runout Etching, var.1
CST-9035-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA. NS. SONA runout, var.2
CST-9035-A NS/CP Δ18003(1)Side A runout, etched
CST-9035-B Δ18003-X(1)Side B runout, etched
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE PHILA.Side A+B runout, stamped
(MR)Side A+B runout, stamped
FRANKFORD/WAYNE MASTERING PHILA. 11.Both Sides Stamped
CST 9035-AA Runout Etching
CST 9035-BB Runout Etching
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Japan | Cobblestone YZ-37-COFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Cobblestone CST 9035First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | Cobblestone CST 9035First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | Cobblestone CST 9035First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Reissue · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | Buddah Records BDS 5675LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1978 | Japan | Buddah Records SFX-10625LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Unknown | Cobblestone CST 9035LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
12 vinyl pressings of Dark Of Light are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1973 and 2005.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Japan. One of them is Cobblestone CST 9035.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CST 9035, YZ-37-CO) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FRANKFORD WAYNE MASTERING PHILA. and CST 9035-A SON. 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.
