Vinyl pressings
by Ohio Players · 1974
Fire / Together 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.
18 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 11 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.
2-51401-CT1 MASTERDISK G.K.Var. 1: Runout A
2-51742-CT2 MASTERDISK G.K.Var. 1: Runout B
2-51401 -CT1 T MASTERDISK G.K.Var. 2: Runout A
2-51742 -CT1 T MASTERDISK G.K.Var. 2: Runout B
2-51401-CS7 S1 G.K.A) Etched
2-51742-CS5 S1 G.K.B) Etched
2-51401-PR8Hand etched on runout area side A
2-51742-PR7Hand etched on runout area side B
MATERDISKStamped on runout area on both sides
G.K.Hand etched on runout area on both sides
2-51401-CP9A side deadwax - scribed (Variant 1)
2-51(4 crossed out)742-CP9B side deadwax - scribed (Variant 1)
2-51401-CP4A side deadwax - scribed (Variant 2)
2-51402-CP4B side deadwax - scribed (Variant 2)
2-51401-CT2 MASTERDISCSide A etched (also "MASTERDISC" stamped)
2-51742-CT2 MASTERDISCSide B etched (also "MASTERDISC" stamped)
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 | Barbados | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Canada | Mercury M-73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | France | Mercury 6837 241First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | France | Mercury 6167 228First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1974 | Germany | Mercury 6167 058First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Guatemala | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Jamaica | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Jamaica | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Mercury 6167 058First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Mercury 6167 058First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | New Zealand | Mercury 6167 058First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | Portugal | Mercury 6167 058First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | South Africa | Mercury TOS.1026First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1974 | US | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Mercury 73643First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Philippines | Mercury MER-11697", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
30 vinyl pressings of Fire / Together are listed here, from 21 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in US, Barbados, Canada, France and more. One of them is Mercury 73643, released December 1974.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 73643, M-73643, 6837 241, 6167 228) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2-51401-CT1 MASTERDISK G.K. and 2-51742-CT2 MASTERDISK G.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.
