Vinyl pressings
by Giuseppe Verdi · 1978
Otello was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 5 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.
RCA R☒L-02951-A/2 PFRunout side A hand etched
RCA R☒L-02951-B/2 PFRunout side B hand etched
RCA R☒L•02951•C² Manufactured in GermanyRunout side C hand etched
RCA ☒RL•02951•D PFRunout side D hand etched
CRL3-2951A-2 I ∧ICSide A runout
CRL3 2951B 2 I I ∧IBSide B runout
CRL3-2951C-2 I ∧IKSide C runout
CRL3-2951D-1 I ∧2VSide D runout
CRL3-2951A 3 ∧ISide 1 runout
CRL3 2951B 2 I ∧ISide 2 runout
CRL3-2951C-2 ∧ISide 3 runout
CRL3-2951D-1 I ∧2Side 4 runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | France | RCA Red Seal RL 02951 (3)First yearLP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| 1978 | Germany | RCA Red Seal RL 02951 / RCA Red Seal RL 02951 FXFirst yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | Germany | RCA Red Seal RL 02951-3First yearLP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| 1978 | Germany | RCA Red Seal RL02951(3) / RCA Red Seal RL 02951(3)First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | Italy | RCA Red Seal RL02951(3) / RCA Red Seal RL 02951(3)First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | UK | RCA Red Seal RL02951(3) / RCA Red Seal RL 02951(3)First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | US | RCA Red Seal CRL3-2951First yearBox Set, Album, Stereo, LP | Box Set, Album, Stereo, LP |
| 1978 | US | RCA Red Seal CRL3-2951First yearBox Set, Album, Stereo, LP | Box Set, Album, Stereo, LP |
| 1979 | Spain | RCA Red Seal RL 02951-3LP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Italy | RCA GL 82951LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1987 | Europe | RCA Victor Gold Seal GL 82951(2)LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Europe | RCA Gold Seal GL 82951(2)LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered |
12 vinyl pressings of Otello are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1978 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in Germany, UK, US, France and more. One of them is RCA Red Seal RL 02951.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RL 02951, RL 02951-3, RL02951(3), CRL3-2951) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RCA R☒L-02951-A/2 PF and RCA R☒L-02951-B/2 PF. 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.
