Vinyl pressings
by Mel Tormé · 1981
Mel Tormé And Friends 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.
4 pressings came out in 1981, 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.
W2X-37485AL-1ASet One Side A etched, variant 1
W2X-37485BL-1ASet One Side B etched, variant 1
W2X-37486AL-1BSet Two Side A etched, variant 1
W2X-37486BL-1CSet Two Side B etched, variant 1
W2X-37485AL-1E S1 BSide A, etched, variant 1
W2X-37485BL-1E S1 35Side B, etched, variant 1
W2X-37486AL-1F S1 [squiggle]Side C, etched, variant 1
W2X-37486BL-1F S1 B3Side D, etched, variant 1
W2X-37485-AL-1G A1 G1Set One Side A stamped (A1 G1 etched)
<J-MP> W2X 37485-BL G1A G1Set One Side B etched
W2X-37486AL-1D T1○ b7Set Two Side A etched (b stamped)
W 2X-37486-BL-1H A3 G1Set Two Side B stamped (A3 G1 etched)
W2X-37485AL-11Set One Side A etched, variant 1
W2X-37485BL-11Set One Side B etched, variant 1
W2X-37486AL-11Set Two Side A etched, variant 1
W2X-37486BL-11Set Two Side B etched, variant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Japan | Finesse Records 20PJ-16-17First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | Finesse Records W2X 37484First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | Finesse Records W2X 37484First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | US | Finesse Records W2X 37484First yearLP | LP |
| 1982 | Canada | Umbrella GEN 1-15LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1984 | UK | Finesse Records FIND 5661LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | US | Jazz Heritage 913166KLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1992 | US | Jazz Heritage 913167FLP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | Finesse Records W2X 37484LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | US | Finesse Records W2X 37484LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Mel Tormé And Friends are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1981 and 1992.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, Japan. One of them is Finesse Records W2X 37484.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use W2X 37484, 20PJ-16-17) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, W2X-37485AL-1A and W2X-37485BL-1A. 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.
