Tool Vinyl Buyers Guide
This guide is a buyers/sellers guide for tool vinyl. I have put together all the information you will need to find the correct official tool vinyl. It sickens me how much money bootlegers are making on Ebay from dodgy bootlegs and rip off- reissues which are actually just bootlegs also. Here are some tips to ensure you get the right vinyl.
Tip 1 - Know what year the vinyl was first pressed
Tip 2 - Know what the catalog number is
Tip 3 - Know what the original artwork looks like
Tip 4 - If buying online, particularly on Ebay ask sellers questions - with all the information you have in this guide you should be able to ask the sort of questions that will ensure you get official vinyl. What is a catalog number? Can I see a photo of the label or inlay?
Opiate - Vinyl, 12", EP
Released: 17 Sep 1996
- A1- Sweat 3:47
- A2- Hush 2:48
- A3- Part Of Me 3:17
- B1- Cold And Ugly (Live) 4:10
- B2- Jerk-Off (Live) 4:22
- B3- Opiate 5:22
Catalog#: 72445-11027-1
These first pressings should still have "PARENTAL ADVISORY" stickers on the front of the jacket (unlike later repressings that have it printed on the jacket.) Side B is double cut, e.g. if you nudge the needle over on Cold & Ugly (B1), you hit a second groove, which plays the hidden track The Gaping Lotus Experience.
Catalog#: 61422-31027-1 - Reissue
This Volcano reissue uses a sleeve that still contains the Zoo logo. The label says Volcano. Because of that, the old Zoo cat# of 72445-11027-1 is in small print on the back, however, the vinyl contains the new cat#. Side B is double cut.
- Etching: Side A: 72445-11027-1-A1 (some copies state: 61422-31027-1-A1 instead) Side B: 72445-11027-1-B1
- Label: ℗ & © Volcano Entertainment 3, L.L.C. Manufactured by Zomba Recording Corporation. Printed in the U.S.A.
- Back of vinyl: ℗© 1992 BMG Music. Manufactured and distributed by BMG Entertainment. Barcode: 6 1422-31027-1 9
Catalog#: 61422-31027-1 - Mispress
This mispress plays side B on both sides. This Volcano reissue uses a sleeve that still contains the Zoo logo. The label says Volcano. Because of that, the old Zoo cat# of 72445-11027-1 is in small print on the back, however, the vinyl contains the new cat#.
Differences from the correct pressing:
- The spine does not contain the name of the EP or the band.
- The copyright information is a slightly different font and colour.
- The Parental Advisory is not part of the sleeve, it is a sticker.
- Both sides are double cut.
Etching: 72445-11027-1-A1 on both sides.
Opiate Vinyl on eBay:
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| Tool Opiate Sealed copy Perfect | ![]() |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 3h 59m |
| Tool Opiate EPvinyl record perfect circle | ![]() |
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US $12.95 | 1d 9h 14m |
| TOOLOPIATE REMASTEREDADVISORYLP | ![]() |
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US $12.55 | 2d 33m |
Undertow - 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: April 6, 1993
- A1- Intolerance 4:54
- A2- Prison Sex 4:55
- A3- Sober 5:06
- B1- Bottom 7:13
- B2- Crawl Away 5:29
- B3- Swamp Song 5:31
- C1- Undertow 5:21
- C2- 4° 6:02
- C3- Flood 7:45
- D1- Disgustipated 15:47
Catalog# 72445-11052-1 -Original Issue 1993
Catalog# 72445-11052-1 - Repress 1996
This is a repress of the Undertow album, released in 1993.This one comes with printed inner sleeves and a parental advisory sticker on the front of the vinyl jacket.
- Etching: Side A: 72445-11052-1-A , Side B: 72445-11052-1-B, Side C: 72445-11052-1-C , Side D: 72445-11052-1-D
- Label: ℗ & © BMG Music. All rights reserved. 72445-11052-1-RE
- Back of vinyl: ℗© 1993 BMG Music. Manufactured and distributed by BMG Entertainment. Barcode: 6 1422-31052-1 5
Catalog#: 61422-31052-1- Repress 1999
1999 re-issue Sony BMG Music Released in the original Zoo sleeve,
Catalog#: 61422-31052-1-Repress 2004
Most common on eBay in 2010.
