Vinyl pressings
by Antonio Vivaldi · 1977
The Four Seasons was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
14 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 9 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.
RL 25034.A.5E A2R ' W 'Runout side A - Etched, variant 1
RL 25034-B-3E ' W ' A1 ARunout side B - Etched, variant 1
RL 25034-A-5E A2A ' W 'Runout side A - Etched, variant 2
RL- 25034-B--1E A1T ' W ' ✓Runout side B - Etched, variant 2
RL-25034ASide 1 Matrix
VRL1 RL 25034-A B1A2 DB [etched]Side 1 Runout, Stamped
RL-25034BSide 1 Matrix
RL 25034-B B1 A3 DB [etched]Side 2, Runout, Stamped
VRL1 RL 25034-A B1 A8 DBSide A - Etched
RL- 25034-B C1 A0 DBSide B - Etched
RL - 25034 ASide A - Label
RL - 25034 BSide B - Label
RCAR[two crossed out characters]L- 25034 - A/̵3 PFSide A
RCA R[one crossed out character]L- 25034 - B² PFSide B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Australia | RCA Red Seal VRL1-7125First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Canada | RCA Red Seal LRL1-2284First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | RCA Red Seal RL 25034First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | RCA Red Seal RL 25408First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1977 | Germany | RCA Gold Seal GL 25034First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Israel | RCA Red Seal RL 25034First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Italy | RCA Red Seal RL 25034First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Netherlands | RCA Red Seal RL 25034First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Netherlands | RCA RL 25034First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Netherlands | RCA Red Seal RL 25034First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | New Zealand | RCA Victor VRL1-7125 / RCA Red Seal VRL1 7125First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | RCA Red Seal RL 25034 / RCA RL 25034First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | RCA Red Seal LRL1-2284First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Australia | RCA Red Seal VRL1-7125First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
14 vinyl pressings of The Four Seasons are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, US, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is RCA Red Seal RL 25034.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RL 25034, LRL1-2284, VRL1-7125, RL 25408) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RL 25034.A.5E A2R ' W ' and RL 25034-B-3E ' W ' A1 A. 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.
