Vinyl pressings
by George Gershwin · 1942
Rhapsody In Blue was first pressed on vinyl in 1942. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1942, 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.
XCO 29991D side stamped
XCO29707 1-A-6A side stamped variant 1
XCO29709 1-A-25B side stamped variant 1
XCO29708 1D 4 17C side stamped variant 1
XCO 29707 A 1-A-2-- BRunout side A
XCO 29991 BRunout side D
XCO 29709 D 1D8Runout side B
XCO 29708 B 1D23Runout side C
XCO 29707 1- 3 16Stamped runout A
XCO 29709 1-20 3Stamped runout B
XCO 29708 1-15 3Stamped runout C
XCO29991 1- 13Stamped runout D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Canada | Columbia J58First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | Canada | Columbia J58First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | US | Columbia Masterworks X-196 / Columbia Masterworks MX-196First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | US | Columbia X-196 / Columbia MX 196First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | US | Columbia X-196First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| 1942 | US | Columbia Masterworks X-196 / Columbia Masterworks MX-196First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Box Set | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Box Set |
| 1944 | Spain | Regal M 10.003 / Regal M 10.004Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Belgium | Columbia DX 1045Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | Columbia D.X. 1045Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | Columbia DX 1045Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
| ? | UK | Columbia DX 1046Shellac, 12", 78 RPM | Shellac, 12", 78 RPM |
11 vinyl pressings of Rhapsody In Blue are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1942 and 1944.
The earliest pressings are from 1942, in US, Canada. One of them is Columbia Masterworks X-196.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use X-196, J58) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XCO 29991 and XCO29707 1-A-6. 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.
Rhapsody In Blue / An American In Paris
1959 · 158 pressings
Rhapsody In Blue / An American In Paris
1952 · 45 pressings
Rhapsody In Blue / An American In Paris
1956 · 42 pressings
Rhapsody In Blue / American In Paris
1966 · 41 pressings
Great Scenes From Porgy And Bess
1963 · 39 pressings
Porgy And Bess: Selections From George Gershwin's Folk Opera
1953 · 37 pressings
