Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1974
Appassionata Op. 57 was first pressed on vinyl in 1974. 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 1974, 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.
2530 406 = 4 S 1 320 1 IRunout side A variant 1
2530 406 = 4 S 2 ℗ 1974 320 7 ORunout side B variant 1
2530 406 = 4 S 1 320 1 GRunout side A variant 2
2530 406 = 4 S 2 (P) 1974 320 1 HRunout side B
2530 406 = 4 5 1 A|2 320 5 10Side A
2530 406 = 4 5 1 A|2 4 5 2 . B|1 ℗ 1974 320 5 10Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Europe | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1974 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1974 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1974 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия C10 05677-8LP | LP |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10—05677-8LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия С10—05677-78LP | LP |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10—05677-78LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10—05677-78LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия C10 05677-78LP | LP |
| 1975 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С 10—05677-8LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1975 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon MG 2494LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1976 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10—05677-78LP, Repress | LP, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | USSR | Мелодия C10 05677-78LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1980 | USSR | Мелодия С 10—05677-78LP, Reissue, Repress | LP, Reissue, Repress |
| 1980 | USSR | Мелодия С10—05677-78LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | USSR | Мелодия С10-05677-78LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | USSR | Мелодия 33 C10-05677-78(a)LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия С10—05677-78LP, Reissue, Repress, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Repress, Stereo |
| 1982 | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10 05677-78 (а)LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1983 | USSR | Мелодия С10—05677-8LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1987 | USSR | Мелодия С10—05677-8LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10 05677-78LP | LP |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10—05677-78LP | LP |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия C10 05677-78LP | LP |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия 33 С10 05677-78 (а)LP | LP |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия C10—05677-78LP, Repress | LP, Repress |
| ? | USSR | Мелодия C10 05677-78LP | LP |
36 vinyl pressings of Appassionata Op. 57 are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1974 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1974, in Germany, UK, Europe, France. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2530 406.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2530 406) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2530 406 = 4 S 1 320 1 I and 2530 406 = 4 S 2 ℗ 1974 320 7 O. 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.
