Vinyl pressings
by Giacomo Puccini · 1959
Turandot (Opera Highlights) was first pressed on vinyl in 1959. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1959, 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.
ZAL-4643-U-2S-SM-2over1-ETSide A Runout
ZAL-4643-U-2S-SM-2over1-ETSide B Runout
ZAL.4643Side A Matrix - Label
ZAL.4644Side B Matrix - Label
ARL-4643-1A U ET 2 SMSide A runout, stamped
ARL-4644-1A B ET 1Side B runout, stamped
ARL.4643Side A label, inverted in parantheses
ARL.4644Side B label, inverted in parantheses
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | UK | Decca LXT 5549 / Decca LXT.5549First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1959 | UK | Decca SXL 2175 / Decca SXL.2175First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | South Africa | Decca LXT 5549 / Decca LXT.5549LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1960 | UK | Decca SXL 2175 / Decca SXL.2175LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1960 | US | London Records OS 25193 / London Records OS.25193LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1963 | Spain | Decca SXL 2175LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Decca PLX 35005 / Decca LW 5002510", LP | 10", LP |
| ? | Germany | Decca LW 5002510", 33 ⅓ RPM | 10", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 20515-BLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 20 515-BLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 20 515-BLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.42379 / Decca 6.42 379LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 20 515-BLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Decca BR 3087LP, 10", Mini-Album, Mono · Mono | LP, 10", Mini-Album, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Decca SXL 2175 / Decca SXL.2175LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | UK | London Records 5553LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | London Records 5553LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
17 vinyl pressings of Turandot (Opera Highlights) are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1959 and 1963.
The earliest pressings are from 1959, in UK. One of them is Decca SXL 2175, released November 1959.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 2175, LXT 5549) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-4643-U-2S-SM-2over1-ET and ZAL-4643-U-2S-SM-2over1-ET. 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.
