Vinyl pressings
by Béla Bartók · 1972
Sämtliche Streichquartette - String Quartets… was first pressed on vinyl in 1972. 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 1972, 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.
SX 533 1V 1 670 11 . . . 03 Manufactured in GermanyStamped, Side A
SX 534 2V 1 670 11 . . . 03 Manufactured in GermanyStamped, Side B
S X 535 1V 1 670 11 . . . 04 Manufactured in GermanyStamped, Side C
SX 536 2V 1 670 11 . . . 04 Manufactured in GermanyStamped, Side D
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | France | Valois CMB 23 / Valois MB 967 / MB 968 / MB 969First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1972 | France | Erato STU 70397 AFirst yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1972 | France | Valois CMB 23First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1972 | Germany | Telefunken SKH 25083-T/1-3First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1972 | Germany | Telefunken SKH 25083-T/1-3First yearLP, Promo, Stereo, Box Set · Promo | LP, Promo, Stereo, Box Set · Promo |
| 1972 | US | Musical Heritage Society MHS 1501/2/3First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | Spain | Telefunken SKH 25083 /1-3LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | Hispavox S 66.343/3LP'SLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Argentina | Discos Angel LPC 11831/33LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Telefunken 6.35023 / Telefunken SKH 25083-T/1-3LP, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Box Set |
| ? | US | Musical Heritage Society 1501/2/3LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
11 vinyl pressings of Sämtliche Streichquartette - String Quartets… are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1972 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1972, in Germany, US, France. One of them is Telefunken SKH 25083-T/1-3.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SKH 25083-T/1-3, MHS 1501/2/3, CMB 23, STU 70397 A) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, SX 533 1V 1 670 11 . . . 03 Manufactured in Germany and SX 534 2V 1 670 11 . . . 03 Manufactured in Germany. 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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