Vinyl pressings
by The Michael Zager Band · 1984
Shot In The Dark was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. 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 1984, the album's first year, in 5 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.
P 4Z9-05046-3-AB MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie JrRunout side A
P 4Z9-05046-4-AA MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie JrRunout side B
AA-AF 4Z9 05046-3Label side A
AA-AF 4Z9 05046-4Label side B
ZS4 04546-3-AAVocal side runouts
ZS4 04546-4-AAInstrumental side runouts
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Europe | Rams Horn Records RHR 3393First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Metronome 881 691-1First year12" | 12" |
| 1984 | Mexico | Maxi MX-111-6First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1984 | Netherlands | Rams Horn Records RHR 1393 / Rams Horn Records 1393First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | US | Mosaic 4Z9 05046First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Mosaic ZS4 04546First year7", Stereo | 7", Stereo |
| 1984 | US | Mosaic 4Z9 05046 / CBS Associated Records 4Z9 05046First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Mosaic ZS4 04546First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | US | Mosaic ZS4 04546First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Rams Horn Records RHR 371812" | 12" |
10 vinyl pressings of Shot In The Dark are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1984 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, Europe, Germany, Mexico and more. One of them is Mosaic 4Z9 05046.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4Z9 05046, ZS4 04546, RHR 3393, 881 691-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, P 4Z9-05046-3-AB MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr and P 4Z9-05046-4-AA MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE NEW YORK Herbie Jr. 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.
