Vinyl pressings
by The Beach Boys · 1966
Hits was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1966, 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.
F1 20781-1 KTRunout side A, stamped - variant 1
F2 20781-1 KTRunout side B, stamped - variant 1
F1 20781 1 P KT IRunout side A, stamped - variant 2
F2 20781-1 GP KT IRunout side B, stamped - variant 2
F1 20781-1 P KT 1Runout side A, stamped
F2 20781-1 GP KT 1Runout side B, stamped
F1-20781Side A, label
F2-20781Side B, label
F1 20781-1 KTRunout side A, stamped
F2 20781-1 KTRunout side B, stamped
F1-20781Side A, label
F2-20781Side B, label
F1 20781-1 KTA-side runout, stamped
F2 20781-1 KTB-side runout, stamped
F1 20781-1 GRL KTA-side runout, stamped (variant 1)
F2 20781-1 GG KTB-side runout, stamped (variant 1)
F1 20781-1 KTA-side runout, stamped
F2 20781-1 KTB-side runout, stamped
F1 20781-1 KTA-side runout, stamped
F2 20781-1 KTB-side runout, stamped
F1.20781Side A, label
F2.20781Side B, label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Ireland | Capitol Records EAP-1(I) 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | New Zealand | Capitol Records EAP-1 20781 / Capitol Records EAP.1 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | UK | Capitol Records EAP-1 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | UK | Capitol Records EAP-1 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | UK | Capitol Records EAP-1 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1966 | UK | Capitol Records EAP-1 20781First year7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton EPCA 9148 / Capitol Records EPCA 91487", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton EPCA 9148 / Capitol Records EPCA-91487", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton EPCA 9148 / Capitol Records EPCA 91487", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Capitol Records EPCA-91487", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton EPCA 9148 / Capitol Records EPCA 91487", 45 RPM, EP, Misprint, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Misprint, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton EPCA 9148 / Capitol Records EPCA 91487", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, EP, Mono · Mono |
12 vinyl pressings of Hits are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1966 and 1967.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in UK, Ireland, New Zealand. One of them is Capitol Records EAP-1 20781, released May 1966.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use EAP-1 20781, EAP-1(I) 20781) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, F1 20781-1 KT and F2 20781-1 KT. 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.
