US
1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR 886 665-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
88 666/5 - 1 - A SS P DMM SP1 - 4Runout side A, etched
88 666 5 - 1 - B SS - P DMM SP1 - 1Runout side B, etched
Vinyl pressings
Tears
by Frankie Knuckles · 1989
17 pressings3 countriesHouseDeep HouseElectronic
Tears was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. 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 Tears
11 pressings came out in 1989, 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.
US
1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR 886 665-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Company Sleeve
- Runout / matrix
88 666/5 - 1 - A SS P DMM SP1 - 4Side A runout
88 666 5 - 1 - B SS - P DMM SP1 - 1Side B runout
US
1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR 886 665-1
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
886665-1-ASS P DMM SP1-1A-side runout etching
886665-1-BSS-P DMM SP1-1B-side runout etching
UK
June 5, 1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR F 108
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
F 108 A-1U-1-Q2Runout stamped side A
F 108 B-1U-1-Q2Runout stamped side B
ZPMSC 11948Label side A
ZPMSC 11949Label side B
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR FX 102
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
UK
1989- Label and catalog number
- FFRR FX 108
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
FX 108 A-2J-1-1Runout Side-A
FX 108 B-2J-1-2Runout Side-B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 17 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s12 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Japan | FFRR 886 665-1 / Manhattan Records MR-041First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FX 102First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FX 108First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FXR 108First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FXDJ 108First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FXDJ 108First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR FXDJ 108First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | FFRR 886 665-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo |
| 1989 | US | FFRR 886 665-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1989 | US | FFRR 886 665-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | US | FFRR 886-665-112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1989 | UK | FFRR F 108First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
1990s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | UK | Essential Recordings ESXDJ712", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
2000s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | UK | Not On Label TEARS 00112", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, White Label · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, White Label · Promo |
Year unknown3 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Not On Label (Frankie Knuckles) SP-1012", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, White Label |
| ? | US | FFRR FFRR-1406912", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| ? | US | Not On Label TEARS12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
Tracklist
- A1Tears (Classic Vocal)6:44
- A2Tears (Classic Instrumental)6:57
- B1Tears (Def Remix)6:37
- B2Tears (Wicked Mix)6:35
- B3Tears (Fierce Piano Dub)3:52
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Tears are there?
17 vinyl pressings of Tears are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1989 and 2007.
When was Tears first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US, UK, Japan. One of them is FFRR 886 665-1.
How do I tell if my copy of Tears is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 886 665-1, F 108, FX 102, FX 108) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 88 666/5 - 1 - A SS P DMM SP1 - 4 and 88 666 5 - 1 - B SS - P DMM SP1 - 1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Tears 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.
