US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Fee Bee Records FB-214
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
FB-214-A
FB-214-B
Vinyl pressings
Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool
by The Dell-Vikings · 1957
20 pressings4 countriesDoo WopRock & RollRhythm & BluesRock
Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool was first pressed on vinyl in 1957. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool
15 pressings came out in 1957, 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.
US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 45-15592
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Indianapolis Pressing
- Runout / matrix
I A1 MW 9801 I5A-Side Runout Etching
I A1 MW 9800 I1B-Side Runout Etching
A5 MW 9801 I3A-Side Runout Etching Alt
A1 MW 9800 I4B-Side Runout Etching Alt
US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 45-15592
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
45-M-9801 ① ∆15945Side A, Etched
45-M-9800 ⑥ ∆15944Side B, Etched
US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Fee Bee Records FB-214
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
FB-214AA Side Scribed
FB-214BB Side Scribed
US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 15592
- Format
- Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
- Runout / matrix
M-9801① △15943A Side [scribed] (Variant 1)
M-9800② △14942B Side [scribed] (Variant 1)
MB 9801 11 1 4A side stamped (Variant 2)
MB 9800 11 1 4B side stamped (Variant 2)
US
May 1957- Label and catalog number
- Dot Records 45-15592
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Rockaway Pressing
- Runout / matrix
I A1 MW 9801 I5A-Side Runout Etching
I A1 MW 9800 I1B-Side Runout Etching
45-MW-9801-I7 A1 RA-Side Runout Etching Alt
45MW-9800-I5 A1 RB-Side Runout Etching Alt
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 20 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1950s16 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Australia | London Records 45-HL-1258First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1957 | Belgium | Versailles 9-1.016First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1957 | Canada | Dot Records 15592First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | Canada | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | Canada | Dot Records 15592First year10", 78 RPM | 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 15592First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Fee Bee Records FB-214First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | US | Fee Bee Records FB-214First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 15592First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | US | Dot Records 45-15592First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
Year unknown4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Collectables C 12527", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | Collectables C 12527", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | Collectables C 12527", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue |
| ? | US | Collectables C 12527", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AWhispering Bells2:15
- BDon't Be A Fool2:40
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool are there?
20 vinyl pressings of Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1957 and 1958.
When was Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1957, in US, Australia, Belgium, Canada. One of them is Fee Bee Records FB-214, released May 1957.
How do I tell if my copy of Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FB-214, 45-15592, 15592, 45-HL-1258) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FB-214-A and FB-214-B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Whispering Bells / Don't Be A Fool on vinyl worth?
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.
