Vinyl pressings
by Metallica · 1985
Whiplash was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1985, 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.
B-1 - MRS-04-A-RE [etched] STERLING [stamped]Side A, variant 1
A-1 ᐉ MRS-04-B [etched] STERLING [stamped]Side B, variant 1
B-2 - MRS-04-A-RE [etched] STERLING [stamped]Side A, variant 2
A-1 ᐉ MRS-04-B [etched] STERLING [stamped]Side B, variant 2
MRS - 04 - A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK emwSide A, Variant 1
MRS - 04 - A emwSide A, Variant 1
MRS•04B’ emwSide B, Variant 1
MRS·04·A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK ¢ emwSide A, Variant 2
B-EX - MRS-04-A-RERunout side A, etched
STERLINGRunout side A, stamped
MRS-04-B ' EmwRunout side B, etched
MRS 04 A MASTERING BY FRANKFORT/WAYNE NEW YORK EmwSide A
MRS 04 B EmwSide B
B-EX ▷ MRS-04-A-RESIDE A - Etched
STERLINGSIDE A - Stamped
A-EX ▷ MRS-04-BSIDE B- Etched
STERLINGSIDE B - Stamped
B-EX - MRS-04-A-RE [etched] STERLING [stamped]Side A
A-EX ᐉ MRS-04-B [etched] STERLING [stamped]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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-0412", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Repress, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Repress, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-0412", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Reissue, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", Maxi-Single | 12", Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-0412", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1985 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1987 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04 / Megaforce Records MRS 0412", Limited Edition, Numbered, Picture Disc · Limited, Numbered, Picture disc | 12", Limited Edition, Numbered, Picture Disc · Limited, Numbered, Picture disc |
| 1987 | US | Megaforce Records MRS-04 / Megaforce Records MRS 0412", Picture Disc, Limited Edition · Limited, Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc, Limited Edition · Limited, Picture disc |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Europe | Megaforce Records MRS-047", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
| 2009 | Europe | Megaforce Records MRS-047", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Unofficial Release · Unofficial, Colored vinyl |
13 vinyl pressings of Whiplash are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1985 and 2009.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US. One of them is Megaforce Records MRS-04, released February 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MRS-04) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, B-1 - MRS-04-A-RE [etched] STERLING [stamped] and A-1 ᐉ MRS-04-B [etched] STERLING [stamped]. 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.
