Vinyl pressings
by Georges Bizet · 1961
Carmen (Opernquerschnitt) was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. 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 1961, 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.
7 25 002 A G1 -/ SL ST 253003 Made in GermanyRunout side A
7 25 002 B G1 -/ SL ST 253004 Made in GermanyRunout side B
St 253 003Label side A
St 253 004Label side B
M0 - / W 2036721 - 2 1A1BRunout side A
2 M0 - / W 203672 - 2 1A2CRunout side B
M0 - / W 2036721 - 2 1A1CRunout side A (Variant 1)
2 M0 - / W 2036721 - 2 1A1ARunout side B (Variant 1)
G1 -/ SL –ST 253003 2Runout side A
G1 -/ SL –ST 253004 2Runout side B
253 003Label side A
253 004Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 25 002First yearLP, 10", Stereo | LP, 10", Stereo |
| 1961 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 20 131First yearLP, 10", Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | Eterna 7 25 002First yearLP, 10", Stereo | LP, 10", Stereo |
| 1963 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 20 131LP, 10", Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Repress, Mono · Mono |
| 1964 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 20 131LP, 10", Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Repress, Mono · Mono |
| 1965 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 20 13110", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mono · Mono | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 20 639LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 20 639LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1968 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 25 639LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 20 639LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1969 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 8 25 639LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Germany | ETERNA 8 20 639LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | ETERNA 7 20 13110", LP, Mono · Mono | 10", LP, Mono · Mono |
13 vinyl pressings of Carmen (Opernquerschnitt) are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1961 and 2008.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in German Democratic Republic (GDR). One of them is ETERNA 7 25 002.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 7 25 002, 7 20 131) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 7 25 002 A G1 -/ SL ST 253003 Made in Germany and 7 25 002 B G1 -/ SL ST 253004 Made in Germany. 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.
