Vinyl pressings
by Sirima · 1987
La-Bas was first pressed on vinyl in 1987. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1987, the album's first year, in 2 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.
14 651228 1A 1 BRunout side A, variant 1
14 651228 2B 1 ARunout side B, variant 1
14 651228 1A 1 BRunout side A, variant 2
14-651228-1-B-1 ARunout side B, variant 2
EPC 651 228-6 14-651228-4 A-IEtched A-side run-out
EPC 651 298.6 BEtched B-side run-out
14 651228 3B 1 1B-side run-out
14-651228-1Printed label side A
EPC 651 228-6 14-651228-4 A-IRunout side A
EPC 651 298.6 B 14 651228 3B 1 1Runout side B
14-651228-1Center label side A
14-651228-2Center label side B
14 651228 1A 1 AStamped run-out side A
14 651228 1B 1 BStamped run-out side B
14-651228-1Printed label side A
14-651228-2Printed label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | France | Epic EPC 651228 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Epic EPC 651228 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Epic EPC 651228 6First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Epic EPC 651228 6First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | France | Epic EPC 651228 77", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress, Stereo |
| 1987 | Germany | CBS / Epic EPC 651228-7/-6First year7", 45 RPM, Single, VHS, Box Set, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, VHS, Box Set, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Canada | CBS I5 30297", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Spain | Epic EPC 651228 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | Epic 651228 812", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | Epic 651228 77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of La-Bas are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1987 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1987, in France, Germany. One of them is Epic EPC 651228 7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EPC 651228 7, EPC 651228 6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 14 651228 1A 1 B and 14 651228 2B 1 A. 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.
