Vinyl pressings
by Styx · 1983
Don't Let It End was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
21 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 12 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.
A & M AM 02543 A P2 STERLING P＊GRun-out A etched (sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ stamp)
A&M AM 02543 B C1 B1 STERLING o GRun-out B etched (sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ stamp)
G1 A&M AM 02543 A C2 STERLINGRun-out A etched (sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ stamp)
o G A&M AM 02543 B C1 B2 STERLINGRun-out B etched (sᴛᴇʀʟɪɴɢ stamp)
STERLINGBoth Sides - Stamped
A&M AM 02543 A P2 B PVariant 1 - Side A, Etched
A&M AM 02543 B P3 A PVariant 1 - Side B, Etched
A&M AM 02543 A P1 A̶B PVariant 2 - Side A, Etched
A&M AM 02543 A RCA 1 STERLING A1Side A Runout
A&M AM 02543 B RCA 1 STERLING B1Side B Runout
A+M AM 02543 A M1 [STERLING] MR △109192Runouts
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Australia | A&M Records K-9105First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Barbados | A&M Records AM-2543First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Canada | A&M Records AM-2543First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Canada | A&M Records AM-2543First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Costa Rica | A&M Records 7065050First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Europe | A&M Records AMS 9283First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1983 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-764First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Japan | A&M Records AMP-764First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Mexico | A&M Records AM-42060First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene |
| 1983 | New Zealand | A&M Records K 9105First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Philippines | A&M Records AM-70602First year7" | 7" |
| 1983 | South Africa | A&M Records AMRS 1409First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | UK | A&M Records AMX 120First year7", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1983 | UK | A&M Records AM 120First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1983 | UK | A&M Records AM 120First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
22 vinyl pressings of Don't Let It End are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK, Australia, Barbados and more. One of them is A&M Records AM-2543, released April 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AM-2543, AMX 120, AM 120, K-9105) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A & M AM 02543 A P2 STERLING P＊G and A&M AM 02543 B C1 B1 STERLING o G. 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.
