Vinyl pressings
by Ravi Shankar · 1979
Ragas Hameer & Gara was first pressed on vinyl in 1979. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
7 pressings came out in 1979, 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.
2531 216 S 1 320 1Side A runout variant 1
2531 216 S 2=2 320 2Side B runout variant 1
2531 216 S 1 320 1 Bside A runout variant 2, stamped (B is sideways)
2531 216 S 2=2 320 E 1side B runout variant 2, stamped (E sideways)
2531 216 S 1 320 1 CRunout, stamped, side A, variant 1
2531 216 S 2=2 320 1-2A GRunout, stamped, side B, variant 1
2531 216 S 1 320 1 DRunout, stamped, side A, variant 2
2531 216 S 2=2 320 1 CRunout, stamped, side B, variant 2
2531 216 S 1=2 320 1 KRunout, stamped, side A
2531 216 S 2=2 320 1.2A ERunout, stamped, side B
2531 216 S 1=2 320 0.1B ASide A runout
2531 216 S 2=2 320 1.2B ACSide B runout
2392895A 10-3-79Side 1
2392895B 10-3-79 470Side 2
2392895A 10-3-79Side 1
2392895B 10-3-79 470Side 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 216First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 216First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 216First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 216First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1979 | India | Polydor 2392 895First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1979 | India | Polydor 2392 895First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1979 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon MG 1231First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Yugoslavia | PGP RTB LP 214 001 / PGP RTB LP 214001LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1985 | India | Polydor 2392 895LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | South Korea | Deutsche Grammophon SEL-RG 2187LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Ragas Hameer & Gara are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1979 and 1985.
The earliest pressings are from 1979, in Germany, India, Japan. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2531 216.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2531 216, 2392 895, MG 1231) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2531 216 S 1 320 1 and 2531 216 S 2=2 320 2. 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.
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