Vinyl pressings
by Miklós Rózsa · 1961
El Cid was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1961, 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.
E-3977 S1Matrix/Runout Stamp, Side 1
61-MG-520'sMatrix/Runout Etching, Side 1
E3977 S2Matrix/Runout Stamp, Side 2
61-MG-521Matrix/Runout Etching, Side 2
SE-3977 S1Runout Stamp, Side 1
61-ST-320-BRunout Etching, Side 1
SE3977 S2Runout Stamp, Side 2
61-ST-321Runout Etching, Side 2
ST 3977 S1 61-ST-320Side A runout
ST 3977 S2 61-ST-321Side B runout
WC ST 3977 S1Side A Runout Stamped
61-ST-320Side A Runout Etched
WC ST 3977 S2Side B Runout Stamped
61-ST-321Side B Runout Etched
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Brazil | MGM Records MGM-16.047First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Canada | MGM Records E-3977STFirst yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Canada | MGM Records SE-3977STFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1961 | France | MGM Records F2 MGM 141First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Germany | MGM Records 009 008First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Germany | MGM Records 109 008First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1961 | New Zealand | MGM Records MC 6120First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | UK | MGM Records C 876First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1961 | UK | MGM Records MGM CS 6048First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1961 | US | MGM Records E3977STFirst yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | US | MGM Records SE3977STFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1961 | US | MGM Records E3977First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | US | MGM Records E3977First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1961 | US | Armed Forces Radio & Television Service Station Library SP-1593 / SP-1594LP, Album, Transcription, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Transcription, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | US | MGM Records SE3977 / MGM Records SE 3977 STFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | MGM Records 23 54 168LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | US | MCA Records MCA 25005LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | Italy | MGM Records 54 7933011 / EMI Italiana S.p.A. 54 7933011LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1989 | UK | MGM Records LPMGM 5LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | MGM Records 2353 046LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
25 vinyl pressings of El Cid are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1961 and 1989.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in US, UK, Brazil, Canada and more. One of them is MGM Records E3977ST.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use E3977ST, SE3977ST, E3977, SE3977) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, E-3977 S1 and 61-MG-520's. 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.
