Vinyl pressings
by Jacques Offenbach · 1972
The Tales Of Hoffmann was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1972, 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.
ZAL-11488-1G BB JT 1Runout side A complete
ZAL-11489-2G BG JT 1Runout side B complete
ZAL-11490-1G I JT 1Runout side V complete
ZAL-11491-2G U JT 1Runout side F complete
ZAL-11488-2GSide 1 stamped
ZAL-11493-7GSide 6 stamped
ZAL-11489-1GSide 2 stamped
ZAL-11492-3GSide 5 stamped
ZAL 11488Label side A
ZAL 11489Label side B
ZAL 11490Label side C
ZAL 11491Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Germany | Decca SET 545/47First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1972 | US | London Records OSA 13106First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1972 | US | London Records OSA 13106First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1972 | UK | Decca SET 545-7First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1974 | Spain | Decca SET 545/7LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.35199LP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.35199 GFLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1976 | UK | Decca SET 545-7LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | Australia | World Record Club R-04234 / World Record Club R-04235LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo, Box Set · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo, Box Set · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | Decca SET 545/7 / Decca 67 99 139/03LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Colombia | London Records OSA 13106LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | US | London Records 30-7453, OSA-13105LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| ? | US | London Records OSA 13106LP, Repress, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Repress, Stereo, Box Set |
13 vinyl pressings of The Tales Of Hoffmann are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1972 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in US, UK, Germany. One of them is London Records OSA 13106.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use OSA 13106, SET 545-7, SET 545/47) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-11488-1G BB JT 1 and ZAL-11489-2G BG JT 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.
Gaité Parisienne
1966 · 28 pressings
Gaité Parisienne / Faust Ballet Music
1961 · 28 pressings
Gaîté Parisienne
1958 · 27 pressings
Gaite Parisienne / William Tell Ballet Music / Faust Ballet Music
1958 · 26 pressings
The Tales Of Hoffman (Highlights)
1965 · 25 pressings
Gaîté Parisienne / Gayne Ballet Suite
1959 · 24 pressings
