Vinyl pressings
by Zubin Mehta · 1967
Preludes was first pressed on vinyl in 1967. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
6 pressings came out in 1967, the album's first year, in 4 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.
ZAL-7642-2W K KT 1Runout side A - stamped
ZAL-7643-2W B KT 1Runout side B - stamped
ZAL.7642Matrix on label - side A
ZAL.7643Matrix on label - side B
ARL-7642-1ARunout stamp side A
ARL-7643-1ARunout stamp side B
ARL-7642-1ARunout Side A
ARL-7643-1ARunout Side B
ARL.7642Side A upside down on label
ARL.7643Side B upside down on label
ZAL 7642 R1 + △ 81stamped side A
ZAL 7643 R4 + △ 1stamped side B
ZAL 7.642on label - side A
ZAL 7643on label - 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Australia | Decca SXL 6298First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1967 | UK | Decca LXT 6298 / Decca LXT.6298First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | US | London Records CS 6529First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1967 | US | London Records CM 9529First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1967 | UK | Decca SXL 6298 / Decca SXL.6298First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1967 | France | Decca SXL 6298 / Decca SXL 6.298First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | South Korea | Decca SXL 6298LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Decca 7.221LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 21157-BLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Decca SXL 6298 / Decca SXL.6298LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Decca SXL 6298 / Decca SXL.6298LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Preludes are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1967 and 1972.
The earliest pressings are from 1967, in UK, US, France, Australia. One of them is Decca SXL 6298, released March 1967.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 6298, LXT 6298, CS 6529, CM 9529) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-7642-2W K KT 1 and ZAL-7643-2W B KT 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.
