Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1977
Symphonie Nr. 4 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.
9 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 7 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.
2563 797 S 5 = 20 320Side A, variant 1 - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
O•OE • 1D•1E D GSide A, variant 1 - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 S 6 = 10 320Side B, variant 1 - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
D P 1BSide B, variant 1 - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 S 5 = 20 320Side A - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
AW 1ΛSide A - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 = 8 S 6 320Side B - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
IB 1ASide B - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 = 12 S5 320Side A - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
G W 6Side A - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 = 8 S6 320Side B - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
F H 1A : 1GSide B - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 = 12 S5Side A - Runout - Inner Ring - Stamped
D P 1BSide B - Runout - Second Ring - Stamped
2563 797 = 8 5 5 A/4 320 3 5 3Side A - Runout - Inner Ring (Variant 1)
254 1104 ASide A - Runout - Second Ring - Etched (Variant 1)
△ MX185639-B 2531104-1Side A
△ MX185640 2531104-2Side 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 | Australia | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2563 797First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 46 503 9LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition · Club edition |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Italy | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Japan | Deutsche Grammophon MG 1124 / Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP | LP |
| 1977 | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | France | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Spain | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104LP | LP |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2531-104LP | LP |
| ? | UK | Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
15 vinyl pressings of Symphonie Nr. 4 are listed here, from 7 countries, released between 1977 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in Germany, UK, Australia, France and more. One of them is Deutsche Grammophon 2531 104.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 2531 104, 2563 797, MG 1124) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 2563 797 S 5 = 20 320 and O•OE • 1D•1E D G. 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.
