Vinyl pressings
by Giuseppe Verdi · 1980
Rigoletto was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 3 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.
2531 234 S 1=3 3 20 A 0 1ARunout side A
2531 234 S 2 3 20 W 1Runout side B
2531 235 S 3 3 20 1 CRunout side C
2531 235 S 4 3 20 0 1Runout side D
2531 234 S 1 = 3 3 20 1A Q ARunout, Side A - stamped
2531 234 S2 3 20 1 WRunout, Side B - stamped
2 531 235 S 3 3 20 2A SRunout, Side C - stamped
2531 235 S 4 3 20 2 ERunout, Side D - stamped
Polygram 2531 234 S 1 = 3 320Runout side A
2531 234 S 2 3 20 Polygram CA8 11·0Runout side B
2531 235 S 3 3 20 Polygram B9 1 8Runout side C
Polygram 2531 235 S 4 3 20 AB₇ 7Runout side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Austria | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 234LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1980 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1980 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1980 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225First yearBox Set, LP, Stereo | Box Set, LP, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1980 | Hungary | Hungaroton SLPXL 31411-12First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1981 | Brazil | PolyGram 2562 162LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1981 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1983 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225LP, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Box Set |
| 1986 | South Korea | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1989 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 424 937-1LP | LP |
| 1989 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 424 936-1LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1989 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 424 938-1LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Austria | Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225LP, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Box Set |
14 vinyl pressings of Rigoletto are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1980 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany, France, Hungary. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2740 225.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2740 225, SLPXL 31411-12) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2531 234 S 1=3 3 20 A 0 1A and 2531 234 S 2 3 20 W 1. 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.
