Vinyl pressings
by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark · 1991
Pandora's Box was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1991, the album's first year, in 5 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 1331 A - 2U - 1 - Q2 DSide A runout, stamped
VS 1331 B - 2U - 1 - Q2 DSide B runout, stamped
VS 1331 ASide A label
VS 1331 BSide B label
VST 1331 A - 1U - 1 - 1 -Runout, A-side, variant 1
VST 1331 B - 1U - 1 - 1 - 2Runout, B-side, variant 1
VST 1331 A-(2 over 1)U-1-2 DRunout, A-side, variant 2
VST 1331 B-1U-1-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout, B-side, variant 2
VS 1331 A-2U-1-Q2 DSide A runout
VS 1331 B-2U-1-Q2 DSide B runout
VS 1331 A - 2U - 1 - Q2 DSide A runout, Stamped
VS 1331 B - 2U - 1 - Q2 DSide B runout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Europe | Virgin 114 404 / Virgin VS 1331First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Europe | Virgin 614 404 / Virgin VST 1331First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1991 | Europe | Virgin VSTDJ 1331First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | France | Virgin 95047First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1991 | Philippines | Virgin VAS-91-4091-AFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | UK | Virgin VST 1331 / Virgin 614 404First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Virgin VST 1331First year12", Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", Promo, White Label · Promo |
| 1991 | UK | Virgin VS 1331First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1991 | UK | Virgin VS 1331First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | US | Virgin Records America, Inc. 0-96338 / Virgin 0-96338First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | US | Virgin Records America, Inc. DMD 1665First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1991 | US | Virgin Records America, Inc. 0-96338 / Virgin 0-96338First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1991 | UK | Virgin VS 1331 / Virgin 114 404First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Pandora's Box are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, US, Europe, France and more. One of them is Virgin VS 1331, released June 24, 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 1331, VST 1331, 0-96338, DMD 1665) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 1331 A - 2U - 1 - Q2 D and VS 1331 B - 2U - 1 - Q2 D. 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.
