Vinyl pressings
by Roy Ayers · 1978
Heat Of The Beat 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.
12 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 4 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.
STEP 16 A//1∇420 MSLRunout A-side variant 1
STEP 16 B//1∇420 MSLRunout B-side variant 1
STEP 16 A//1∇420 MSL B RCRunout A-side variant 2
STEP 16 B//1∇420 MSLRunout B-side variant 2
POSP 16 A//1▽E420 1 1 5Runout, stamped, side A
POSP 16 B//1▽E420 1 1 5Runout, stamped, side B
PD-14523-78-NP-3909-S-56Side A Runout Etched
PD-14523-78-NP-3915-S-56-1Side B Runout Etched
KENDUN-CSide B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Canada | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Italy | Polydor 2095 021First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor POSPX 16 / Polydor 2095 010First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor POSP 16First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor POSPX 16First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | UK | Polydor STEP 16First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PRO 071 / Polydor 78 NP 3909First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | US | Polydor PD 14523First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
12 vinyl pressings of Heat Of The Beat are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK, US, Canada, Italy. One of them is Polydor POSPX 16.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use POSPX 16, POSP 16, STEP 16, PD 14523) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STEP 16 A//1∇420 MSL and STEP 16 B//1∇420 MSL. 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.
