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Maurice RavelBolero / Alborada Del Gracioso / Rhapsodie Espagnole

Vinyl pressings

Bolero / Alborada Del Gracioso / Rhapsodie Espagnole

by Maurice Ravel · 1980

10 pressings5 countriesModernRomanticClassical

Bolero was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. 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

4 pressings came out in 1980, 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.

Germany

1980
Label and catalog number
RCA Red Seal RL 13686
Format
LP, Album
Runout / matrix

RCA RL- 13686-ASide 1

RCA RL- 13686-BSide 2

Full details of this pressing

US

1980
Label and catalog number
RCA Red Seal ARC1-3686
Format
LP
Runout / matrix

RCA RL- 13686-ASide 1

RCA RL- 13686-BSide 2

Full details of this pressing

US

1980
Label and catalog number
RCA Red Seal ARC1-3686
Format
LP, Stereo
Runout / matrix

ARC-1-3686 A-3 EDP A1LRunout side A, EDP in oval

ARC-1-3686 B-1 EDP - I A2IRunout side B, EDP in oval

Full details of this pressing

Brazil

1980
Label and catalog number
RCA Red Seal RL 13686
Format
LP
Runout / matrix

RCA RL- 13686-ASide 1

RCA RL- 13686-BSide 2

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 10 vinyl pressings

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

1980s10 pressings
YearCountryLabel and catalog numberFormat
1980BrazilRCA Red Seal RL 13686First yearLPLP
1980GermanyRCA Red Seal RL 13686First yearLP, AlbumLP, Album
1980USRCA Red Seal ARC1-3686First yearLPLP
1980USRCA Red Seal ARC1-3686First yearLP, StereoLP, Stereo
1981USRCA Red Seal ARC1-4438LP, AlbumLP, Album
1981USRCA Red Seal ATC1-4096LP, Reissue, RemasteredLP, Reissue, Remastered
1982BrazilRed Seal Digital 105.4092LP, Album, StereoLP, Album, Stereo
1985AustraliaRCA Red Seal SSLC005LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club editionLP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition
1985AustraliaRCA Red Seal SSL 0005LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club editionLP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition
1986EuropeRCA Gold Seal GL 84438LP, Album, ReissueLP, Album, Reissue

Tracklist

  1. Boléro
  2. Alborada Del Gracioso
  3. Rhapsodie Espagnole

Questions

How many vinyl pressings of Bolero are there?

10 vinyl pressings of Bolero are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1980 and 1986.

When was Bolero first released on vinyl?

The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany, US, Brazil. One of them is RCA Red Seal RL 13686.

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

Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use RL 13686, ARC1-3686) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, RCA RL- 13686-A and RCA RL- 13686-B. 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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