Vinyl pressings
by Giuseppe Verdi · 1962
Rigoletto was first pressed on vinyl in 1962. 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 1962, 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.
ZAL 5380-IE Manufactured in Germany 21 B SMSide A runout stamped
ZAL 5381-IE Manufactured in Germany G 1 SMSide B runout stamped
ZAL 5382-IE Manufactured in Germany 21 SMSide C runout stamped
ZAL 5383-IE Manufactured in Germany 21 SMSide D runout stamped
ZAL.5380(Label side A (Inverted))
ZAL.5385(Label side F (Inverted))
ZAL.5381(Label side B (Inverted))
ZAL.5384(Label side E (Inverted))
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | France | Disques Decca MET 224/226First yearBox Set, LP, Album, Stereo | Box Set, LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1962 | Germany | Decca SXL 20 039/41-BFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1962 | Spain | Decca SET224-6First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1962 | UK | Decca MET 224-6First yearLP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1962 | UK | Decca SET224-6First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1962 | UK | Decca SET 224-6First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1962 | US | London Records OSA 1332First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1962 | US | London Records OSA 1332 / London Records OS 25317First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | UK | Decca 411 880-1LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | London Records A-4360 / London Records A 4360LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 200 39/41-BLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.48198 DMLP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | UK | Ace Of Diamonds GOS 655-7LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records OSA 1332LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records JL 42012LP | LP |
15 vinyl pressings of Rigoletto are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1962 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1962, in Germany, UK, US, France and more. One of them is Decca SXL 20 039/41-B.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 20 039/41-B, MET 224-6, SET224-6, SET 224-6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL 5380-IE Manufactured in Germany 21 B SM and ZAL 5381-IE Manufactured in Germany G 1 SM. 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.
