· The Original - ref ROK 1 has a card sleeve that opens at the top, with a cut out on the back. Some copies come complete with paper merchandise insert (see below). The label is orange and black. There is a ridge in the vinyl between the label and the run off groove. ROK 1 A and ROK 1 B are scribed in the run off groove. Plus the following text and numbers:
(side 1)
*EG* (long gap) SA (small gap)LYN7627-IT (medium space) ROK-1-A
(side 2)
ROK-1-B (medium space) LYN 7628-IT (small space) *EG* (long space) SA

Perhaps the most important thing when looking for a genuine copy of The Soundhouse Tapes is the colour of the inside sleeve. After nearly 20 years the inside cover will have changed form white to a yellow type colour. It should not be clean, crisp white.
· Only 5000 copies where issued on vinyl. It has never been re issued on any format and never will be re issued. Any CD or coloured vinyl you see is a bootleg. To own a copy of this legendary record will set you back anything between £150 - £400. But first you have to find one for sale! That is by no means an easy feat. The best way is getting to know other Maiden fans who may know a fan that has a spare copy. Failing that you could advertise in a record or music mag. Original copies with the paper insert will fetch a higher market price.

Many thanks to Martin Hooper, Terry Taylor, Chris Payne and Daniel for their comments and help:

· Blue vinyl copy - ref HR 09 has a card picture sleeve as the original with a black and white picture label.
· Yellow vinyl copy - ref HR 09 has a black and white card sleeve. Label as above. New info added 15/12/00
· Japanese copy - ref 8921 111 has a paper picture sleeve as the original but has an insert folded in half. The label is in orange with black writing. Easy to distinguish from the original.
· EEC copy - ref ROK 1 has a paper picture sleeve as the original but opens at the side. The label has a different font to the original and says made in EEC.
· Copy 1 - ref ROK 1 has a paper picture sleeve and again opens from the side. The label is also as the original.
· Copy 2 - ref ROK 1 has a card picture sleeve as the original and opens at the top with a cut out on the back. The label is also as the original with a ridge in the vinyl between the label and the run off groove. ROK 1 A and ROK 1 B are inscribed on the run off grooves. Plus this version also has the paper merchandise insert. It is difficult to spot this fake from the real thing. Take care!
· Also be on the look out for CDR copies of The Soundhouse Tapes burned onto other Maiden bootleg CDs
· Be on the look out for different coloured sleeves. The original sleeve colour is across between orange and red. I have been notified that deep red coloured sleeves and pale orange almost yellow sleeves have been used to try and pass off as an original vinyl.
· I have also been told that a red vinyl edition may exist. Any info on that VERY rare pressing will be appreciated.

Just added - 29.11.02 many thanks to Daiv Carpenter for this bootleg info and pics.

A white label test press is doing the rounds. Completely bogus please do not waste your cash by thinking that this is some long lost Maiden rarity. There isn't a test press available for this record simply because Maiden couldn't afford it! The first pic is the vinyl disc and the second a pic of the sleeve notice the poor quality.

Record Fairs and Record Dealers

I really can't stress this point strongly enough. When visiting a Fair or dealing with rare record folk please check the vinyl that you are buying very thoroughly. Scrutinize the vinyl for the points above and especially the inner run off grooves on both sides of the record. If you only see Rok 1 A and Rok 1 B on the run off grooves then this record is a fake. Make sure that the vinyl has all the points mentioned above.
Also a dealer may not actually know that he has an original copy and may quite genuinely be trying to sell you the real thing. Never take any dealers word until you have checked over the record and are happy with it. It's your money so look after it and when you get the vinyl look after that!!!!

Please let me know if you come across any other variations on this record so I can update the list.

Good hunting.

UP THE IRONS!

Chris
Trooper Sounds

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