Vinyl pressings
by Vin Zee · 1981
Funky Bebop was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
23 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 10 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.
EMDS-6517-A-RE-1 MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :v) Shaun SMKReA-Side runout etching
EMDS-6517-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :v) SMKB-Side runout etching
EMS-4512-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :-) SMKScribed in runout A, Frankford/Wayne stamped
EMS-4512-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :-) SMKScribed in runout B, Frankford/Wayne stamped
Ems-4512-A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERb :v) SMKA-side runout etching
Ems-4512-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERb :v) SMKB-side runout etching
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Belgium | Spice 7 81.1.16.First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Belgium | Spice 7 SP 0002First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1981 | Belgium | Spice 7 81.1.16.First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Belgium | Spice 7 81.1.16.First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Canada | Matra W-12-088First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Canada | Matra WN-362First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Germany | Intercord INT 125.206First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Germany | Intercord INT 110.106First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Italy | Full Time Records FTM 31501First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Italy | Full Time Records FTM 31003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Mexico | Trebol TI-70454First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Spice 7 600.370First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Ariola 103 207 / Ariola 103.207First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Netherlands | Spice 7 600.370First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1981 | Panama | Ariola A-180First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Not On Label 81-1-1612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, White Label · Promo |
| ? | US | Emergency Records EMDS-651712", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
25 vinyl pressings of Funky Bebop are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, Belgium, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is Emergency Records EMDS 6517.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EMDS 6517, EMS-4512, 81.1.16., SP 0002) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EMDS-6517-A-RE-1 MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :v) Shaun SMKRe and EMDS-6517-B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK Herb :v) SMK. 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.
