Vinyl pressings
by Frédéric Chopin · 1979
Polonaises was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1979, the album's first year, in 3 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.
2531 094 S1=5 320 1 ACRunout side A, stamped, variant 1
2531 094 S2=5 320 1 YRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
2531 094 S1=5 320 1 ADRunout side A, stamped, variant 2
2531 094 S2=5 320 1 URunout side B, stamped, variant 2
2531 094 S1=2 320Side A runout, stamped
2531 094 S2=5 320Side B runout, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Austria | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Europe | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094First yearLP | LP |
| 1979 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия С10—17141-2LP | LP |
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия С 10—17141-2LP | LP |
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия С10—17141-42LP | LP |
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия С10-17141-2LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1983 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2542 211LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | Europe | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Polonaises are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1979 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Europe, Austria, France. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2531 094.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2531 094) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2531 094 S1=5 320 1 AC and 2531 094 S2=5 320 1 Y. 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.
