VinylAI 
Data as of Sep 12, 2026
Wes Montgomery – California Dreaming
1967 · US · Verve Records · Vinyl LP Album Stereo
Price guide
Estimated market value via Discogs · as of Sep 11, 2026
- MMint
- $21.83
- NMNear Mint
- $19.53
- VG+Very Good Plus
- $14.94
- VGVery Good
- $10.34
- G+Good Plus
- $5.74
- GGood
- $3.45
- FFair
- $2.30
- PPoor
- $1.15
46 copies listed on Discogs from $0.02.
These are reference estimates from Discogs sold/asking data for this exact pressing, not offers and not a guaranteed price. Actual value depends on condition, completeness and current demand. Any active seller offers on this page are listed separately above.
Offers · 1
- $15ref VA-PBB75Media VG+ · Very Good PlusSleeve VG🇺🇸 Ships from United States
The Discogs price estimate is a separate reference; offer prices above are sellers’ own.
New to condition grades like NM or VG? Read our vinyl grading guide →
Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Matrix / runout
- MGS-586MGS-587V6-8672 • MGS• 586 22 VAN GELDER SV6-8672 SIDE-2 MGS 587-RE-1 12 [Blocky "S"]
- Rights society
- ASCAP, BMI
- Lacquer Cut At
- Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
- Pressed By
- MGM Record Manufacturing Division
- Record Company
- MGM Records
- Record Company
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
Specifications
- Artist
- Wes Montgomery
- Style
- Hard Bop, Easy Listening
- Year
- 1967
- Label
- Verve Records
- Catalog number
- V6-8672
- Country
- US
Tracklist
- A1California Dreaming3:08
- A2Sun Down6:00
- A3Oh You Crazy Moon3:40
- A4More, More Amor2:50
- A5Without You3:00
- B1Winds Of Barcelona3:07
- B2Sunny4:00
- B3Green Peppers2:55
- B4Mr. Walker3:35
- B5South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way)3:15
- Producer
- Creed Taylor
- Engineer
- Rudy Van Gelder
- Engineer [Director Of Engineering]
- Val Valentin
- Arranged By, Conductor
- Don Sebesky
- Design [Cover]
- Acy Lehman
- Photography By [Cover Photo]
- Ken Whitmore
About this record
The MGM Record Manufacturing Division pressing of California Dreaming carries a distinctive 'Blocky S' stamp in the dead wax and a 1.25" pressing ring that separates it from later reissues. Recorded at Van Gelder Studios in September 1966, this 1967 Verve stereo LP pairs Montgomery's guitar work with Herbie Hancock on keys, yet the market treats it as a mid-tier collectible—46 copies currently for sale with a Mint estimate of 21.83 USD against a floor price of 2.57 USD.
What drives its value
Condition dominates pricing on this pressing. A Mint copy commands 21.83 USD, while NM drops to 19.53 USD and VG+ to 14.94 USD; by VG grade the value halves to 10.34 USD.
The 46 copies in circulation suggest steady availability, yet 227 collectors want it against 1934 who own one, indicating modest but sustained demand. This is neither a scarce original nor a worthless reissue—it occupies the practical middle ground where a collector pays for cleanliness and groove fidelity rather than pressing-plant rarity.
The Van Gelder recording credit and Hancock's appearance add sonic prestige; the MGM pressing plant and silver labels with small pressing ring are the physical markers that distinguish it from Verve's other 1960s configurations.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm this pressing by the catalogue number V6-8672 on the label and jacket. The runout etchings are the definitive identifier: Side 1 reads MGS-586 with 'VAN GELDER' and a small 'S'; Side 2 shows MGS-587-RE-1 with the characteristic 'Blocky S' stamp (a larger, heavier serif letter distinct from the small 'S' on Side 1).
The 1.25" pressing ring and silver labels with approximately 1" diameter pressing ring are visual confirms of the MGM Record Manufacturing Division source. The gatefold cover should list recording dates (September 14, 15, 16, 1966) and credit Herbie Hancock courtesy of Blue Note.
Grade by visual inspection of the vinyl surface (not the label), listening for surface noise, and checking for warping; even light hairline scratches in the play area will drop a Mint copy to NM or lower.
Further reading: grading a record, how to sell vinyl.
Listen
Hear the album before you buy.
Official videos via YouTube.
Release notes
MGM Record Manufacturing Division pressing identifiable by "Blocky 'S'" stamp in runout and 1.25" pressing ring. Silver "T" labels with small pressing ring (approx 1" diameter). Gatefold cover.
Recorded Sept. 14, 15, 16, 1966 at Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey Herbie Hancock appears courtesy of Blue Note Records
Labels give only last names of songwriters, but B4 is specifically noted as "Written by Wes Montgomery" in liner.
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between the MGM pressing and other versions of California Dreaming?
The MGM Record Manufacturing Division pressing is identifiable by the 'Blocky S' stamp on Side 2 runout (MGS-587-RE-1) and the 1.25" pressing ring. The silver labels carry a small pressing ring (approximately 1" diameter). Other Verve pressings of this title may lack these marks or use different pressing plants, which affects both sonic character and collector value. The Van Gelder Studios credit appears in the runout on this version.
What is a VG+ copy worth?
According to the price guide, a VG+ copy is estimated at 14.94 USD. This represents a record with light surface noise and minor visual wear but no skips or groove damage. The estimate is a guide snapshot and may not reflect current market transactions; actual sales vary by seller and buyer negotiation.
Why does condition matter so much on this record?
The price spread from Mint (21.83 USD) to VG (10.34 USD) is substantial relative to the overall value. Because this pressing is not rare—46 copies are listed for sale—buyers have options and will choose the cleanest available copy at a given price point. A worn copy must be deeply discounted to compete, whereas a Mint or NM copy can command the full guide price.
How do I verify the Van Gelder recording credit?
Check the dead-wax etchings on the vinyl itself. Side 1 runout (MGS-586) includes 'VAN GELDER' and a small 'S'. The liner notes and gatefold cover also list the recording location (Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey) and session dates (September 14, 15, 16, 1966). Herbie Hancock is credited courtesy of Blue Note Records in the liner.
What is the lowest price I might find this record?
The lowest listed price is 2.57 USD, which typically represents a Poor or Fair grade copy with significant surface noise, skips, or visible damage. At this price, the record is playable for archival or parts purposes only. Most collectible copies in VG or better condition range from 10.34 USD to 21.83 USD depending on condition.