Vinyl pressings
by Johann Sebastian Bach · 1961
The Four Suites For Orchestra was first pressed on vinyl in 1961. 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 1961, 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.
GX1-7252-D2 I ★side A runout etched [except ★]
GX2-7252-D1 1 ★side B runout etched [except ★]
GX2-7252-D1 I ★side C runout etched [except ★]
GX4-7252-D1 I ★side D runout etched [except ★]
2YEA 485-3Runout Side 1
2YEA 486-2Runout Side 2
2YEA485Label Side 1
2YEA486Label Side 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Australia | His Master's Voice OASD 404 / 405First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1961 | France | La Voix De Son Maître ASDF 205 / 6First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1961 | UK | His Master's Voice ASD 404 / 405First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1961 | US | Capitol Records SGBR 7252First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set, Stereo | LP, Stereo, Box Set, Stereo |
| 1961 | US | Capitol Records GBR 7252First yearLP, Mono, Box Set, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set, Mono · Mono |
| 1962 | US | Capitol Records SGBR 7252LP, Stereo, Box Set, Stereo | LP, Stereo, Box Set, Stereo |
| 1962 | US | Capitol Records GBR 7252LP, Mono, Box Set, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Netherlands | His Master's Voice 5C 151-00187/88LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | His Master's Voice ASD 404 / His Master's Voice ASD 405LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Classics For Pleasure 41 4440 3LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | UK | Classics For Pleasure CFPD 41 4440 3LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | UK | Classics For Pleasure CFPD 41 4440 3 / Classics For Pleasure 41 4440 3LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | US | Seraphim SIB-6085LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of The Four Suites For Orchestra are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1961 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in US, UK, Australia, France. One of them is Capitol Records GBR 7252, released November 1961.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use GBR 7252, SGBR 7252, ASD 404 / 405, OASD 404 / 405) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, GX1-7252-D2 I ★ and GX2-7252-D1 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.
