The Dark Side of the Moon on Vinyl: Original Pressings and Reissues

Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon has been continually reissued since 1973. The black sleeve and prism design are immediately recognisable, but collectors need to look much more closely to distinguish an early British pressing from a later issue. Label design, deadwax, packaging and condition are all important.

The first UK pressings: Harvest SHVL 804

The original British LP was issued on Harvest as SHVL 804. Early copies are associated with a solid light-blue triangle on the record labels, rather than the later outlined prism. The well-known A-2/B-2 matrix pairing appears among early UK examples, though the full stamped information should be checked before an individual record is described as a particular variant.

The original packaging also included two posters and two stickers. Completeness affects collector interest, but those inserts have appeared in later editions too. A sleeve, label and matrix all need to agree.

A-2/B-2 and subsequent cuts

Collectors often seek the early A-2/B-2 cuts, but early doesn’t automatically mean technically perfect. Discographical research notes some pressing and playback issues around “Money” on certain examples. Subsequent A-3/B-3 cuts addressed some problems. The condition of an individual copy may be more significant to listening enjoyment than a sought-after matrix combination.

The original US edition

US copies appeared on Harvest with catalogue number SMAS-11163. American manufacturing and label variations should not be confused with British copies bearing SHVL 804. A US label and sleeve can still contain numerous pressing-plant variants.

Later remasters and anniversary vinyl

The record has been issued in many later masterings, including 30th-, 40th- and 50th-anniversary programmes, as well as specialist audiophile pressings. The 2023 50th-anniversary vinyl album is a modern remastered edition, not a newly discovered 1973 mix. Readers should check the exact catalogue number, year, mastering details and contents of any box set or standalone LP.

Four editions to research

Release family Key identification Collecting interest
1973 UK early pressing Harvest SHVL 804, solid prism label, verify runouts Original UK presentation
1973 UK later cut SHVL 804, A-3/B-3 and other cuts Early period but different cuttings
1973 US issue Harvest SMAS-11163 American release history
2023 50th anniversary LP Verify precise modern issue More accessible current-era listening copy

Existing Wax catalogue records

Wax has historical listings including a solid-prism A-2/B-2 copy, an A-3/B-3 pressing with inserts, a US SMAS-11163 edition and a 50th-anniversary remaster. These are archival catalogue entries and should not be mistaken for currently available stock.

Which copy should you buy?

For everyday listening, start with a clean, accurately identified reissue. If you’re collecting early copies, establish the label and matrix combination, confirm the inserts and check both disc and sleeve condition. The Wax vinyl grading guide explains commonly used condition descriptions. Discogs is useful for identifying versions, but it does not verify Amazon stock or the identity of a retailer’s listing. Edition-specific affiliate links should only be added after an exact match is confirmed.

Explore The Dark Side of the Moon

Research: Abbey Road session documentation; Pink Floyd Archives UK LP discography.