Vinyl pressings
by Brenda K. Starr · 1986
What You See Is What You Get was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year. 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.
MCA 6322 MD-2 HWA-Side Runout Etching, variant 1
MCA 6323-MD-2B-Side Runout Etching, variant 1
MCA 6322 MD-2 HW 1A-Side Runout Etching, variant 2
MCA 6323-MD-1B-Side Runout Etching, variant 2
MCA 6322 MD-3 MASTERDISK ◈-P-◈A-Side Runout Etching [MASTERDISK ◈-P-◈ are stamped]
MCA 6323 MD-4 ◈-P-◈B-Side Runout Etching [ ◈-P-◈ is stamped]
(MCA6322)A-Side Label
(MCA6323)B-Side Label
MCA 6322 MD-3A-Side Runout Etching
MCA 6323 MD∙4B-Side Runout Etching
MASTERDISKA-Side Runout Stamp
◈-P-◈Runout Stamp Each Side
(MC22568E)A side label
(MC22568E)B side label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | US | MCA Records MCA-23704First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | US | MCA Records MCA-53047First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | MCA Records MCA-23704First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | US | MCA Records MCA-23704First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Japan | MCA Records P-22447", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1987 | Japan | MCA Records P-22447", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-533677", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-533677", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 127912" | 12" |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records WMCAT 127912", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCA12797", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-533677", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records S45-176327", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-530477", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | MCA Records MCA-533677", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
18 vinyl pressings of What You See Is What You Get are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1986 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US. One of them is MCA Records MCA-23704.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-23704, MCA-53047) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 6322 MD-2 HW and MCA 6323-MD-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.