Undertow Grey Promo 12" Vinyl
Catalog#: ZP11052-1
- For Promotion only not for resale.
- Manufactured and Distributed by BMG Music, New York, NY. Printed in the USA.
- Published by Toolshed Music [ASCAP].
Undertow Clear Green Promo 12" Vinyl
Catalog#: ZP11052-1
- For Promotion only not for resale.
- Manufactured and Distributed by BMG Music, New York, NY. Printed in the USA.
- Published by Toolshed Music [ASCAP].
- 72445-11052-1 On labal
Neither of the promotional vinyls included the final track "Disgustipated" so that the entire album could fit onto one disc.
Undertow Vinyl on eBay:
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| Tool Vinyl 12 Opiate Undertow Record 1st printing | ![]() |
2 Bids | US $1.04 | 1d 24m |
| TOOL UNDERTOW NEW SEALED 2LP SET | ![]() |
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US $21.99 | 1d 6h 57m |
| TOOL grey Promo Vinyl LP Undertow | ![]() |
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US $134.99 | 1d 16h 21m |
Sober 12", Picture Disc, Promo, UK
Released:1993
- A - Sober 5:06
- B1 - Prison Sex 4:55
- B2 - Intolerence 4:34
Catalog#: 74321220431
Prision Sex White Vinyl UK - Promo
Release: 1993
- 01- Prison Sex
- 02- Undertow (live)
- 03- Opiate (live)
- 04- Prison Sex (edit)
Catalog# 74321 19432-1
If you are lucky you will find one with the big fat lady art card.
Sober 12" Promo Vinyl
Released: 1994
- A1- Sober
- B1- Intolerance (Live)
Catalog#: ANGST 1
Black Promo
Prison Sex - Vinyl, 12", Promo, Single UK
- A1- Prison Sex
- B1- Jerk-Off (Live)
Catalog#: TOOL 002
Housed in black sleeve. Barcode and Other Identifiers: Matrix Number (Stamped): TOOL A-1-1-1, TOOL B-1-1-1
Tool Sober - Vinyl, 12", Promo, Single UK
- A1- Sober 5:06
- B1- Intolerence 4:54
- B2- Opiate 5:22
Catalog#: TOOL 001
Housed in black sleeve. Original release came with 8x10 glossy photo of the band and a press release from BMG and is housed in a die cut black sleeve.
Aenima - 2 x Vinyl, Album, LP, Gatefold
Released: 17 Sep 1996
- A1 - Stinkfist 5:11
- A2 - Eulogy 8:29
- A3 - H. 6:03
- A4 - Useful Idiot 0:39
- B1 - Forty Six & 2 6:03
- B2 - Message To Harry Manback 1:53
- B3 - Hooker With A Penis 4:34
- B4 - Intermission 0:56
- B5 - Jimmy 5:24
- C1 - Die Eier Von Satan 2:17
- C2 - Pushit 9:56
- C3 - Cesaro Summability 1:26
- C4 - Ænima 6:40
- D1 - (-) Ions 4:00
- D2 - Third Eye 13:47
The track "Useful Idiot" features the sound of the end of a gramophone record gaining more sound and gets louder as the track progresses. The track was set at the end of side 1 of the vinyl versions of Ænima as a joke to fool those who owned the version.
