Vinyl pressings
by Tony Orlando & Dawn · 1976
Cupid was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1976, the album's first year, in 7 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.
ES 45302-A-SP-SHORT-RE SP 1-4 STERLING RLA-Side Runout Etching
ES-45302-B-SP-RE SP 1-3B-Side Runout Etching
E-45302-AA-Side Label
E-45302-BB-Side Label
T ES 45302 • A • 3 CTH • SHORT-REA
T ES 45302 • B • [Scratched out S]3 CTH REB
K 12204 A1A Side Run Off
K 12204 B1B Side Run Off
A 12204Side A label
B 12204Side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Belgium | Elektra 12 204 / Elektra 12204First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1976 | Canada | Elektra E 45302First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | Germany | Elektra ELK 12 204First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | New Zealand | Elektra E-45302First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | Spain | Elektra 45-1329First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | UK | Elektra K 12204First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | US | Elektra E-45302First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1976 | US | Elektra E-45302First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1976 | US | Elektra E-45302First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1976 | US | Elektra E-45302First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Elektra E-453027", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Cupid are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Belgium, Canada and more. One of them is Elektra E-45302.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use E-45302, K 12204, 12 204, E 45302) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ES 45302-A-SP-SHORT-RE SP 1-4 STERLING RL and ES-45302-B-SP-RE SP 1-3. 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.
