Vinyl pressings
by The Ska Kings · 1964
Jamaica Ska was first pressed on vinyl in 1964. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
15 pressings came out in 1964, 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.
A-7827-1 AT 3 L⅂A Side Runout, Etched (Variant 1)
A-7841-1 ⬠ AT 3B Side Runout, Etched (Variant 1)
A-7827-2 AT 3A Side Runout, Etched (Variant 2)
A-7841-2 AT 3B Side Runout, Etched (Variant 2)
A-7827
A-7841
Δ-52777 ɯ (MR) 45 -A-7827-21 ATA Side Runout Etching
Δ-52778 ɯ (MR) 45 -A-7841-21 ATB Side Runout Etching
A-7827A Label Matrix
A-7841B Label Matrix
A-7827-2A Side Runout Etched
A-7841-3B Side Runout Etched
45-MSM-6963-IT U KT 1A side runout
45-MSM-6964-IT C KT 1BB side runout
MSM.6963A side label
MSM.6964B side label
45-MSM-6963-ITA Side Runout
45-MSM-6964-ITB Side Runout
MSM.6963A Side Label
MSM.6964B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Argentina | Atlantic S-33-1618First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Australia | Atlantic AK-673First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Belgium | Atlantic 112.084First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Canada | Atlantic AT. 2232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Japan | Atlantic JET-1433First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | UK | Atlantic AT 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1964 | UK | AtlanticFirst year7", 45 RPM, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, White Label |
| 1964 | US | Atlantic 45-2232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | US | Atlantic 45-2232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | US | Atlantic 45-2232First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1964 | US | Atlantic 45-2232First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1964 | UK | Atlantic AT 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | UK | Atlantic AT 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | UK | Atlantic AT 4003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1964 | Netherlands | Atlantic A 2232First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
17 vinyl pressings of Jamaica Ska are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1964, in US, UK, Netherlands, Argentina and more. One of them is Atlantic 45-2232.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 45-2232, AT 4003, A 2232, S-33-1618) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A-7827-1 AT 3 L⅂ and A-7841-1 ⬠ AT 3. 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.
