Vinyl pressings
by Les Paul & Mary Ford · 1954
Whither Thou Goest / Mandolino was first pressed on vinyl in 1954. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1954, the album's first year, in 7 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.
12971-N3 2 [Anvil symbol]A side variant 1
12972-N4 2 [Anvil symbol]B side variant 1
12971-N3#2 [Anvil symbol]A side variant 2
12972-N2#2 [Anvil symbol]B side variant 2
12971-N1 #2 ⌂Side A runout stamped
12972-N3 ⌂Side B runout stamped
12971Side A label
12972Side B label
12971-D3 1 ☆Side A runout
12972-D1 ☆ 1 ☆Side B runout
12971Side A label
12972Side B label
45-12971-N3Side A stamped, "Anvil" logo
45-12972-N4Side B stamped, "Anvil" logo
45-12971-N4#2 [anvil]Side A stamped variant 2
45-12972-N1#2 [anvil]Side B stamped variant 2
12971-D3 1 ☆Side A runout
12972-D1 ☆ 1 ☆Side B runout
12971Side A label
12972Side B label
(45-12971)Side A label
(45-12972)Side B label
45/ 12971-D1 3 ☆
45-12972-D1 1 ☆
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Canada | Capitol Records C-1392First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | France | Capitol Records F-2928First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1954 | Germany | Capitol Records CF 2928First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1954 | Netherlands | Capitol Records F2928First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1954 | Switzerland | Capitol Records CL 2928First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | UK | Capitol Records 45-CL 14185First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records F2928First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records F2928First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records 2928First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records F2928First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records 2928First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records 2928First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | US | Capitol Records 2928First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Argentina | Capitol Records 353082Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Australia | Capitol Records CP-372Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Canada | Capitol Records F 13927", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | France | Capitol Records 2928Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Germany | Capitol Records C 2928Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Norway | Capitol Records 2928Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
19 vinyl pressings of Whither Thou Goest / Mandolino are listed here, from 10 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in US, UK, Canada, France and more. One of them is Capitol Records 2928, released September 1954.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2928, F2928, 45-CL 14185, C-1392) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 12971-N3 2 [Anvil symbol] and 12972-N4 2 [Anvil symbol]. 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.
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