Vinyl pressings
by The Bat Boys · 1966
Batman was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1966, the album's first year. 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.
SDLP-249-A X 31-5 2-66Runout A, variant 1
SDLP-249-B X 31-5 2-66Runout B, variant 1
SDLP-249-A X 31-5 2-66Runout A, variant 2
SDLP-249-B 31-5 2-66Runout B, variant 2
DLP 249-A 31-2 2-66A-Side Runout Etching
DLP-249 B 31-2 2-66B-Side Runout Etching
DLP-249-AA-Side Label
DLP-249-BB-Side Label
DLP-249-AA-Side Label
DLP-249-BB-Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | US | Design Records SDLP-249First yearLP, Stereo, Album | LP, Stereo, Album |
| 1966 | US | Design Records DLP-249First yearLP, Mono, Album · Mono | LP, Mono, Album · Mono |
| 1966 | US | Design Records DLP-249First yearLP, Mono, Album · Mono | LP, Mono, Album · Mono |
| 1966 | US | Design Records DLP-249First yearLP, Mono, Album · Mono | LP, Mono, Album · Mono |
| 1967 | Venezuela | Circulo Musical No. 412LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Spain | Marfer M. 30-140SLP, Stereo, Album | LP, Stereo, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Design Records DLP-249LP | LP |
| ? | Colombia | Circulo Musical 130LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Spain | Electro Harmonix EH-011 / Electro Harmonix REF. 01110", 33 ⅓ RPM | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| ? | US | Design Records SDLP-249LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Batman are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1966 and 1971.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in US. One of them is Design Records SDLP-249.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SDLP-249, DLP-249) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SDLP-249-A X 31-5 2-66 and SDLP-249-B X 31-5 2-66. 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.
