Vinyl pressings
by Uncle Sam · 1978
Pretty Woman was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. 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 1978, the album's first year, in 7 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.
11856 A-2/77S Made in GermanySide A, stamped, var. 1 + 2
11856 B-1/77S Made in GermanySide B, stamped, var. 1
11856 B-2/77S Made in GermanySide B, stamped, var. 2
S 11 856 ASide A, label
ARO 116. A1◊TRunout, A-side, hand etched
ARO 116. B1◊TRunout, B-side, hand etched
†ARO 116-A†Label side A
†ARO 116-B†Label side B
ARO 116. A1◊TRunout, A-side, hand etched
ARO 116. B1◊TRunout, B-side, hand etched
†ARO 116-A†Label side A
†ARO 116-B†Label side B
ARO 116. A1◊TRunout, A-side, hand etched
PH 11856 A ØRunout side A
PHO 11856 B ØRunout 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Canada | Columbia C4 8246First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | France | Eurodisc 911 150 / Eurodisc 11856First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Germany | Jupiter Records 11 856 ATFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Italy | Durium DE. 2990First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Music World MAS 251First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Spain | Jupiter Records 11 856 AFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Spain | Jupiter Records 11 856 AFirst year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | UK | Ariola ARO 116First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | UK | Ariola ARO 116First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | UK | Ariola ARO 116First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Eurodisc 11 8567", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
11 vinyl pressings of Pretty Woman are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in Germany, UK, Canada, France and more. One of them is Jupiter Records 11 856 AT.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 11 856 AT, ARO 116, C4 8246, 911 150) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 11856 A-2/77S Made in Germany and 11856 B-1/77S Made in Germany. 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.
