UK
April 1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM 439
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM · Poster Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
AM 439 A-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONERunout side A
AM 439 B-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONERunout side B
Vinyl pressings
Fragile
by Sting · 1988
21 pressings11 countriesPop RockRock
Fragile 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.
How to spot a first pressing of Fragile
18 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 11 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.
UK
April 4, 1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM 439
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
AM 439 A-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONERunout side A
AM 439 B-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONERunout side B
UK
April 4, 1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AMY 439
- Format
- 12", Single
- Runout / matrix
AMY 439 A-1U-1-1 ARUN
AMY 439 B-1U-1-1
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-1211
- Format
- 7", Single
- Runout / matrix
A&M-AM-01211-A SP-1 1-1Runout side A, etched
A&M-AM-01211-B SP-1 1-1Runout side B, etched
(SRC logo) (A&M Trumpet logo)Runout both sides, stamped
AM-01211-ALabel side A
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-1211
- Format
- 7", Single, Styrene
- Runout / matrix
A&M-AM-01211-A C-2 G1 A2Runout side A, etched
A&M-AM-01211-B C-1 G1 A8Runout side B, etched
(A&M Trumpet logo)Runout both sides, stamped
AM-01211-ALabel side A
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- A&M Records AM-1211
- Format
- 7", Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
A&M-AM-01211-A ES-2 [A&M Trumpet logo] -EMW-Runout both sides
AM-01211-ALabel both sides
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 21 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s21 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Bolivia | A&M Records U.S.A./AMS 65-1First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Canada | A&M Records AM-1211First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | France | A&M Records 2009First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | France | A&M Records 390 389-77", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1988 | Germany | A&M Records 390 307-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Mexico | AyM Discos AM-35097First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Portugal | A&M Records 390307-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1988 | Spain | A&M Records 887 445 7First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Spain | A&M Records 390307-7 / A&M Records 390 307-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | Spain | A&M Records 390 307-1First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1211First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1211First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | US | A&M Records AM-1211First year7", Single, Styrene | 7", Single, Styrene |
| 1988 | Uruguay | A&M Records 390 273-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | UK | A&M Records AM 439First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
Tracklist
- A1Fragile
- A2Frágil (Portuguese)
- B1Frágilidad
- B2Mariposa Libre
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Fragile are there?
21 vinyl pressings of Fragile are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1988 and 1989.
When was Fragile first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in UK, US, Europe, Bolivia and more. One of them is A&M Records AM 439, released April 1988.
How do I tell if my copy of Fragile is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AM 439, AMY 439, AM-1211, 390 307-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AM 439 A-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONE and AM 439 B-2U-1-2 11 1 DB.TAPEONE. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Fragile on vinyl worth?
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.
