Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1958
Das Heiligenstädter Testament, Franz… was first pressed on vinyl in 1958. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
1 pressing came out in 1958, the album's first year. 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.
11301 x-4Runout Etching A-Side
L-11301Y-2Runout Etching B-Side
L-11302X-1Runout Etching C-Side
L-11302Y-2Runout Etching D-Side
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Germany | Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 301 / Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 302First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | France | Versailles VER 34134LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | France | CBS 51 025LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | France | Top Rank International 35.001LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | France | Top Rank International 35.001LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 302LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 302LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 303 / Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 301LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Eurodisc S 70 279 XKLP, Deluxe Edition, Mono · Mono | LP, Deluxe Edition, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 301 / Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 302LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Eurodisc S 70279 XKLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Eurodisc S 70 275 KK / S 70 277 KKLP, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing | LP, Test Pressing, Stereo · Test pressing |
12 vinyl pressings of Das Heiligenstädter Testament, Franz… are listed here, from 2 countries, released between 1958 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1958, in Germany. One of them is Bertelsmann Schallplattenring 11 301.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 11 301) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 11301 x-4 and L-11301Y-2. 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.
