Vinyl pressings
by Bruce Springsteen · 1992
Better Days was first pressed on vinyl in 1992. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1992, 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.
01-657890-00 1A-1 BD ASide A runout, variant 1
31-657890-04-1B-1 ASide B runout, variant 1
01-657890-00 2A-1 A BDSide A runout, variant 2
31-657890-04-1B-1 ASide B runout, variant 2
657-890-8+A ORLAKESide A runout
657-890+8+B ORLAKESide B runout
01 657890-20 1A 1 ARunout side A
01 657890 20 1B 1 ARunout side B
01-657890-00 1A-1 BD ARunout side A
31-657890-04-1B-1 ARunout side B
657890 6 - A0Side A
657890 6 - B0Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Costa Rica | Columbia 7184192First year7", Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Europe | Columbia 657890 6First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1992 | Europe | Columbia PRO 683First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Europe | Columbia 657890 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1992 | Mexico | Sony Music PR-238First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Spain | CBS/Sony ARIC 111First year7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
| 1992 | Spain | CBS/Sony COL 657890 6First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1992 | Spain | CBS/Sony COL 657890 6First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1992 | UK | Columbia 657890 8First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1992 | UK & Europe | Columbia 657890 7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
10 vinyl pressings of Better Days are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1992, in UK & Europe, UK, Europe, Spain and more. One of them is Columbia 657890 7, released May 11, 1992.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 657890 7, 657890 8, 657890 6, COL 657890 6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 01-657890-00 1A-1 BD A and 31-657890-04-1B-1 A. 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.
