Vinyl pressings
by The New Seekers · 1973
Pinball Wizards was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. 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 1973, 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.
MV5098 MGS 3158Runout Side A, Etched
MV5098 MGS 3159Runout Side B, Etched
MGS-3158Matrix Side A, On Label
MGS-6159Matrix Side B, On Label
MV5098 MGS 3158Side A runout
MV5098 MGS 3159Side B runout
MGS 3158Side A Label
MGS 3159Side B Label
KE MV5098 MGS 3158Runout Side A, Etched
MV5098 MGS 3159Runout Side B, Etched
MV5098 MGS3158Side 1, etched.
MV5098 MGS3159Side 2, etched.
MGS 3158Side A Label
MGS 3159Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Polydor 2383 195First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1973 | US | MGM Records MV-5098 / Verve Records MV-5098First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Pinball Wizards are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in US, Canada, New Zealand. One of them is MGM Records MV-5098.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MV-5098, 2383 195) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MV5098 MGS 3158 and MV5098 MGS 3159. 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.
