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Maurice RavelBolero

Vinyl pressings

Bolero

by Maurice Ravel · 1937

15 pressings6 countriesModernClassical

Bolero was first pressed on vinyl in 1937. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.

How to spot a first pressing of Bolero

2 pressings came out in 1937, the album's first year, in 2 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.

India

1937
Label and catalog number
His Master's Voice C. 2954
Format
Shellac, 12"
Runout / matrix

2A010994◊ GSide A Runout

2A010995III◊ GSide B Runout

2A. 010994Side A Label

2A. 010995Side B Label

Full details of this pressing

Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.

All 15 vinyl pressings

By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.

1930s4 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1937IndiaHis Master's Voice C. 2954First yearShellac, 12"Shellac, 12"
1937UKHis Master's Voice C.2955First yearShellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
1938USVictor Red Seal M 552Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, AlbumShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
1939USVictor Red Seal M 552Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, AlbumShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
1940s2 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1942USVictor Red Seal DM-552Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, RepressShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Repress
1946USRCA Victor Red Seal DM-552Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, ReissueShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album, Reissue
Year unknown9 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
?HungaryHis Master's Voice EH 1109Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?NorwayHis Master's Voice Z. N. 571 / His Master's Voice Z. N. 572Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?SwitzerlandHis Master's Voice FKX 36Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?SwitzerlandHis Master's Voice FKX 36 / His Master's Voice FKX 37Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, AlbumShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Album
?UKHis Master's Voice C.2955Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?UKHis Master's Voice C2954 / His Master's Voice C2955Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?UKHis Master's Voice C.2954Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?UKHis Master's Voice C. 2954Shellac, 12", 78 RPMShellac, 12", 78 RPM
?UKHis Master's Voice C.2955Shellac, 12", 78 RPM, RepressShellac, 12", 78 RPM, Repress

Tracklist

  1. Bolero
  2. DMarch Of The Boyards

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Bolero are there?

15 vinyl pressings of Bolero are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1937 and 1946.

When was Bolero first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1937, in UK, India. One of them is His Master's Voice C.2955.

How do I tell if my copy of Bolero is a first pressing?

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use C.2955, C. 2954) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.

How much is Bolero on vinyl worth?

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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