Vinyl pressings
by Arrigo Boito · 1974
Mefistofele was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1974, the album's first year, in 5 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.
2YEA.4901Label - side A, in parentheses
2YEA.4902Label - side B, in parentheses
2YEA.4903Label - side C, in parentheses
2YEA.4904Label - side D, in parentheses
02464 A-3Runout side A
02464 B-1Runout side B
02465 A-2Runout side C
02465 B-2Runout side D
02464 A - 3Side A, Stamped
02 464 B - 1Side B, Stamped
02465A - 2Side C, Stamped
02465 B - 2Side D, Stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Germany | His Master's Voice 1 C 195-02 464/66 / His Master's Voice 1 C 195-02464 / 66First yearBox Set, LP, Stereo | Box Set, LP, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | His Master's Voice 1 C 157 10 2464 3First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1974 | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C 165-02464/66First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1974 | Spain | La Voz De Su Amo 1J 165-02464/66 / La Voz De Su Amo 1J165-02464/66First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | His Master's Voice SLS 973 / His Master's Voice 0C 193 ○ 02464-6First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | US | Angel Records SCLX-3806First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1974 | US | Angel Records SCLX-3806LP, Album, Repress, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Repress, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1975 | Argentina | Angel Records 10217/19LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C 165-02464/66LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Italy | La Voce Del Padrone 3C 165-02464/66LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
10 vinyl pressings of Mefistofele are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1974 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in UK, US, Germany, Italy and more. One of them is His Master's Voice SLS 973.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SLS 973, SCLX-3806, 1 C 195-02 464/66, 1 C 157 10 2464 3) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2YEA.4901 and 2YEA.4902. 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.
