Vinyl pressings
by Ryuichi Sakamoto · 1986
Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia was first pressed on vinyl in 1986. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
12 pressings came out in 1986, the album's first year, in 11 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.
DIX 34 A-1-1-1 [illegible]A, Stamped (Variant 1)
DIX 34 B-1-1-1 [illegible]B, Stamped (Variant 1)
DIX 34 A-2-1- [illegible] -1- :: :A, Stamped (Variant 2)
DIX 34 B-2-1-1-B, Stamped (Variant 2)
DM 207580 A-1/2-86SSide A runout, variant 1
DM 207580 B-1/2-86SSide B runout, variant 1
DM 207580 A-1/2-86S ISide A runout, variant 2
DM 207580 B-1/2-86S I IISide B runout, variant 2
VG 50166 ARunout side 1, stamped
VG 50166 BRunout side 2, stamped
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Australia | 10 Records DIX 34 / Virgin DIX 34First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1986 | Australia | 10 Records DIX 34 / Virgin DIX 34First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1986 | Canada | 10 Records VL2367 / Virgin VL-2367First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Europe | Virgin 207 580 / 10 Records 207 580First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | France | Virgin 70430First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1986 | Greece | 10 Records VG 50166 / 10 Records 501661First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Israel | 10 Records DIX 34First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Italy | 10 Records DIX 34First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1986 | New Zealand | 10 Records DIX 34First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1986 | Portugal | Virgin 639405First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | Spain | 10 Records T-207.580First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1986 | UK | 10 Records DIX 34First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia are listed here, from 11 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1986, in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is 10 Records DIX 34.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use DIX 34, VL2367, 207 580, 70430) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, DIX 34 A-1-1-1 [illegible] and DIX 34 B-1-1-1 [illegible]. 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.
