Vinyl pressings
by Tia Monae · 1983
Don't Keep Me Waiting was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. 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 1983, the album's first year, in 2 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.
FT - 516 - AEtched in run-out, Side A
FT - 516 - BEtched in run-out, Side B
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKStamped in run-out, both sides
HERbIE JREtched in run-out, both sides, followed by a smiley face graphic
FT-516-A Herbie "mastering by Frankford/Wayne New York"A side
FT-516-B Herbie "mastering by Frankford/Wayne New York"B side
FT - 516 - AEtched in run-out, Side A
FT - 516 - BEtched in run-out, Side B
MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORKStamped in run-out, both sides
HERbIE JREtched in run-out, both sides, followed by a smiley face graphic
FT - 516 - A -1 [EDP logo] S1Etched in run-out, Side A
FT - 516 - B-1 [EDP logo]Etched in run-out, Side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | UK | Carrere CART 320First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Carrere CAR 320First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Carrere CAR T 320First year12", White Label | 12", White Label |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 51612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Misprint | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Misprint |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FT-51612", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1983 | US | First Take Records FTR 516First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
12 vinyl pressings of Don't Keep Me Waiting are listed here, from 2 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in US, UK. One of them is First Take Records FTR 516.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FTR 516, CART 320, CAR 320, CAR T 320) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, FT - 516 - A and FT - 516 - B. 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.
