Vinyl pressings
by The Police · 1978
So Lonely was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1978, 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.
AMS · 7402 . A·2 ToneRun-out Side A, variant 1
AMS · 7402 - B.1Run-out Side B, variant 1
AMS.7402. A2 8 A toneRun-out side A, variant 2
AMS.7402. B1 6 BRun-out side B, variant 2
tone AMS.7402.A·2Side A runout, variant 1
AMS.7402.B.1Side B runout, variant 1
AMS-7402.A.2 E toneSide A runout, variant 2
AMS-7402-B5 2 BSide B runout, variant 2
AMS · 7402 - A - 2 ToneRun-out Side A
AMS · 7402 - B - 1Run-out Side B
AMS 7402 A*Label Side A
AMS 7402 B*Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7402First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7402First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1978 | UK | A&M Records AMS 7402First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1979 | Germany | A&M Records AMS 76687", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1979 | Netherlands | A&M Records AMS 6890 / A&M Records AM 74027", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Ireland | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | New Zealand | A&M Records K 7873 / A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue · Colored vinyl |
| 1980 | Australia | A&M Records K 7873 / A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1981 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1981 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| 1986 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Repress | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | UK | A&M Records AMS 74027", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| 1992 | France | A&M Records AM 580 093-77", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Remastered | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Remastered |
19 vinyl pressings of So Lonely are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1978 and 1992.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in UK. One of them is A&M Records AMS 7402.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use AMS 7402) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AMS · 7402 . A·2 Tone and AMS · 7402 - B.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.
