Vinyl pressings
by Johann Sebastian Bach · 1960
Helmut Walcha Spielt Bach was first pressed on vinyl in 1960. 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 1960, the album's first year, in 2 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.
Side A Stamped: M9 138119 A TH
Side A Stamped Extra Big: 138 119 A
Side B Stamped: M9 138119 B TH
Side B Stamped Extra Big: 138119 B
18 619 A Made in Germany GM9Runout Side A Stamped {G is rotated 90°}
18 619 B Made in Germany EM9Runout Side A Stamped {E is rotated 90°}
18619A / MADE IN GERMANY / 18619 A / M9Four Stampers Side A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Brazil | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMFirst yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1960 | Brazil | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18.619 / Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18619First yearLP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1960 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 619First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1960 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMFirst yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1960 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 619First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1961 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18619LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMLP, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1962 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 619LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1964 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon LPM 18 619LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| 1964 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMLP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| 1966 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMLP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPMLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPM / Deutsche Grammophon SLPM 138 119LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPM / Deutsche Grammophon SLPM 138 119LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon SLGM-1071LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
16 vinyl pressings of Helmut Walcha Spielt Bach are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1960 and 1966.
The earliest pressings are from 1960, in Germany, Brazil. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 138 119 SLPM, released February 1960.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 138 119 SLPM, LPM 18 619, LPM 18.619) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, Side A Stamped: M9 138119 A TH and Side A Stamped Extra Big: 138 119 A. 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.
