George GershwinRhapsody In Blue

Vinyl pressings

Rhapsody In Blue

by George Gershwin · 1939

17 pressings8 countriesClassical

Rhapsody In Blue was first pressed on vinyl in 1939. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.

How to spot a first pressing of Rhapsody In Blue

1 pressing came out in 1939, the album's first year. 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.

France

1939

Label and catalog number

Brunswick A5.125

Format

Shellac, 12", 78 RPM

Runout / matrix

A5125 Mechan.Copt.1939 CA64.692ASide A runout

A5125 CA64.693ASide B runout

64.692Side A label

64.693Side B label

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 17 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1930s1 pressing

Year	Country	Label and catalog number	Format
1939	France	Brunswick A5.125First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM

1950s2 pressings

Year	Country	Label and catalog number	Format
1950	US	Decca 9-401607", 45 RPM	7", 45 RPM
1958	US	Decca ED 21957", 45 RPM, EP	7", 45 RPM, EP

Year unknown14 pressings

Year	Country	Label and catalog number	Format
?	Argentina	Odeon 263026Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	Belgium	Decca 60.636Shellac, 10", 78 RPM	Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
?	Belgium	Decca 15.041Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	France	CID EUM 105.5147", 45 RPM, EP	7", 45 RPM, EP
?	Germany	Brunswick A 5133Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	Italy	Fonit 10001Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	Italy	Fonit ED. 2195 / Fonit ED 21957", 45 RPM, EP	7", 45 RPM, EP
?	Italy	Fonit ED 2195 / Fonit ED. 21957", 45 RPM, EP	7", 45 RPM, EP
?	Switzerland	Decca 0140Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	Switzerland	Decca 0140Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	UK	Brunswick 0140Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	UK	Brunswick 0140Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	UK	Decca 0140Shellac, 12", 78 RPM	Shellac, 12", 78 RPM
?	US	Decca 4016010", 78 RPM	10", 78 RPM

Tracklist

ARhapsody In Blue - Part 14:20
BRhapsody In Blue - Concluded4:20

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Rhapsody In Blue are there?

17 vinyl pressings of Rhapsody In Blue are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1939 and 1958.

When was Rhapsody In Blue first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1939, in France. One of them is Brunswick A5.125.

How do I tell if my copy of Rhapsody In Blue is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use A5.125) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A5125 Mechan.Copt.1939 CA64.692A and A5125 CA64.693A. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Rhapsody In Blue on vinyl worth?

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.

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