Vinyl pressings
by Julius Katchen · 1961
Encores was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
3 pressings came out in 1961, 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-5230-6W U CT 2 BRunout side A - machine stamped - this variant
ZAL-5231-1E I CT 1Runout side B - machine stamped - this variant
ZAL.5230Matrix on label - side A
ZAL.5231Matrix on label - side B
ARL-5230-2ARunout side A - machine stamped - this variant
ARL-5231-2ARunout side B - machine stamped - this variant
ARL.5230Matrix on label - side A
ARL.5231Matrix on label - side B
ARL-5230-2ASide A - runout
ARL-5231-2ASide B - runout
ARL.5230Side A - label
ARL.5231Side B - label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | UK | Decca SXL 2293 / Decca SXL.2293First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1961 | UK | Decca LXT 5656First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | UK | Decca LXT 5656First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | Spain | Decca SXL 2293 / Decca SXL.2293LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1962 | Canada | London Records CM 9304LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | US | London Records CS 6235 / London Records CS.6235LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | Australia | World Record Club S/4558 / World Record Club S-4558LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | New Zealand | World Record Club STZ 941 / World Record Club STZ.941LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1970 | UK | Decca SPA 110 / Decca SPA.110LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1971 | Canada | London Records STS 15115LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1971 | US | London Records STS 15115 / London Records STS.15115LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1973 | New Zealand | Decca SPA 110 / Decca SPA.110LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Decca SXLA 2293LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Australia | Decca LXTA-5656 / Decca LXT 5656LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Decca SXL 2293 / Decca SXL.2293LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records STS 15115LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
16 vinyl pressings of Encores are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1961 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in UK. One of them is Decca SXL 2293, released December 1961.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 2293, LXT 5656) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-5230-6W U CT 2 B and ZAL-5231-1E I CT 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.
