Vinyl pressings
by Frédéric Chopin · 1954
24 Préludes Op. 28 was first pressed on vinyl in 1954. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1954, the album's first year, in 2 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.
031759 ² WIS Made in Germany 1 9 0 0 2 A - 1 8 2 1 4 A 13. 12. 53 RRunout Side A
031760 ² WIS Made in Germany 1 9 0 0 2 B - 1 8 2 1 4 B 21. 12. 53 URunout Side B
031759 2 - WIS - 0A - 19002 A - 13. 12. 53Runout, side A stamped
031760 2 - WIS - 0V - 19002 B - 21. 12. 53Runout, side B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 214First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1954 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon DGM 19002First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1955 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon DGM 19002LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1959 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 214LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | UK | Heliodor 478 081LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1962 | UK | Heliodor 478 081LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Canada | Heliodor 89 605LP | LP |
| 1973 | Canada | Heliodor 89 605LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1973 | Germany | Heliodor 89 605LP | LP |
| 1973 | Germany | Heliodor 89 605LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2535 739LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2535 739LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 19002 LpemLP | LP |
| ? | Germany | Heliodor 89 605LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Heliodor 89605LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
15 vinyl pressings of 24 Préludes Op. 28 are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1954 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in Germany, UK. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 214.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LPM 18 214, DGM 19002) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 031759 ² WIS Made in Germany 1 9 0 0 2 A - 1 8 2 1 4 A 13. 12. 53 R and 031760 ² WIS Made in Germany 1 9 0 0 2 B - 1 8 2 1 4 B 21. 12. 53 U. 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.
