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So Many Ways by Brook Benton, album cover

Vinyl pressings

So Many Ways

by Brook Benton · 1959

20 pressings12 countriesRhythm & BluesFunk / Soul

So Many Ways was first pressed on vinyl in 1959. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.

How to spot a first pressing of So Many Ways

15 pressings came out in 1959, the album's first year, in 11 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.

US

1959
Label and catalog number
Mercury 71512X45
Format
7", 45 RPM, Single
Runout / matrix

YWM-12636-1 MS-1 FFRunout Side A

YWM-18696-7 MS-7 FFRunout Side B

YW12636Label A

YW18696Label B

Full details of this pressing

UK

1959
Label and catalog number
Mercury 45-AMT 1068
Format
7", 45 RPM, Single
Runout / matrix

7XYW 12636-2N ET 6Runout side A stamped

7XYW 18696-IN H ET 1Runout side B stamped

Full details of this pressing

UK

1959
Label and catalog number
Mercury 45-AMT 1068
Format
7", 45 RPM, Single
Runout / matrix

7XYW 12636-2N ET 6Runout side A stamped

7XYW 18696-IN H ET 1Runout side B stamped

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 20 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1950s15 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1959AustraliaEsquire Mercury 45317First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959BelgiumMercury 71.512x45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959CanadaMercury 71512XFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM7", Single, 45 RPM
1959DenmarkMercury 71512-X-45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959IrelandMercury 45-AMT (I) 1068First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959ItalyMercury 70420x45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959NetherlandsMercury 957099 / CNR 957099First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959New ZealandMercury 71512First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono
1959NorwayMercury MNS 3065First year7", Single, 45 RPM7", Single, 45 RPM
1959UKMercury 45-AMT 1068First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959UKMercury 45-AMT 1068First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959UKMercury 45-AMT 1068First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959USMercury 71512X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959USMercury 71512X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1959USMercury 71512X45First year7", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
1960s2 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1960AustraliaEsquire Mercury 453177", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing7", 45 RPM, Single, Test Pressing · Test pressing
1960ItalyMercury 80010x457", 45 RPM, Stereo7", 45 RPM, Stereo
Year unknown3 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?GermanyMercury R 21 339 / Mercury 71512x457", 45 RPM, Single7", 45 RPM, Single
?New ZealandMercury SS. 100197", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
?USMercury 71512X457", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo

Tracklist

  1. ASo Many Ways2:29
  2. BI Want You Forever2:23

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of So Many Ways are there?

20 vinyl pressings of So Many Ways are listed here, from 12 countries, released between 1959 and 1960.

When was So Many Ways first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1959, in US, UK, Australia, Belgium and more. One of them is Mercury 71512X45.

How do I tell if my copy of So Many Ways is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 71512X45, 45-AMT 1068, 45317, 71.512x45) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, YWM-12636-1 MS-1 FF and YWM-18696-7 MS-7 FF. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is So Many Ways on vinyl worth?

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.

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