Vinyl pressings
by Martha Argerich · 1981
Sonate Op. 65 · Polonaise Op. 3 was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
2531 201 S 1 320 1 ZRunout side A, variant 1
2531 201 S 2 320 1A XRunout side B, variant 1
2531 201 S 1 320 D 1Runout side A, variant 2
2531 201 S 2 320 1 DRunout side B, variant 2
2531 201 S 1 320 IA 1Runout side A
2531 201 S 2 320 IA 1BRunout side B
2531 201 S 1 320 1 ZRunout side A
2531 201 S 2 320 1A XRunout side B
2531 201 S 1 A 320 1-1-1-2Runout side A
2531 201 S 2 B 320 1-1-1-4Runout side B
2531 201 S 1 320 6 1 8Runout Side A stamped
2531 201 S 2 320 6 7Runout Side B stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Italy | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon 28MG 0026First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 25 31 201First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1982 | Brazil | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | South Korea | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1985 | Venezuela | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201LP, White Label, Stereo | LP, White Label, Stereo |
| 2025 | Worldwide | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201 / Deutsche Grammophon 486 7590LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Numbered | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Stereo · Limited, Numbered |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 419 860-1LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Sonate Op. 65 · Polonaise Op. 3 are listed here, from 9 countries, released between 1981 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in Germany, France, Italy, Japan and more. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2531 201.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2531 201, 28MG 0026, 25 31 201) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2531 201 S 1 320 1 Z and 2531 201 S 2 320 1A X. 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.
