Vinyl pressings
by Sam Cooke · 1986
Wonderful World 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.
18 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 7 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 B-4594 A-2/4-86 IIRunout side A, variant 1
DM DS B-4594 B-2/4-86 IIRunout side B, variant 1
DM B-4594 A-2/4-86Runout side A, variant 2
DM DSB 4594 B-1/4-86Runout side B, variant 2
DM B-4595 A-1/4-86Runout side A - variant 1
DM B-4595 B-1/4-86Runout side B - variant 1
DM B-4595 A-1/4-86 IIRunout side A - variant 2
DM B-4595 A-1/4-86 IIRunout side A - variant 2
PT 49872 - A 1̶ 2̶ 3 1 2 ARunout, A-side
PT 49872 - B 1̶ 2̶ 3 2 1 ARunout, B-side
PT 49872 A‡Label, A-side
PT 49872 B*Label, B-side
PB 49871 A1Runout etched Side A Variants 1&2
PB 49871 B1Runout etched Side B Variants 1&2
( )Runout stamped Side A Variant 2
<Runout stamped Side B Variant 2
PT 49872 A1 2 3 ARunout side A etched, stamped
PT-49872-B1̶ 2̶ 3 2 4 ARunout side B etched, stamped
PT 49872 A‡Label side A
PT 49872 B‡Label side B
PT 49872 - A1Runout, A-side, etched
PT 49872 - B1Runout, B-side, etched
PT 49872 A*Label, A-side
PT 49872 B*Label, B-side
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 | Australia & New Zealand | RCA Victor 104546First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Australia & New Zealand | RCA 104546First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | RCA JB-50874First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Europe | RCA PB49871 / RCA PB 49871First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | RCA PT 49872 / RCA PT49872First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | RCA PT 49872First year12", 45 RPM, EP | 12", 45 RPM, EP |
| 1986 | Greece | RCA RCA4048First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Ireland | RCA PB 49871First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1986 | Spain | RCA Victor PB 49871First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Spain | RCA Victor PB 49871First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | RCA PB 49871First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1986 | UK | RCA PT 49872First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1986 | UK | RCA PT 49872First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1986 | UK | RCA PB 49871First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | UK | RCA PT 49872First year12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 12", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
19 vinyl pressings of Wonderful World are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Europe, UK, Australia & New Zealand, Greece and more. One of them is RCA PB49871.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use PB49871, PT 49872, PB 49871, 104546) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DM B-4594 A-2/4-86 II and DM DS B-4594 B-2/4-86 II. 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.
