Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1961
Diabelli Variations 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.
3 pressings came out in 1961, 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.
ZAL-5005-1E U OT ⵎT 1Runout side A - machine stamped - this variant
ZAL-5006-1E C OT ⵎT 1Runout side B - machine stamped - this variant
ZAL.5005Matrix on label - side A
ZAL.5006Matrix on label - side B
ARL-5005-1BRunout side A - machine stamped - this variant
ARL-5006-1ARunout side B - machine stamped - this variant
ZAL-5005-IE URunout Side A
ZAL-5006-IE CRunout Side B
ZAL.5005Label Side A
ZAL.5006Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | UK | Decca SXL 2262 / Decca SXL.2262First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1961 | UK | Decca LXT 5621 / Decca LXT 5621First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1961 | US | London Records CS 6203 / London Records CS.6203First yearLP, Stereo · Colored vinyl | LP, Stereo · Colored vinyl |
| 1967 | Canada | London Records STS 15036LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
| 1967 | US | London Records STS 15036LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | UK | Decca SDD 229 / Ace Of Diamonds SDD 229LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Chile | London Records LLC-38387LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 21029-BLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SXL 21029-BLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records CM 9272LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
10 vinyl pressings of Diabelli Variations are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1961 and 1970.
The earliest pressings are from 1961, in UK, US. One of them is Decca SXL 2262, released September 1961.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 2262, LXT 5621, CS 6203) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-5005-1E U OT ⵎT 1 and ZAL-5006-1E C OT ⵎT 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.
