Vinyl pressings
by Bootsy Collins · 1980
Ultra Wave was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 3 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.
** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIFSide A & B, stamped
BSK-1-3433-LW-2Side A, etched
BSK-2-3433-LW-1Side B, etched
BSK-1-3433 -LW-2 • 1 ✲ ✲Side A, etched/stamped, variant 2
BSK-1-3433 JW-1 #4 MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A., CALIF. 0A-side runout
BSK-2-3433 JW-1 #2 MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A., CALIF. 0B-side runout
BSK-1-3433-WW 1 #5 ·─◁ ** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIFRunout side A, etched/stamped, variant 1
BSK-2-3433-WW-1 #4 ·─◁ ** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIFRunout side B, etched/stamped, variant 1
BSK-1-3433-WW 1 #7 ·─◁ ** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIFRunout side A, etched/stamped, variant 2
BSK-1-3433-WW 1 #2 ·─◁ ** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIFRunout side B, etched/stamped, variant 2
BSK-1-3433-E1 [EDP logo] MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF.Runout side A, etched/stamped
BSK-2-3433-E1 [EDP logo] MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF.Runout side B, etched/stamped
XBS · 3433 · A · TLC-T nc.Runout side A
XBS · 3433 · B · TLC-T nc.Runout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records XBS 3433First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Germany | Warner Bros. Records WB 56 883First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | US | Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | US | Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1981 | Brazil | Warner Bros. Records 36.178LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Netherlands | Music On Vinyl MOVLP3260 / Warner Records MOVLP3260LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue · Limited, Numbered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Korea | High Stereo Light VO 12LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
10 vinyl pressings of Ultra Wave are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1980 and 2023.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, Canada, Germany. One of them is Warner Bros. Records BSK 3433.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BSK 3433, XBS 3433, WB 56 883) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ** MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF and BSK-1-3433-LW-2. 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.
