Vinyl pressings
by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · 1953
Scheherazade was first pressed on vinyl in 1953. 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 1953, 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.
XAX 268-2N O 2Stamped runout A variant 1
XAX 269-5N P 1Stamped runout B variant 1
XAX 268-2N GR 54Stamped runout A variant 2
XAX 269-5N A 1Stamped runout B variant 2
XAX 268-2N GO 54Side A runout, stamped
XAX 269-5N GP 2Side B runout, stamped
(XAX268)Side A label matrix
(XAX269)Side B label matrix
XAX 268-2N GA 54Side 1 stamped
XAX 269-5N GR 2Side 2 stamped
XAX 268-2N 1Runout side A
XAX 269-5N 1Runout side B
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Italy | Columbia QCX 10021First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | US | Angel Records ANG 35009First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | UK | Columbia 33SX 1007First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | UK | Columbia 33SX 1007 / Columbia 33SX1007First yearLP | LP |
| 1954 | France | Columbia 33 FCX 268LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1955 | US | Angel Records 35009 / Angel Records ANG. 35009LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | US | Angel Records 35009 / Angel Records ANG 35009LP, Repress, Mono · Mono | LP, Repress, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | US | Angel Records ANG 35009LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | France | Columbia FCX 30207 / Columbia 33 FCX 30.207LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | France | Columbia FCX 30.207LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Angel Records ANG.35009LP | LP |
| ? | Argentina | Discos Angel LPC 11513LP | LP |
| ? | UK | Columbia 33SX 1007LP | LP |
| ? | UK | Columbia 33SX 1007 / Columbia 33SX1007LP | LP |
14 vinyl pressings of Scheherazade are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1953 and 1962.
The earliest pressings are from 1953, in UK, US, Italy. One of them is Columbia 33SX 1007, released September 1953.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 33SX 1007, ANG 35009, QCX 10021) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, XAX 268-2N O 2 and XAX 269-5N P 1. 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.
