Vinyl pressings
by The Astronauts · 1963
Baja was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1963, the album's first year, in 8 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.
PPKM-2998-- 2S RRunout A, stamped [except etched: R]
PPKM-4205--2S RRunout B, stamped [except etched: R]
PPKM-2998Label A
PPKM-4205Label B
PPA3.2998 (1)Runout A-side, variation 1
PPA3.4205 (2)Runout B-side, variation 1
PPA3.2998 (2) HRunout A-side, variation 2
PPA3.4205 (2) HRunout B-side, variation 2
PPKM-2998--3SRunout A, stamped
PPKM-4205--3SRunout B, stamped
PPKM-2998Label A
PPKM-4205Label B
PPKM - 2998 - - 3S I A1Side A runout
PPKM - 4205 - - 3S I A1Side B runout
PPKM-2998Side A label
PPKM-4205Side B label
PPKM-2998Label, side A
PPKM-4205Label, side B
PPKM-2998Label, side A
PPKM-4205Label, side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Australia | RCA 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Canada | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Germany | RCA 47-8194 / RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | Italy | RCA Victor 45N 1367 (47-8194)First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1963 | New Zealand | RCA 60364First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | South Africa | RCA 41.623First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 1349First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | UK | RCA Victor RCA 1349First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1963 | US | RCA Victor 47-8194First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
14 vinyl pressings of Baja are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is RCA Victor 47-8194, released May 1963.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 47-8194, RCA 1349, 45N 1367 (47-8194), 60364) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, PPKM-2998-- 2S R and PPKM-4205--2S R. 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.
