Vinyl pressings
by Willie Nelson · 1986
Partners 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.
10 pressings came out in 1986, 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.
AL-39894-1-C G1 denny/Georgetown Masters E A 27Side A runout, etched ["E" is stamped]
P(AP) o BL-39894-1-A denny/Georgetown Masters DSide B runout, etched ["o" & "E" are stamped]
AL-39894-1-C G1 denny/Georgetown Masters (Etched) C (Stamped) A23 (Etched)Variant 1 Side 1 runout
BL-39894-1-D G1 denny/Georgetown Masters (Etched) C (Stamped) A 7Variant 1 Side 2 runout
AL-39894-1-C denny/Georgetown Masters A27Side A Runout, Etched, variant 1
P(AP) BL-39894-1-A denny/Georgetown Masters A27Side B Runout, Etched, variant 1
P (AP) o AL-39894-1-A denny/Georgetown Masters ASide A Runout, Etched, o & last A stamped, variant 2
P(AP) o BL-39894-1-B denny/Georgetown Masters ASide B Runout, Etched, o & last A stamped, variant 2
AL-39894-1-C D G1 denny/Georgetown MastersSide A etched
BL-39894-1-C G1 denny/Georgetown MastersSide B etched
AL 39894Side A Label
BL 39894Side B Label
AL-39894-1A2HZ: DM-0Side A runout
BL-39894 1A2HZ: DM 5Side B runout
Δ MX218087 SBP8221-1Side A runout
Δ MX218088 SBP8221-2Side B runout
MX218087Side A label
MX218088Side B label
AL-39894 C 138 701 A -1-1-5Runout etched side A
BL-39894 C 138 701 B -1-1-5Runout etched side B
138.701 - APrinted on A side label
138.701 - BPrinted on B side 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 | CBS SBP 8221First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Brazil | CBS 138701 / CBS 138.701First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Europe | CBS CBS 450288 1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3266First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Japan | CBS/Sony 28AP 3266First yearLP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1986 | South Korea | CBS KJPL-0502First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | Columbia FC 39894 / Columbia C 39894First yearLP, Album, Misprint | LP, Album, Misprint |
| 1986 | US | Columbia FC 39894 / Columbia C 39894First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | US | Columbia FC 39894 / Columbia C 39894First yearLP, Album, Misprint | LP, Album, Misprint |
| 1986 | Canada | Columbia FC 39894First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Partners are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in US, Canada, Australia, Brazil and more. One of them is Columbia FC 39894.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 39894, SBP 8221, 138701, CBS 450288 1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AL-39894-1-C G1 denny/Georgetown Masters E A 27 and P(AP) o BL-39894-1-A denny/Georgetown Masters D. 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.
