UK
1980- Label and catalog number
- BBC Records RESL 80BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Solid Centre, Pye Records
- Runout / matrix
RESL 80 A-1♢MBEtched Side A
RESL 80 B-1♢MBEtched Side B
Peter HowellDoctor Who
Vinyl pressings
Doctor Who
by Peter Howell · 1980
11 pressings4 countriesThemeElectronicStage & Screen
Doctor Who was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Doctor Who
5 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 3 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.
UK
1980- Label and catalog number
- BBC Records RESL 80BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Push-out Centre
- Runout / matrix
RESL 80 A-1♢MBEtched Side A
RESL 80 B-1♢MBEtched Side B
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- BBC Records And Tapes BBC-451
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
BBC451A PRC-1-1 SOUNDWAVESide A Runout
BBC451B PRC-1-1 SOUNDWAVESide B Runout
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- BBC Records And Tapes BBC-451
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
BBC451A PRC-C-1-1 SOUNDWAVESide A Runout (second C scratched out)
BBC451B PRC-C-1-1 SOUNDWAVESide B Runout (second C scratched out)
Australia
1980- Label and catalog number
- BBC Records 2141 641
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | BBC Records 2141 641First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | UK | BBC Records RESL 80 / BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | BBC Records RESL 80 / BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1980 | US | BBC Records And Tapes BBC-451First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1980 | US | BBC Records And Tapes BBC-451First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1981 | UK | BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80 / BBC Records RESL 807", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1982 | Australia & New Zealand | BBC Records 2141 6417", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | BBC Records RESL 80 / BBC Records And Tapes RESL 807", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1982 | US | BBC Records And Tapes BBC-4517", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | BBC Records And Tapes RESL 80 / BBC Records RESL 807", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1985 | US | BBC Records And Tapes BBC-4517", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- ADoctor Who
- BThe Astronauts
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Doctor Who are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Doctor Who are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1980 and 1985.
When was Doctor Who first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in UK, US, Australia. One of them is BBC Records RESL 80.
How do I tell if my copy of Doctor Who is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RESL 80, BBC-451, 2141 641) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RESL 80 A-1♢MB and RESL 80 B-1♢MB. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Doctor Who on vinyl worth?
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.