Vinyl pressings
by Frédéric Chopin · 1977
24 Préludes, Op.28 · Préludes Nr.25, Op.45 ·… 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.
8 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
A P (A P = tilted 90° left) 1 2530 721 S1 = 6 3 20Side A runout, stamped Variant 1
1A AK (AK = tilted 90° left) 1 2530 721 S2 = 7 3 20Side B runout, stamped Variant 1
2530 721 = 3 S 1 3 20 1A • I [] (tilted 90°) YSide A runout, stamped Variant 2
2530 721 = 2 S 2 320 1 (tilted 90°) T 1Side B runout, stamped Variant 2
2530 721 S 1 = 6 3 20 1 ALSide A
2530 721 S 2 = 7 3 20 1A AESide B
2530 720=2 S1 320 1 Q ✶149Runout A stamped
2530721 S 2 320 ✶✶ 1A QRunout B stamped
2530 721 S1 = 10 320 G1Side A runout
2530 721 S2 = 8 320 1 ZA 1Side B runout
2530 721 =3 S1 A/5 320Runout, stamped, side 1
2530 721 S2 B/2 320Runout, stamped, side 2
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 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Switzerland | Ex Libris XL 173 533First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon MG 1100 / Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721LP | LP |
| 1979 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721LP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | US | Musical Heritage Society MHS 7290WLP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1988 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 424 199-1LP, Album, Club Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530721LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721 / Clearaudio 2530 721LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
14 vinyl pressings of 24 Préludes, Op.28 · Préludes Nr.25, Op.45 ·… are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1977 and 2014.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Germany, UK, Japan, France and more. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2530 721.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2530 721, MG 1100, XL 173 533) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A P (A P = tilted 90° left) 1 2530 721 S1 = 6 3 20 and 1A AK (AK = tilted 90° left) 1 2530 721 S2 = 7 3 20. 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.
