Vinyl pressings
by Frédéric Chopin · 1974
Complete Preludes 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.
3 pressings came out in 1974, 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.
AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗1974 670 154 03Runout Side A, stamped variant 1
AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗1974 670 154 03Runout Side B, stamped variant 1
AA 6500 622 1Y 2 ℗ 1974 670 12 3 03Runout Side A, stamped variant 2
AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗ 1974 670 11 3 03Runout Side B, stamped variant 2
AA 6500 622 1Y 2 ℗ 1974 670 1213 03Runout side A
AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗ 1974 670 1311 03Runout side B
6500 622.1 YLabel side A
6500 622.2 YLabel side B
AA 6500 622 1Y 2 ℗ 1974 670 121 03side A
AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗ 1974 670 131 03side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Germany | Philips 6500 622First yearLP | LP |
| 1974 | Germany | Philips 6500 622First yearLP | LP |
| 1974 | Italy | Philips 6500 622LP, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1974 | Netherlands | Philips 6500 622First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | France | Philips 6500 622LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | France | Philips 6500 622LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | UK | Philips 6500 622LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | Australia | Philips 6500 622LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Canada | Philips 6527 091LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1982 | Netherlands | Philips 6500 622LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1986 | Netherlands | Philips 6527 091LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Argentina | Philips 6500622LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | France | Philips 6500 622LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Japan | Philips FG-5008 / Philips 412 640-1LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
14 vinyl pressings of Complete Preludes are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1974 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in Netherlands, Germany. One of them is Philips 6500 622.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6500 622) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗1974 670 154 03 and AA 6500 622 2Y 4 ℗1974 670 154 03. 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.
