Vinyl pressings
by Paul Hardcastle · 1986
The Wizard was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
DM 608597 A-1/9-86 IIRunout side A, variant 1
DM 608597 B-1/9-86Runout side B, variant 1
DM 608597 A-1/9-86 IIIRunout side A, variant 2
DM 608597 B-1/9-86Runout side B, variant 2
DM DS 108597 A-2/10-86Runout side A, variant 1
DM DS 108597 B-2/9-86 IIRunout side B, variant 1
DM DS 108597 A-2/10-86Runout side A, variant 2
DM DS 108597 B-2/9-86Runout side B, variant 2
Tinilom PAULX 3 A 2 4200 11Side A
PAUL·3 A1 timtom ⋀Side A runout, etched/stamped
PAUL·3 B1 19 TY ⋀Side B runout, etched/stamped
PAUL 3-ASide A label
PAUL 3-BSide B label
PAULJ3A//1∇420C 1 1Side A, runout, Stamped
TIMTOMSide A, runout, etched
PAULJ3B//1∇420C 1 1Side B, runout, Stamped
PAULX 3 A // 1 ∇ 420 C 1 1 1Runout, A-side, stamped, variant 1
timtomRunout, A-side, hand etched, variants 1 & 2
PAULX 3 B // 1 ∇ 420 C 1 1 1Runout, B-side, stamped, variant 1
TYRunout, B-side, hand etched, variants 1 & 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Unknown | Chrysalis PAULX 3First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 608 597First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Chrysalis 108 597First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Ireland | Chrysalis PAUL 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULX 3First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAUL 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAUL 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAUL 3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULJ 3First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | UK | Chrysalis PAULJ 3First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of The Wizard are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, UK, Ireland. One of them is Chrysalis 608 597.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 608 597, 108 597, PAULX 3, PAUL 3) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM 608597 A-1/9-86 II and DM 608597 B-1/9-86. 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.
