Vinyl pressings
by Paquito D'Rivera · 1984
Why Not! was first pressed on vinyl in 1984. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1984, 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.
AL 39584-INTL-1 MASTERDISK DK P (AP) oSide A etched; MASTERDISK o stamped
BL 39584-INTL-2 MASTERDISK DK P (AP) oSide B etched; MASTERDISK o stamped
AL 39584Side A label
BL 39584Side B label
P AL 39584 1J MASTERDISK BKSide 1 etched
P BL 39584 1A MASTERDISK RLSide 2 etched
AL 39584Side 1 label
BL 39584Side 2 label
AL • 39584 • IF GI MASTERDISK BK A2Side A etched; MASTERDISK o stamped
BL • 39584 • IE GI MASTERDISK BK A9Side B etched; MASTERDISK o stamped
AL 39584Side A label
BL 39584Side B label
AL-39584Label, side A
BL-39584Label, side A
P (AP) NL AL 39584· INTL·2 01-26201-1A-1 MASTERDISK·BK ARunout side A, stamped & etched
P (AP) NL BL 39584· INTL·2 01-26201-1B-1 MASTERDISK·BK ARunout side B, stamped & etched
P (AP) NL AL 39584· INTL·2 01-26201-1A-1 MASTERDISK·BK ARunout side A, stamped & etched
P (AP) NL BL 39584· INTL·2 01-26201-1B-1 MASTERDISK·BK ARunout side B, stamped & etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Brazil | CBS 225.091 / Discos CBS 225.091First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS CBS 26201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Europe | CBS CBS 26201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | Netherlands | CBS 26201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Columbia FC 39584First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Columbia FC 39584First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | US | Columbia FC 39584First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | Venezuela | CBS CS-10.505LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Venezuela | CBS JZ-20.029LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Columbia FC 39584LP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of Why Not! are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1984 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1984, in US, Brazil, Europe, Netherlands. One of them is Columbia FC 39584.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 39584, 225.091, CBS 26201, 26201) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL 39584-INTL-1 MASTERDISK DK P (AP) o and BL 39584-INTL-2 MASTERDISK DK P (AP) o. 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.
