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.
7 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 2 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.
63839-SSide A matrix
63841-SSide B matrix
T54271F-63839-S-RE3-06F - - ∆100243Side A runout with circular Monarch stamp
T54271F-63841-S-06 B ∆100060-XSide B runout with circular Monarch stamp
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 | South Africa | Motown TMS 466First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271 FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271 FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271 FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271 FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Tamla T 54271 FFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Italy | Motown 3C 052-98571 Z12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1977 | Australia | Motown TMO-113817", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | Australia | Motown TMO-113817", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Full Speed Ahead are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1976 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, South Africa. One of them is Tamla T 54271 F.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use T 54271 F, T 54271F, TMS 466) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 63839-S and 63841-S. 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.
