Vinyl pressings
by Gustav Mahler · 1977
Symphony No. 5 was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. 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 1977, the album's first year, in 6 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-15193-4W U K 1Runout side 1, stamped
ZAL-15194-1W BC 1Runout side 2, stamped
ZAL-15195-2W UC 1Runout side 3, stamped
ZAL-15196-1W BM 1Runout side 4, stamped
ZAL-15193-4WRunout side 1, stamped
ZAL-15194-1WRunout side 2, stamped
ZAL-15195-2WRunout side 3, stamped
ZAL-15196-1WRunout side 4, stamped
ZAL-15193-6YRunout, stamped, side 1
ZAL-15194-1WRunout, stamped, side 2
ZAL-15195-2WRunout, stamped, side 3
ZAL-15196-1WRunout, stamped, side 4
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Europe | Decca SXL 6806/7 / Decca SXL 6806-7First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | France | Decca 7640 7641 / Decca 7640/41First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Germany | Decca 6.48110 FAFirst yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Japan | London Records SLA-1141-2First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | UK | Decca SXL 6806/7 / Decca SXL 6806-7First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | US | London Records CSA 2248First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Germany | Decca 6.48110 DMLP, Remastered | LP, Remastered |
| 1987 | Europe | Decca 414 467-1LP, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo |
| 1987 | Japan | London Records K33C 70014/5LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1987 | Netherlands | London Records 414 467-1LP, Remastered | LP, Remastered |
| 1987 | Netherlands | London Records 414 467-1LP, Album, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Album, Remastered, Stereo |
| 1988 | Brazil | London Records 414 467-1LP, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.43499 / Decca 414 467-1LP, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Remastered, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of Symphony No. 5 are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1977 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, US, Europe, France and more. One of them is Decca SXL 6806/7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 6806/7, CSA 2248, 7640 7641, 6.48110 FA) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-15193-4W U K 1 and ZAL-15194-1W BC 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.
