Vinyl pressings
by Billy Eckstine · 1958
Billy's Best was first pressed on vinyl in 1958. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1958, the album's first year, in 6 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
MG-20333A-1 M1 MSI(var. 1) side A runout stamped
MG-20333B-1 M MSI G(var. 1) side B runout stamped
MG 20333A MS2 F(var. 2) side A runout stamped
MG 20333B MS2 F(var. 2) side B runout stamped
SR 60086A MS1 FFSide A runout, stamped and etched
SR 60086B MS1 FFSide B runout, stamped and etched
MG 20333A MS2 Fside A runout stamped
MG 20333B MS2 Fside B runout stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Australia | Mercury MG 20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | Canada | Mercury MG-20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | New Zealand | Mercury MG 20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | South Africa | Mercury MG-20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | UK | Mercury MMC 14043First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | US | Mercury MG-20333LP, Album, Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Repress, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | US | Mercury SR-60086First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1958 | US | Mercury SR-60086First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1958 | US | Mercury SR 60086 / Mercury SR-60086First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1958 | US | Mercury MG-20333 / Mercury MG 20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1958 | US | Mercury SR-60086First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1958 | US | Mercury MG-20333 / Mercury MG 20333First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
12 vinyl pressings of Billy's Best are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1958, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Mercury MG-20333, released January 1958.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MG-20333, SR-60086, SR 60086, MMC 14043) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MG-20333A-1 M1 MSI and MG-20333B-1 M MSI G. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
