Vinyl pressings
by Michael Jackson · 1982
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 4 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.
ZSS-169319-1A Etching ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF. PA Side Runout
ZSS-169319-1B Etching ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF. PB Side Runout
ZSS 169319A and B Labels Identical
ZSS 169319Matrix Label Side A
ZSS 169320Matrix Label Side B
ZSS-169319 1A2HZ ② DM-3Runout Side A
ZSS-169320 1A2HZ DM-6Runout Side B
XSS-169321-1BSide A
XSS-179332-1ASide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Australia | Epic ES 877First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Canada | Epic 34 03914First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Canada | Epic 34 03914First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Hong Kong | CBS/Sony AAP 98First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1982 | US | Epic 34-03914First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Australia | Epic ES 1206812", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Canada | Epic 12EXP 0391512", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic EPCA 12.3427 / Epic A12.342712", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | Epic EPCA 3427 / Epic A34277", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | France | Epic A3427 / Epic EPC A 34277", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Epic EPC A3427 / Epic A34277", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Epic EPC A3427 / Epic A34277", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Epic A3427 / Epic EPC A 34277", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | Germany | Epic EPC A 3427 / Epic A34277", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Ireland | Epic EPC A 3427 / Epic A 34277", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | UK | Epic XPR 2265 / Epic 31-002265-2212", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
43 vinyl pressings of Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' are listed here, from 16 countries, released between 1982 and 1995.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in US, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia. One of them is Epic 34-03914.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 34-03914, 34 03914, AAP 98, ES 877) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS-169319-1A Etching ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF. P and ZSS-169319-1B Etching ❀ MASTERED AT ALLEN ZENTZ L.A. CALIF. P. 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.