Catalog#: 72445 11087 1
Release has four black labeled sides, other than the runoutgrooves there are no side indications. Side A ends in a locked groove. This jacket has smaller "TOOL AENIMA" and "Zoo" logos. Its barcode is larger and has a VERY faint catalog number on the bottom of the spine (it may be hard to see.) Back bottom reads: "The BMG and Zoo Entertainment logos are trademarks of BMG Music • ℗ © 1996 BMG Music • All Rights Reserved • Manufactured and Distributed by BMG Entertainment, New York, NY • Printed in U.S.A. • 72445-11087-1"
Catalog#: 61422 31087 1 and 61422 31145 1
It has a larger, more blurred "TOOL AENIMA" print on spine, only Zoo logo on back (no BMG logo) smaller barcode, catalog number on spine 61422-31087-1. Also a larger Zoo logo on spine (as compared to the 72445-11087-1 pressing.) The vinyl labels are significantly different as well. The back bottom reads: "The Zoo Entertainment logo is a trademark of Volcano Entertainment. • ℗ © 1996 Volcano Entertainment LLC 1540 Broadway New York, NY 10036 • Warning All Rights reserved • Unauthorized Duplication Is A Violation OF Applicable Laws • Manufactured and Distributed by BMG Entertainment, New York, NY • Printed in U.S.A. • 61422-31087-1"
Aenima Vinyl on eBay:
*Watch out for fakes - I can't control what specific auctions eBay show.
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| TOOL AENIMA | ![]() |
3 Bids | US $19.16 | 19h 58m |
| SEALED TOOL AENIMA ZOO BMG ORIG REL 1996 2XLP SEALED | ![]() |
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US $499.00 | 1d 3h 31m |
| TOOL AENIMA 2 X LP COLOR VINYL W INSERT | ![]() |
4 Bids | US $20.50 | 1d 15h 58m |
Selections From Ænima
Released: 1996
- A1- Stinkfist 5:10
- A2- H. 6:07
- A3- Useful Idiot 0:39
- B1- Forty Six & 2 6:03
- B2- Intermission 0:56
- B3- Jimmy 5:23
- B4- (-) Ions 3:58
Catalog#: Tool 001
Cesaro Summability 12", Promo, Picture Disc, Limited Edition
Released: 1996
- A1- Cesaro Summability 1:26
- A2- Ænima 6:40
- B- Third Eye 13:47
Catalog#: ZP17666-1
Ænima promotional picture disc limited to 5000 copies. Comes in a clear "collectors" sleeve (some with a Tool postcard/sticker promoting the release of the album).
Etching: Side A: L-47140 ZP17666-1-A Gateway LC, Side B: L-47140-X , ZP17666-1-B
Stinkfist 10", Picture Disc, Promo
Released:01 Oct 1996
- A1- Stinkfist
- A2- Opiate
- B1- Sober
- B2- Prison Sex
Catalog#: ZP17211-1
This picture disc 10" was given away with the first copies of Tool's newly released (at the time) album Ænima.
Barcode and Other Identifiers:
- Barcode (on sticker of sleeve): 6 1422-31721-1
- Other (Etching): Side A: ZP 17211-1-A and L 47261
- Other (Etching): Side B: ZP 17211-1-6 and L 47261-X
Lateralus 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Picture Disc, Limited Edition, Gatefold
Released:26 Aug 2005
- A1- The Grudge 8:36
- A2- Eon Blue Apocalypse 1:04
- A3- The Patient 7:13
- A4- Mantra 1:12
- B1- Schism 6:47
- B2- Parabol 3:04
- B3- Parabola 6:03
- B4- Disposition 4:46
- C1- Ticks & Leeches 8:10
- C2- Lateralus 9:24
- D1- Reflection 11:07
- D2- Triad 8:46
- D3- Faaip De Oiad 2:39
Catalog#:61422-31160-1 LP and 61422-31160-1 LP
The catalog numbers are etched into the vinyl close to the centre - in a hand-writing like font. 250-300 copies were hand-signed by all four band members and sold through the band's website.
- On back: ℗ & © 2000 Volcano Entertainment II, L.L.C. Manufactured in the United States by Zomba Recording Corporation Printed in the United States.
- On Disc: ℗ & © 2001 Tool Dissectional, L.L.C. / Volcano Entertainment II, L.L.C.
- On sleeve: ℗ & © 2003 Tool Dissectional, L.L.C. / Volcano Entertainment II, L.L.C. Manufactured in the United States by Zomba Recording Corporation.
