Vinyl pressings
by Patrick Cowley · 1981
Megatron Man was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
0930 059 S 1 0704 507 S 1 320Runout side A, stamped
0930 059 S 2 0704 507 S 2 320Runout side B, stamped
0930.059-ALabel side A
0704.507 S1Label side A, in brackets
0930 059 S 1 0704 507 S 1 320 1 ERunout side A, stamped
0930 059 S 2 0704 507 S 2 320 1 DRunout side B, stamped
0930.059-ALabel side A
0704.507 S1Label side A, in brackets
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Germany | Metronome 0930.059First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Germany | Metronome 0930.059 / Metronome 930 059First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Ariola 600.552 / Dance Records 600.552First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Brazil | Young 301.70427", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | France | CBS CBS A12.2325 / CBS CBS A12232512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | France | CBS CBS A23257", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | France | CBS CBS A12.232512", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", Maxi-Single, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Germany | Metronome 0030.4937", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Germany | Metronome 0030.4937", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Mexico | Gamma D 33-8012" | 12" |
| 1982 | Mexico | Gamma G-25067", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Ariola 104.183 / Dance Records 104.1837", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Philippines | A & W Records International AW-10567", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Hispavox 45-2278 / Hispavox 45-2278 (SN)7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | Hispavox 45-2278 / Hispavox 45-2278 (SN)7", Single | 7", Single |
18 vinyl pressings of Megatron Man are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1981 and 1982.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in Germany, Netherlands. One of them is Metronome 0930.059.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 0930.059, 600.552) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 0930 059 S 1 0704 507 S 1 320 and 0930 059 S 2 0704 507 S 2 320. 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.
