Vinyl pressings
by Tata Vega · 1976
Full Speed Ahead was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. 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 1976, the album's first year, in 6 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.
T6-347S1-2593-S-06B (MR) KENDUN]-A #13 + △21176 CARunout A etch; (MR) KENDUN stamp
T6-347S1 2594-S-06A (MR) KENDUN-A #13 + △21176-X CARunout B etch; (MR) KENDUN stamp
2593-SMatrix A on label
2594-SMatrix B on label
T6-347S1-2593-S-06B (MR) KENDUN]-A #13 + △21176 CARunout A etch; (MR) KENDUN stamp
T6-347S1 2594-S-06A (MR) KENDUN-A #13 + △21176-X CARunout B etch; (MR) KENDUN stamp
2593-SMatrix A on label
2594-SMatrix B on label
2593-SMatrix A on label
2594-SMatrix B on label
2593-SSide A runout
2594-SSide B runout
2593-SSide A label
2594-SSide B label
2593-SSide 1 label
2594-SSide 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Motown STMLO 10157First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | Canada | Motown T-347P1 / Motown T 347P1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Italy | Motown 3C 064 98161First yearLP | LP |
| 1976 | Spain | Motown 28263-I / Ariola Eurodisc S.A. 28263-IFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T6-347S1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T6-347S1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T6-347S1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | UK | Tamla Motown STML 12039 / Tamla Motown 0C 062 ◦ 98161First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Argentina | Motown SUP-814LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Brazil | Motown T6-347LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Tamla T6-347S1LP, Album | LP, Album |
11 vinyl pressings of Full Speed Ahead are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Tamla T6-347S1.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use T6-347S1, STML 12039, STMLO 10157, T-347P1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, T6-347S1-2593-S-06B (MR) KENDUN]-A #13 + △21176 CA and T6-347S1 2594-S-06A (MR) KENDUN-A #13 + △21176-X CA. 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.
