Vinyl pressings
by Robert Plant · 1988
Ship Of Fools was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1988, 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.
A9281 (T) A-1 MT! DAMONTSide A runout
A9281 (T) B-1 MT.! DAMONT ESide B runout
A 9281 (T) A*Side A label
A 9281 (T) B*Side B label
A 9281 A*Label side A
A 9281 B*Label side B
A 9281-A-1 MT 2 DAMONTSide 1
A 9281-B-1 MT✓ DAMONTSide 2
ST-ES-53745-Dmm - 1 STERLINGVersion 1 runout etched side A
ST-ES-53744-Dmm - 1 STERLINGVersion 1 runout etched side B
ST-ES-53745-DMM-1 SP1-1 STERLINGVersion 2 runout etched side A
ST-ES-53744-DMM-1 SP1-1 STERLINGVersion 2 runout etched side B
ST-ES-53745-DMM-1 SP1-1 SterlingSide A Etched
ST-ES-53744-DMM-1 SP1-1 SterlingSide B Etched
ST-ES-53745-SPSide A Label
ST-ES-53744-SPSide B Label
ST-ES-53745-DMM 1A-side (LP version)
STES-55760-DMM 1B-side (edit)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Es Paranza Records 7-99333First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Canada | Es Paranza Records 79 93337First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Canada | Es Paranza Records 79 93337First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Europe | Es Paranza Records 796 612-0First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Es Paranza Records A 9281 (T) / Es Paranza Records 796 612-0First year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | Es Paranza Records A9281 / Es Paranza Records 799 281-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Es Paranza Records 7 99333First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | Es Paranza Records 7-99333First year45 RPM, Promo, 7" · Promo | 45 RPM, Promo, 7" · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Es Paranza Records 7-99333First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Es Paranza Records 7-99333First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | US | Es Paranza Records 7-99333First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Europe | Es Paranza Records A 9281 / Es Paranza Records 799 281-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Ship Of Fools are listed here, from 5 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, US, Europe, Australia and more. One of them is Es Paranza Records A 9281 (T).
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use A 9281 (T), A9281, 7 99333, 7-99333) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A9281 (T) A-1 MT! DAMONT and A9281 (T) B-1 MT.! DAMONT E. 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.
