CBS/Sony CD pressing question

I have a copy of Paul Young - The Secret of Association, the first Epic/Sony issue, 32.8P-70. It was manufactured by CBS/Sony's CSR plant, and it has a "dot" matrix of 328P-70 11A10 +++++. But it also has some sort of barcode or something the matrix. It also says just "CSR" in the middle ring, not "CSR COMPACT DISC".

What is the date of this pressing? 1986-87? I know "+++++" began being used in 1985, but when did this barcode thing begin to be used? I thought there was a much newer "laser" printed matrix (which I have a few CDs from the late 1980s/1990s as having), but this one is the "dot" matrix.

 

I believe the barcode looking matrix started in 1988 and lasted until IFPI numbers started in the 1990's and might possibly indicate it being a re-release.

 

When did they start using the "laser" printed matrix? I believe that's what it's called. This one is a dot matrix, so it's 100% not early 1990s.

 

This question I'm not exactly sure of. You should wander over to the Long And Winding Threads Forum where there's this Share your first-pressing CD acquisitions here! thread. Regulars there are far more knowledgeable regarding this kind of information than I am.

 

Possibly late '87 if my copy of Full Moon is any guide.

It was released in December '87 and to be honest, I don't think many copies were made and they might even have just used the one glass master. Copies have only begun to surface since it was reissued by Real Gone Music.

I think the dot matrix + barcode releases are late issues, probably 1987. They aren't real common, but nor are they incredibly rare (I have a few).

 

Is there a website or thread in these forms that can help to determine the age of a CD depending on the format of how the face of the CD was laid out?

 

@princesskiki and others posted images of the various CD matrices from the early years of the CD in the Share Your Early CD Pressings thread in the Long and Winding Threads forum.