Vinyl pressings
by Ricky Nelson · 1963
String Along / Gypsy Woman was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
20 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 13 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.
L 13195 10 2Runout, Side A, Stamped
L 13135 6 2Runout, Side B, Stamped
L 13195 4 2Var 2: Runout, Side A, Stamped
L 13135 5 2Var 2: Runout, Side B, Stamped
(L 13,195)Side A Label
(L 13,135)✤Side B Label
45-L-13195-2CA runout stamped
45-L-13135-1CB 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Australia | Festival Records FK-383First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Australia | Festival Records CAT. 3837", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing, White Label · Test pressing |
| 1963 | Canada | Decca 31495First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Denmark | Brunswick BM O 5889First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Finland | Rhythm 45-BM 5889First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Greece | Music-Box MBD 8059First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Hong Kong | Brunswick 05889First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Israel | Arton Records 45-243First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Japan | Decca DS-293First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Japan | Decca DS-293First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | New Zealand | Festival Records FK-383First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Sweden | Decca 05889 / Brunswick 05889First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Sweden | Decca 05889 / Brunswick 05889First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | Brunswick 05889First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | US | Decca 31495First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Israel | Arton Records 45-2437", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
22 vinyl pressings of String Along / Gypsy Woman are listed here, from 13 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK, Hong Kong, Germany and more. One of them is Decca 31495, released May 1963.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 31495, 05889, 12 265, FK-383) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, L 13195 10 2 and L 13135 6 2. 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.
