Vinyl pressings
by Gustav Mahler · 1971
Symphony No. 7 was first pressed on vinyl in 1971. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1971, 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.
ZAL-10733-3W BK 1Runout stamped side A ("BK" "1" tilted)
ZAL-10734-5W UK 1Runout stamped side A ("UK" "1" tilted)
ZAL-10735-3W UK 2BRunout stamped side C ("UK" "2B" tilted)
ZAL-10736-3W BB 2BRunout stamped side D ("BB" "2B" tilted)
ZAL-10733-1WRunout side A
ZAL-10734-2WRunout side B
ZAL-10735-1WRunout side C
ZAL-10736-1WRunout side D
ZAL-10733-6V
ZAL-10734-6W
ZAL-10735-3W
ZAL-10736-5V
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Japan | London Records L45C-3135/6First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1971 | Netherlands | Decca SET 518-9First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1971 | UK | Decca SET 518-9First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1971 | UK | Decca SET 518-9First yearLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1972 | Germany | Decca SET 518/19LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1973 | Japan | London Records SLC 2311~2LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.35195 FA / TELDEC »Telefunken-Decca« Schallplatten GmbH 6.35195 FALP, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Box Set |
| 1979 | Germany | Decca 6.35195 / Decca 6.35195 DXLP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set, Album | LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set, Album |
| 1979 | Germany | Decca 6.35195 FA / Decca Set 518/19LP, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | Decca SET 518-9 / Decca 67 99 135/02LP, Album, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Album, Reissue, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | Decca 593049LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Decca SET 518/19LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.35195LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set, Album | LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set, Album |
| ? | US | London Records CSA2231 / London Records CSA-2231LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
14 vinyl pressings of Symphony No. 7 are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1971 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1971, in UK, Japan, Netherlands. One of them is Decca SET 518-9.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SET 518-9, L45C-3135/6) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-10733-3W BK 1 and ZAL-10734-5W UK 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.