Lateralus Vinyl on eBay:
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| Tool Lateralus 2x LP Picture Disc Vinyl SEALED | ![]() |
4 Bids | US $21.35 | 14h 43m |
| TOOL LATERALUS ULTRA RARE VINYL MINT RARE COVER | ![]() |
0 Bid | US $29.33 | 19h 15m |
| TOOL LATERALUS LP PICTURE DISC MINT | ![]() |
4 Bids | US $16.51 | 1d 16h 14m |
Lateralus LP, Picture Disc, Promo, Limited Edition
Released: 2005
- A1- The Grudge - 8:34
- A2- Eon Blue Apocalypse - 1:05
- A3- The Patient - 7:14
- A4- Ticks & Leeches - 8:07
- B1- Lateralus - 9:22
- B2- Reflection - 11:08
Catalog#:LATER1-1
Tool Vinyl Artwork
- Aenima – Band Photos
- Aenima – Bill Hicks
- Aenima – Blue Man
- Aenima – Third Eye
- Aenima Inlay
- Aenima Original Pressing
- Aenima Back Cover Variation
- Aenima Signed
- Cesaro Summability Bits
- Cesaro Summability Side A
- Cesaro Summability Side B
- Lateralus Promo Picture Disc
- Lateralus Signed by Adam
- Opiate
- Opiate Back
- Opiate Label
- Prison Sex UK Grey
- Prison Sex – TOOL 002 Side A
- Prison Sex Grey Inlay
- Prison Sex – TOOL 002 Side B
- Aenima Selections Side A
- Aenima Selections Side B
- Sober – ANGST 1 Side B
- Sober – ANGST Side A
- Sober – TOOL 001
- Sober 001 – Side B
- Sober Picture Disc UK
- Stinkfist 10″ Picture Disc
- Undertow Grey Promo
- Undertow Signed
- Undertow – Clear Green
- Undertow Clear Green Back
- Undertow Clear Green Label
- Undertow Label









































So I bought Aenima today. It had the original pressing writing on the back. How could this be? It had one clear vinyl disc and one yellow. The original had black vinyl. I only found out after I paid for this. Lucky for me, I bought it at a record shop in Cincinnati Ohio. I’m shocked they would sell fakes. Or am I wrong? From what I have seen, it’s a fake. I wish it were not. I’m very sad now.
Hi again Richard, all it would take is someone to scan the original vinyl sleeve and they could replicate the original, to be sure you need to see a range of evidence, the vinyl itself, the inlay and artwork. The Aenima cover must be one of the easiest and most profitable albums to bootleg, as it is so simple in design…even better seal it, then no-one will ever know what’s inside…I am sure that’s the case with some of the sealed copies of Aenima we see selling on eBay, but there’s not much you can do about it. Sorry for your bad experience in landing a bootleg, sometimes feels like the bad guys a winning!
The clear and yellow Aenima copies are fake for sure though!
Can you let me know if this is real? The ebay auction# is 110555818180. I really want it if it is real
2 days ago i had purchased the lateralus LP from a local record shop and i believe it is original, however i am having doubts because the cat# etched on the record itself is the same as the one written in the buyers guide but has the letters RE after, not LP, also the cat# printed on the back is 61422-3116-1 LP not 61422-31160-1 LP as it is in the buyers guide, everything else matches up with what is supposed to make it original because on the inner sleeve the correct cat# is written and everything looks like it is supposed too. so if anyone has information on whether or not this is a re-issue it would be greatly appreciated.
I was looking at purchasing Salival on vinyl and was wondering if you could give me some heads up on some of the final details i.e catalog numbers and dates on vinyl release. thanks
this is the e-bay item in question
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230518548945&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:AU:1123
Hi Angus, unfortunately Tool has never released Salival on Vinyl, so any copies of it that you find are in fact Bootlegs….including the auction you have linked to. Check out the fake tool vinyl guide for more info: http://toolvinyl.com/fake-tool-vinyl-guide/