Vinyl pressings
by Wa Wa Nee · 1986
Sugar Free 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.
8 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
MX218199-B A-2 BA3516-1 HOOVER WILL RETURN WHEN HES SUGAR FREE LZSide A Runout Groove Hand-Etched
B-2 "THE HOODED STREEP" MX218200-B BA3516-2 LZ S+L WERE HERESide B Runout Groove Hand-Etched
MX218199Side A Label
MX218200Side B Label
MX218205Label Side A
MX218206Label Side B
XSS-176205-2B 1̶B̶ D G1 A1 Herbie Jr :v)Side A runout
XSS-176206-2B 1̶B̶ D G1 A5 Herbie Jr :v)Side B runout
ZSS-176175-2B G Herbie Jr. ("smile face etching")Runout: Side A
ZSS-176176-2B G 1 Herbie Jr. ("smile face etching")Runout: Side B
XSS-176205-2B 1̶B̶ D G1 A15 Herbie Jr :v)Side A runout
XSS-176206-2A 1̶A̶ G1 A6 Herbie Jr :v)Side B runout
ZSS-176175-2B[SCRIBBLE] G1HERBIE JR. :>)etched both sides
ZSS 176175label both sides
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 | Canada | Epic 12EXP 06864First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | Canada | Epic 34 07283First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Epic 49-06864 / Epic 49 06864First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1986 | US | Epic 34 07283First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Epic 34-07283First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | US | Epic 49 06864First year12" | 12" |
| 1986 | Australia | CBS BA 3516First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1986 | Australia | CBS BA 12233First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Europe | CBS CBS 651193 612", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1987 | Europe | CBS CBS 651193 77", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Japan | Epic 12・3P-83712", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1987 | Philippines | CBS CE-EP-18109 / CBS 49 0686412", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1987 | Philippines | CBS CS-10159 / CBS BA 33737", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS CBS 651193 612", Single | 12", Single |
| 1987 | Spain | CBS CBS 651193 77", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 7", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
23 vinyl pressings of Sugar Free are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1986 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in Australia, US, Canada. One of them is CBS BA 3516, released December 1, 1986.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BA 3516, BA 12233, 49-06864, 34 07283) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MX218199-B A-2 BA3516-1 HOOVER WILL RETURN WHEN HES SUGAR FREE LZ and B-2 "THE HOODED STREEP" MX218200-B BA3516-2 LZ S+L WERE HERE. 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.
