Catalog-Number Decoder
That code on the spine and label — like BST 84163 — encodes the record label and whether it's a mono or stereo issue. Decode the prefix here.
- Prefix
- BST
- Likely era
- 1959–1960s+
Stereo counterpart to BLP (84000 series).
The prefix tells you the label and mono/stereo format — but not whether this is an original or a later reissue. Only the runout etching and label design pin the exact pressing.
What the catalog number can and can't tell you
The prefix reliably identifies the label and usually the mono/stereo format, and narrows the era. What it can't do is distinguish an original first pressing from a later reissue that reused the same number — that comes down to the runout (deadwax) etchings, label design, and cover details. Read more in the identification guides.
Pin the exact pressing
VinylIQ reads the label and runout from a photo to identify the specific pressing and its value.
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