Vinyl pressings
by Steely Dan · 1982
Gold was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
26 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 19 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.
MCA-3051-MD2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM2Side A runout, variant 1
MCA-3052-MD2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM6Side B runout, variant 1
MCA-3051-MD2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM2Side A runout, variant 2
MCA-3052-MD-2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM1Side B runout, variant 2
MCA-3051-MD-1 MASTERDISK RL-MS (EDP) M1SF1SM5 4Side A runout
MCA-3052-MD 1 (EDP) M1SF1SM1Side B runout
MCA 3051Side A label
MCA 3052Side B label
MCA 3051 G1A G1B D Stamped G1 A1 <H-AD>A Side Runout
MCA 3052 G1A G1 B1 <B-AD>B Side Runout
MCF 3145 A1 BILBO. TAPE one.Side A etched runout
MCF - 3145 - B-1Side B etched runout
MCF 3145-ASide A label
MCF 3145-BSide B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Argentina | MCA Records 89107First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1982 | Australia | MCA Records MCA-5324First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Brazil | MCA Records 6399 367First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-5324First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-5324LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1982 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-5324LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1982 | Europe | MCA Records 204 775First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | France | MCA Records 204 775First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Germany | MCA Records MCA 10387First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Ireland | MCA Records MCF 3145First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Israel | MCA Records MCA-5324First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Israel | MCA Records BAN 250421-1First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Italy | MCA Records MCA 4163First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1982 | Italy | MCA Records MCA 4163LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1982 | Mexico | MCA Records LA-478First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | UK & Europe | MCA Records MCA 10387LP, Compilation, Reissue | LP, Compilation, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | MCA Records MCA-1483LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition | LP, Compilation, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition |
| ? | US | MCA Records MCA-5324LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
38 vinyl pressings of Gold are listed here, from 21 countries, released between 1982 and 1991.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, UK, Argentina, Australia and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA-5324.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-5324, MCA-16016, MCF 3145, 89107) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA-3051-MD2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM2 and MCA-3052-MD2 MASTERDISK RL EDP M1SF1SM6. 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.
