Vinyl pressings
by Sabu · 1979
Sabu was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
SW- OR-49902 AS XRunout side A, etched. OR is scratched
SW- OR-49902 BS XRunout side B, etched. OR is scratched
SW-[OR scratched]-49902 AS XRunout A side
SW-[OR scratched]-49902 BS XRunout B side
SW-1-49902Label A side
SW-2-49902Label B side
S OR-49902 AS-1CRunout A side
\ S OR-49902 BS-1ARunout B side
SW-1-49902Label A side
SW-2-49902Label B side
S OR-49902 AS-1B A3Runout Side A
/ S OR-49902 BS-1B A3Runout Side B
SW-1-49902Label side 1
SW-2-49902Label side 2
SW-49902-ARunout side A
SW-49902-BRunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Canada | Ocean Ariola America SW 49902First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | Italy | Ariola ARL 39043First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Ocean Ariola America OR 49902First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Ocean Ariola America SW 49902 / Ocean Ariola America SW-49902First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | US | Ocean Ariola America SW 49902First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1979 | US | Columbia Record Productions OR 49902LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1979 | US | Ariola Records America SW-49902First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1979 | US | Ocean Ariola America SW-49902 / Ocean Ariola America SW 49902First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | France | Ocean Eurodisc 200129 / Ocean Eurodisc 200 129LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Greece | ARIOLA 6483 211LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Greece | Ariola 6483 211LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | Mexico | Ariola LA-225LP, Album | LP, Album |
12 vinyl pressings of Sabu are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1979 and 1980.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in US, Canada, Italy. One of them is Ocean Ariola America SW 49902.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SW 49902, SW-49902, OR 49902, ARL 39043) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SW- OR-49902 AS X and SW- OR-49902 BS X. 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.
