Vinyl pressings
by Vico Torriani · 1954
Tausend Mandolinen was first pressed on vinyl in 1954. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1954, the album's first year. 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.
MRB 2416 ⅨRunout side A variation 1
MRB 2415-ⅡⅩRunout side B variation 1
MRB 2416 II X Manufactured in GermanyRunout side A variation 2
MRB 2415 III Ⅹ Manufactured in GermanyRunout side B variation 2
MRB 2416 XRunout side A, stamped
MRB 2415 ⅩRunout side B, stamped
P - Aetched on both sides, runout
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Germany | Decca F 43 828First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1954 | Germany | Decca F 43 828First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | AMIGA 1 50 590Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Denmark | Decca F 43828Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Germany | Decca D 17 8287", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca D 17 8287", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Netherlands | Telefunken AD-20106Shellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| ? | Netherlands | Decca D 17 8287", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | London Records 45-P182257", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| ? | US | London Records 45-P182257", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
10 vinyl pressings of Tausend Mandolinen are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1954 and 1957.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in Germany. One of them is Decca F 43 828.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use F 43 828) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MRB 2416 Ⅸ and MRB 2415-ⅡⅩ. 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.
