Vinyl pressings
by Nena · 1983
? was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1983, 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.
NL 12-3994-1A-1 B H1Runout A, variant 1
12-3994-2B-1 B H1Runout B, variant 1
NL 12-3994-1A-1 B H1Runout A, variant 2
12-3994-2B-1 A H1Runout B, variant 2
CBS A 3994 A 6 H1Side A runout, etched
CBS A 3994 B 6 H1Side B runout, etched
CBS A 12 3993-1A-1 A NLRunout side A, variant 1
CBS A 12 3993-1B-1 B NLRunout side B, variant 1
CBS A 12 3994-1A-1 H1 A NLRunout side A, variant 2
CBS A 12 3994-1B-1 B ̶A̶ H1 NLRunout side B, variant 2
CBS A 1994 A 6Side A
CBS A 1994 B 6Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Germany | CBS CBS A 12.3994First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | Netherlands | CBS CBS A 12.399412", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
| 1983 | Spain | CBS CBS A 3994First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Europe | CBS CBS A 3994First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1983 | Germany | CBS CBS A 3994First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Italy | CBS CBS A 39947", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1984 | Spain | CBS CBS A 12.399412", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1984 | Spain | CBS CBS A 3994 / CBS CBS A-39947", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | UK | Epic A46177", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Epic TA461712", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | UK | Epic A 46177", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1984 | Japan | Epic International 07・5P-3017", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1984 | Japan | Epic International 07・5P-3017", Single | 7", Single |
13 vinyl pressings of ? are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in Europe, Germany, Spain. One of them is CBS CBS A 3994, released November 14, 1983.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CBS A 3994, CBS A 12.3994) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, NL 12-3994-1A-1 B H1 and 12-3994-2B-1 B H1. 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.
