Vinyl pressings
by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark · 1983
Genetic Engineering was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 10 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.
VS · 527 - 12 - A1Runout side A, variant 1
VS - 527 - 12 - B1Runout side B, variant 1
VS-527-12-A1 4 BRunout side A, variant 2
VS- 527- 12-B1 1 5 ARunout side A, variant 2
VS-527-A4 ARUNHand Etched Runout, Side A. Variant 1
VS 527 B1Hand Etched Runout, Side B. Variant 1
VS 527 A3 ARUNHand Etched Runout, Side A. Variant 2
VS 527 B2Hand Etched Runout, Side B. Variant 2
VSY-527-A TOWNHOUSE ORLAKEA-Side Runout
VSY-527-B TOWNHOUSE ORLAKEB-Side Runout
VSY 527AA-Side Label
VSY 527BB-Side Label
DS 105029 A-1/83S I Made in GermanyRunout A, variant 1
DS 105029 B-1/83S I II Made in GermanyRunout B, variant 1
DS 105029 A-1/83S I II Made in GermanyRunout A, variant 2
DS 105029 B-1/83S I Made in GermanyRunout B, variant 2
600750 A-1/83S I Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 1
600750 B-1/83S I II Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 1
600750 A-1/83S I Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 2
600750 B-1/83S I III Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Europe | Virgin 105 029 / Telegraph 105 029First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Virgin 600 750 / Virgin 600 750-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Virgin 105 029 / Telegraph 105 029First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | France | Virgin 600 750First year12" | 12" |
| 1983 | Ireland | Virgin VS 527First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Netherlands | Virgin 105.029 / Telegraph 105.029First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 527 / Telegraph VS 527First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Portugal | Virgin 511205First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Scandinavia | Telegraph VS 527 / Virgin VS 527First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | South Africa | Virgin VS 532First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Spain | Telegraph F-600 771 / Virgin F-600 771First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Spain | Virgin B-105.009 / Telegraph B-105009First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Spain | Virgin B-105.009 / Telegraph B-105.009First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VS 527 / Telegraph VS 527First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | Virgin VSY 527First year7", Picture Disc, 45 RPM, Single · Picture disc | 7", Picture Disc, 45 RPM, Single · Picture disc |
16 vinyl pressings of Genetic Engineering are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in UK, Europe, France, Ireland and more. One of them is Virgin VS 527-12, released February 11, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 527-12, VS 527, VSY 527, 105 029) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS · 527 - 12 - A1 and VS - 527 - 12 - B1. 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.
