Vinyl pressings
by James Last · 1977
Einsamer Hirte 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.
5 pressings came out in 1977, 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.
10 AA6042346 1W // 3 320 PRunout side A [stamped]
10 AA6042346 2W 320 D 1Runout side B [stamped]
AA 6042 346 1. WLabel side A
AA 6042 346 2. WLabel side B
10 AA6042346 1W 320 B 1Runout side A [stamped]
10 AA6042346 2W //2 320 1 RRunout side B [stamped]
AA 6042 346 1. WLabel side A
AA 6042 346 2. WLabel side B
6042 346 A 1 520 05 02 78Runout side A
6042 346 B 1 520Runout side B
6042 346.1Label side A
6042 346.2Label side B
AA 6042 346 1. WLabel side A
AA 6042 346 2. WLabel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Germany | Philips 6042 346First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Philips 6042 346First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Ireland | Philips 6042 346First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1977 | Italy | Philips 6042 346First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1977 | Sweden | Philips 6042 346First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Australia | Philips 6042 3467", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | New Zealand | Philips 6042 3467", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | UK | Philips 6042 3467", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Chile | Philips 6042 3467", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Japan | Philips SFL-24487", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1979 | Japan | Philips SFL-24487", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1979 | South Africa | Philips TOS 12197", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
12 vinyl pressings of Einsamer Hirte are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1977 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden. One of them is Philips 6042 346.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 6042 346) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 10 AA6042346 1W // 3 320 P and 10 AA6042346 2W 320 D 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.
