Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1953
Sonata No. 29 In B Flat Major, Op. 106 was first pressed on vinyl in 1953. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
2 pressings came out in 1953, 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.
CA ARL-1233-3BSide A, stamped, variant 1
CA ARL-1234-4BSide B, stamped, variant 1
CA ARL1233-3B BB CT 2Side A stamped, variant 2
CA ARL1234-4B BU CT 2Side B stamped, variant 2
ARL-1233-2B B CT 2Runout side A, stamped
CA ARL-1234-4A 1 CT 3Runout side B, stamped
ARL.1233Matrix label A
ARL.1234Matrix label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | UK | Decca LXT 2777 / Decca LXT.2777First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| 1953 | US | London Records LL 602 / London Records LL.602First yearLP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Japan | London Records KIJC(M) 9216LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Argentina | London Records LLC.17878LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.41907 AJLP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca BLK 16106LP, Repress | LP, Repress |
| ? | South Africa | Decca LXT 2777 / Decca LXT.2777LP, Mono · Mono | LP, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Decca LXT 2777 / Decca LXT.2777LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | UK | Decca BLK 16106LP, Repress | LP, Repress |
| ? | US | London Records CM 9056LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
| ? | US | London Records CM 9056LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono | LP, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
11 vinyl pressings of Sonata No. 29 In B Flat Major, Op. 106 are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1953 and 1998.
The earliest pressings are from 1953, in UK, US. One of them is Decca LXT 2777, released March 1953.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LXT 2777, LL 602) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, CA ARL-1233-3B and CA ARL-1234-4B. 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.
