Vinyl pressings
by Van Halen · 1986
Dreams was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
24 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 12 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.
R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-A F BAZZARunout side A - Variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-BXRunout side B - Variant 1
R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-A BAZZA ̶D̶M̶ ̶D̶ ̶D̶K̶ ̶D̶E̶ SRunout side A - Variant 2
R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-BRunout side B - Variant 2
7-28702-RE1-A-SR1 SRC 1-1Runout A etched (SRC stamp)
7-28702 -B SR-1 SRC 1-2Runout B etched (SRC stamp)
7-28702-ALabel A
7-28702-BLabel B
W8642 T A // 1 ▽ 420 V 1 1 6 MWSide A runout
W8642 T B // 1 ▽ 420 V T̶ 1 1 6Side B runout
W8642(T) ASide A label
W8642(T) BSide B label
W8642 A//2∇420 V 1 1 BAZZA PRun-Out Side 'A'
W8642 B//1∇420 V 1 1 6Run-Out Side 'B'
W8642 A//2∇420 V BAZZA PSide A runout
W8642 B//1∇420 VSide B runout
W8642 ASide A label
W8642 BSide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | Warner Bros. Records 7-28702First yearSingle, 45 RPM, 7" | Single, 45 RPM, 7" |
| 1986 | Australia | Warner Bros. Records 0-20496First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92 87027First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Warner Bros. Records 92 87027First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Ecuador | Warner Bros. Records 45-80124First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Europe | Warner Bros. Records 920 496-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Germany | Warner Bros. Records 928 642-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | Ireland | Warner Bros. Records W8642First yearSingle, 45 RPM, 7" | Single, 45 RPM, 7" |
| 1986 | Peru | Warner Bros. Records F-WBR 0728702.3First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Peru | Warner Bros. Records F- WBR 0728702.3First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | South Africa | Warner Bros. Records WBS 497First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1986 | Spain | WEA 928 642-7First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8642T / Warner Bros. Records 920 496-0First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W8642P / Warner Bros. Records 928 642-7First year7", Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", Shape, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1986 | UK | Warner Bros. Records W 8642 / Warner Bros. Records 928 642-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
24 vinyl pressings of Dreams are listed here, from 12 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Germany, US, UK, Japan and more. One of them is Warner Bros. Records 928 642-7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 928 642-7, 7-28702, W8642T, W8642P) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-A F BAZZA and R / S Alsdorf 928642-7-BX. 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.
