US
October 1963- Label and catalog number
- London Records A 4368
- Format
- LP, Mono, Box Set
- Runout / matrix
ARL-5973-4BSide 1 Runout
ARL-5974-3BSide 2 Runout
ARL-5975-3BSide 3 Runout
ARL-5976-3BSide 4 Runout
Georges BizetCarmen
Vinyl pressings
Carmen
by Georges Bizet · 1963
11 pressings4 countriesOperaClassical
Carmen was first pressed on vinyl in 1963. 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 Carmen
4 pressings came out in 1963, 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.
US
October 1963- Label and catalog number
- London Records OSA 1368
- Format
- LP, Stereo, Box Set
US
1963- Label and catalog number
- London Records OSA 1368
- Format
- LP, Stereo, Box Set
- Runout / matrix
Z-AL-5973Side 1 Runout
Z-AL-5974Side 2 Runout
Z-AL-5975Side 3 Runout
Z-AL-5976Side 4 Runout
UK
1963- Label and catalog number
- Decca MET 256/7/8
- Format
- LP, Album, Mono, Box Set
- Runout / matrix
ARL-5973-4BSide A Runout
ARL-5974-3BSide B Runout
ARL-5975-3BSide C Runout
ARL-5976-3BSide D Runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1960s5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | UK | Decca MET 256/7/8First yearLP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1963 | US | London Records OSA 1368First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1963 | US | London Records A 4368First yearLP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1963 | US | London Records OSA 1368First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1968 | UK | Decca SET 256-8LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
1970s1 pressing
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Spain | Decca SET 256-58LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
Year unknown5 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Decca LXT 2071/73 - CBox Set, LP, Mono · Mono | Box Set, LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca 71884LP, Album, Club Edition, Mono, Box Set · Mono, Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Mono, Box Set · Mono, Club edition |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 20071/73 - BBox Set, Stereo, LP, Stereo | Box Set, Stereo, LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | London Records A 4368 / London Records 411 630-1LP, Reissue, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| ? | UK | Decca SET 256-8LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set |
Tracklist
- Carmen
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Carmen are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Carmen are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1963 and 1975.
When was Carmen first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1963, in US, UK. One of them is London Records A 4368, released October 1963.
How do I tell if my copy of Carmen is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use A 4368, OSA 1368, MET 256/7/8) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ARL-5973-4B and ARL-5974-3B. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Carmen 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.
