Vinyl pressings
by Dire Straits · 1991
Heavy Fuel was first pressed on vinyl in 1991. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1991, 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.
DSTR 17 A- 1U-1-2 DRunout side A, variant 1
DSTR 17 B- 1U-1-2 DRunout side B, variant 1
DSTR 17 A- 1U-1- 1 DRunout side A, variant 2
DSTR 17 B- 1U-1-1 DRunout side B, variant 2
DSTR 1712 A- 1U-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout side A
DSTR 1712 B- 1U-1- TOWNHOUSE DMM DRunout side B
DSDJ 17 A-1U-1-Q1Side A runout
DSDJ 17 B-1U-1-Q1Side B runout
DSDJ 17ASide A label
DSDJ 17BSide B label
7-19094-A-SR1 I - I [SRC Logo] MASTERDISKRunout side A, variant 1
7-19094-B-SRI I - MASTERDISKRunout side B, variant 1
7-19094-A-SR1 1-1 MASTERDISK [SRC Logo]Runout side A, variant 2
7-19094-B-SR1 1- [SRC Logo]Runout side B, variant 2
HEAVY FUELSides A/B runout
866 090-7-A1Runout side A
866 090-7-B2Runout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Brazil | Vertigo 2801 536First year12", Single, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Single, Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1991 | Europe | Vertigo 866 090-7 / Vertigo DSTR 17First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | Europe | Vertigo 866 091-1 / Vertigo DSTR 1712First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | France | Vertigo 866 090-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 1712 / Vertigo 868 091-1First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | US | Warner Bros. Records 7-19094First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1991 | Philippines | VertigoFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo DSTR 17 / Vertigo 866 090-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1991 | France | Not On Label 866 090 77", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 7", 45 RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1991 | UK | Vertigo DSDJ 17First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Heavy Fuel are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1991, in UK, US, Philippines, Europe and more. One of them is Vertigo DSTR 17, released October 1991.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DSTR 17, DSTR 1712, DSDJ 17, 7-19094) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DSTR 17 A- 1U-1-2 D and DSTR 17 B- 1U-1-2 D. 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.
