Vinyl pressings
by Patti Smith Group · 1978
Set Free was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 7 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.
ARISTA 12197 A//2 TO 13 A BiLBO BOPPA!Runout side A, variant 1
ARISTA 12197 B//1 TO BiLBO - RIGHT ON PATTI! I1Runout side B, variant 1
ARISTA 12197 A//2 TO 11 A BiLBO BOPPA!Runout side A, variant 2
ARISTA 12197 B//1 TO BiLBO - RIGHT ON PATTI! I3Runout side B, variant 2
ARISTA 12197 A//1 TO 1 2 A BILBO STRIKES AGAINRunout side A
ARISTA 197 B//1 TO 1 2 DBRunout side B
ARIST 197ALabel side A
ARIST 197BLabel side B
ED 12 ARunout side A
ED 12 BRunout side B
61409-Z-A - 8-9-78 1Runout side A
61409-Z-B - 8-9-78 1Runout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Belgium | Arista 4c006-61472First year7" | 7" |
| 1978 | Germany | Arista 1C 062-61 409 YZ / EMI Electrola 1C 062-61 409 YZFirst year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Arista 1C 006-61 472 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-61 472First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Arista ARIST 12197First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Ireland | Arista ARIST 197First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | UK | Arista ARIST 12197First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | UK | Arista ARIST 197First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Australia | Arista ED.12First year12", EP, 45 RPM | 12", EP, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Australia | Arista ED.12First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | Italy | Arista 3C 052-61409 ZFirst year12", EP, 45 RPM | 12", EP, 45 RPM |
10 vinyl pressings of Set Free are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, Ireland, Australia, Italy and more. One of them is Arista ARIST 12197, released August 4, 1978.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ARIST 12197, ARIST 197, ED.12, 3C 052-61409 Z) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ARISTA 12197 A//2 TO 13 A BiLBO BOPPA! and ARISTA 12197 B//1 TO BiLBO - RIGHT ON PATTI! I1. 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.
