UK
October 26, 1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records R 5993
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
7YCE 21734-3U RA 4A side variant 1
7YCE 21735-1U RA 3B side variant 1
7YCE 21734-3U GH 4A side variant 2
7YCE 21735-1U PO 3B side variant 2
Vinyl pressings
Helen Wheels
by Wings · 1973
59 pressings33 countriesPop RockRock
Helen Wheels was first pressed on vinyl in 1973. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Helen Wheels
42 pressings came out in 1973, the album's first year, in 28 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.
UK
October 26, 1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records R 5993
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single · Solid Centre
- Runout / matrix
7YCE 21734-3U GP 2A side, stamped
7YCE 21735-1U OL 1B side, stamped
7YCE 21734A-Side label
7YCE 21735B-Side label
UK
1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label
- Runout / matrix
7YCE 21734-3UA side, stamped
7YCE 21735-1UB side, stamped
UK
1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records R 5993
- Format
- 7", Single, Promo
US
November 12, 1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records 1869
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Winchester Pressing
- Runout / matrix
S45-X-48171-F2 KP ─◁ MASTERED BY CAPITOLSide A runout etched/stamped
S45-X-48170-F2 KP ─◁ MASTERED BY CAPITOLSide B runout etched/stamped
S45-X48171Side A label
S45-X48170Side B label
US
November 12, 1973- Label and catalog number
- Apple Records 1869
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Jacksonville Pressing
- Runout / matrix
48171 1869 F1 #6 KP MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0Side A runout variant 1
48170 1869 F1 #6 KP MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0Side B runout variant 1
48171 1869 F1 #6 KP MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0Side A runout variant 2
48170 1869 F1 #2 KP MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0Side B runout variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 59 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s54 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Belgium | Apple Records 4C006-05486First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Brazil | Apple Records S7BT-71First year7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1973 | Denmark | Apple Records R 5993First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Finland | Apple Records R 5993First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | France | Apple Records 2C 008 - 05486First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Ireland | Apple Records R(I) 5993First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Ireland | Apple Records R 5993First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Israel | Parlophone R 5993First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Italy | Apple Records 3 C006-05486 / Apple Records 3C 006 05486First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Italy | Apple Records 3C 000 05486First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox, Stereo |
| 1973 | Japan | Apple Records EAR-10464First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1973 | Japan | Apple Records EAR-10464First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1973 | Madagascar | Apple Records 2C 008- 05.486First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Mexico | Apple Records 7466First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1973 | Netherlands | Apple Records 5C 006-05486First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
1980s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Japan | Odeon EPS-17198 / MPL EPS-171987", 45 RPM, Reissue | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue |
Year unknown4 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Canada | Capitol Records 18697", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| ? | Japan | Apple Records EPR-107877", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Capitol Records R 5993 / MPL R 59937", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
| ? | UK | Capitol Records R 5993 / MPL R 59937", Single, Reissue | 7", Single, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AHelen Wheels
- BCountry Dreamer
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Helen Wheels are there?
59 vinyl pressings of Helen Wheels are listed here, from 33 countries, released between 1973 and 1981.
When was Helen Wheels first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1973, in UK, US, Germany, Canada and more. One of them is Apple Records R 5993, released October 26, 1973.
How do I tell if my copy of Helen Wheels is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use R 5993, 1869, PRO-6786, PRO-6787) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7YCE 21734-3U RA 4 and 7YCE 21735-1U RA 3. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Helen Wheels on vinyl worth?
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.
