Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1977
Piano Concerto No. 3 was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. 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 1977, 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.
L+Q 164 AA 9500 253 1Y 1 ℗1976 670 03 [???]A-side runout
9500 253.1 YA-side label
9500 253.2 YB-side label
L+Q 164 AA 9500 253 2Y 1 ℗1976 670 03 [? ??? ??]
164 AA 9500 253 1Y1 670Side A
164 AA 9500 253 2Y1 670Side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Europe | Philips 9500 253First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | France | Philips 9500 253First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Philips 9500 253First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | Philips 9500 253First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1978 | Japan | Philips X-7719LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1979 | Brazil | Philips 9500 253LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Philips 9500 253LP, Album | LP, Album |
| ? | Austria | Philips 38223LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| ? | Germany | Orbis 30 430 3LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Switzerland | Ex Libris PH 6858 873LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
10 vinyl pressings of Piano Concerto No. 3 are listed here, from 10 countries, released between 1977 and 1979.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Netherlands, UK, Europe, France. One of them is Philips 9500 253.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 9500 253) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, L+Q 164 AA 9500 253 1Y 1 ℗1976 670 03 [???] and 9500 253.1 Y. 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.
