Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1977
Septett, Op.20 • Fuge, Op.137 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.
8 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.
1 (1 = upside down) E (E = tilted 90° right) 2530 799 S1 320Side A - runout
1 (1 = upside down) D (D = tilted 90° right) 2530 799 S2 320Side B - runout
1 (1 = upside down) I (I = tilted 90°) 2530 799 S1 320Side A - runout
1 (1 = upside down) E (E = tilted 90° right) 2530 799 S2 320Side B - runout
2530 799 S1 320 1 A 3Side A runout, stamped
2530 799 S2 320 A 2 1Side B runout, stamped
1A (upside down) K (tilted) 2530 799 = 251 320Side A
1 (upside down) A1 (tilted) 2530 799 S2 = 3 320Side B
2530 799 S1 320 1 MSide A - runout
1 (1 = upside down) I 2530 799 S2 320Side B - runout
2530 799 S1 320 2 5 5Side A, runout, stamped
2530 799 S2 B/1 320 4 5 5Side B, runout, stamped / etched
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 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 25 30 799First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon MG 1060 / Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Brazil | Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | South Korea | Deutsche Grammophon SEL-RG 651(2530 799)LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1988 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 424 189-1LP, Album, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Reissue · Club edition |
11 vinyl pressings of Septett, Op.20 • Fuge, Op.137 are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1977 and 1988.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Germany, UK, Japan, Spain. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2530 799.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2530 799, MG 1060, 25 30 799) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 1 (1 = upside down) E (E = tilted 90° right) 2530 799 S1 320 and 1 (1 = upside down) D (D = tilted 90° right) 2530 799 S2 320. 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.
