Vinyl pressings
by Tarracco · 1984
Sultana was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1984, the album's first year, in 4 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.
C-821-146-1-S1 B 1 H1Runout side A, stamped, "H1" etched
C-821-146-1-S2 B 1 H1Runout side B, stamped, "H1" etched
821 146-1 S 1Label side A
821 146-1 S 2Label side B
C-821-146-7-S1/2 H1 BRunout side A, stamped, "H1" etched
C-821-146-7-S2/2 H1 BRunout side B, stamped, "H1" etched
C-821-146-1-S1 D 1 H1Runout side A
C-821-146-1-S2 C 2 H1Runout side B
821 146-1 S 1Label side A
821 146-1 S 2Label side B
P-49810-A [flower]A-Side Runout Etching
P-49810-B [flower]B-Side Runout Etching
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Germany | Metronome 821 146-1First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Metronome 821 146-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | Metronome 821 146-1 / Metronome 821 146-1 MEFirst year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Germany | Metronome 821 146-7First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Family Records 166.011First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Family Records 366.011First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | UK | Family Records 366.011First year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | US | Personal Records P49810First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Personal Records P198107", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Personal Records P4981012", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
10 vinyl pressings of Sultana are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in Germany, UK, US, Netherlands. One of them is Metronome 821 146-1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 821 146-1, 821 146-7, 366.011, P49810) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, C-821-146-1-S1 B 1 H1 and C-821-146-1-S2 B 1 H1. 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.
