Vinyl pressings
by The Friends Of Distinction · 1970
Whatever was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 6 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.
ZPRS-8333-3S-B4 ASide A Etched (Variant 1)
ZPRS-8334-3S-B3DSide B Etched (Variant 1)
ZPRS-8333-3S-B/CSide A Etched (Variant 2)
ZPRS-8334-3S-B2βSide B Etched (Variant 2)
ZPRS-8333-2S HSide A - stamped
ZPRS--8334--3S HSide B - stamped
HSides A/B - stamped
ZPRS -- 8333 -- 3S HSide A - stamped - variant 1
ZPRS 8333 5S ɪ A 1Side A Runout Stamped
ZPRS 8334 5S ɪ A 2Side B Runout Stamped
ZPRS-8333Side A Label
ZPRS-8334Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Australia | RCA Victor ZPRS-8333First yearLP | LP |
| 1970 | Canada | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | Germany | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1970 | Philippines | RCA Victor LSP-4408 / RCA Victor LSP 4408First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1970 | Spain | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1970 | Taiwan | 中聲 CSJ-1006LP, Album, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release, Stereo · Unofficial |
| 1970 | US | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1970 | US | RCA Victor LSP-4408First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | Mexico | RCA Victor LPM/S-4408LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | UK | RCA Victor LSA 3014LP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Japan | RCA SHP-6173LP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
12 vinyl pressings of Whatever are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1970 and 1971.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, Australia, Canada, Germany and more. One of them is RCA Victor LSP-4408.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LSP-4408, ZPRS-8333) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZPRS-8333-3S-B4 A and ZPRS-8334-3S-B3D. 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.
