Vinyl pressings
by The Fifth Dimension · 1973
Ashes To Ashes was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 3 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.
BELL 1766-1-1-1dead wax A, (engraved), variant 1
BELL 176721-1-1dead wax B, (engraved), variant 1
BELL 1766-1-1-1 [Artisan Sound Recorders Logo] PRCdead wax A, (engraved), variant 2
BELL 176721-1-1 [Artisan Sound Recorders Logo] PRCdead wax B, (engraved), variant 2
T BELL 1766-1 T1 (engraved)A dead wax
T BELL 1767-1 TI (engraved)B dead wax
BELL 1766 BEST [artisan logo]A side - runout (engraved)
BELL 1767 BEST [artisan logo]B side - runout (engraved)
1766-BWA side - label
1767-BWB side - label
1766Label side A
1767Label side B
1766Mono Label
1766-SStereo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Australia | Bell Records 2008 187First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Canada | Bell Records BELL 45380XFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", 45 RPM, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,3807", 45 RPM, Styrene, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Styrene, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1973 | US | Bell Records 45,380First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Philippines | Bell Records BELL-72-0577", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Ashes To Ashes are listed here, from 4 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Australia, Canada. One of them is Bell Records 45,380, released July 1973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45,380, 2008 187, BELL 45380X) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BELL 1766-1-1-1 and BELL 176721-1-1. 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.
