Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1969
Symphonies Nos. 5 & 8 was first pressed on vinyl in 1969. 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 1969, the album's first year, in 6 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-8702-6WRunout stamp side A variant 1
ZAL-8703-4WRunout stamp side B variant 1
ZAL-8702-3WRunout stamp side A variant 2
ZAL-8703-3WRunout stamp side B variant 2
ZAL 8702Label A
ZAL 8703Label B
† ZAL.8702†Matrix Side 1 (Inverted)
† ZAL.8703†Matrix Side 2 (Inverted)
ZAL-8702-3W C JT 1Runout Stamped Side 1
ZAL-8703-3W U JT 1Runout Stamped Side 2
ZAL-8702-6WRunout (stamped) side A
ZAL-8703-4WRunout (stamped) side B
† ZAL.8702†Label side A (Inverted)
† ZAL.8703†Label side B (Inverted)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | France | Decca SXL 6396 / Decca SXL.6396First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | Japan | London Records SLC-1755First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | Mexico | London Records B-19274First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1969 | South Africa | Decca SXL 6396 / Decca SXL.6396First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | UK | Decca SXL 6396 / Decca SXL.6396First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | UK | Decca SXL 6396 / Decca SXL.6396LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1969 | US | London Records SW 93063First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | US | London Records CS 6619 / London Records SW 93063LP, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
| 1969 | US | London Records CS 6619 / London Records CS.6619First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1969 | US | London Records CS 6619 / London Records CS.6619First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Japan | London Records SLC 6001LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1977 | UK & Europe | Decca JB 5LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1978 | Japan | London Records SLC 8025LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Spain | Decca SSD 603 - 9─42603 / Decca SSD 603 116 - 9─42603LP | LP |
| 1984 | Japan | London Records K20C 8617LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Decca SXLA 6396LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| ? | Germany | Decca SAD 22079LP | LP |
| ? | Israel | PAX IST 591LP | LP |
| ? | New Zealand | Decca SXLM 6396 / Decca SXLM.6396LP, Repress, Stereo | LP, Repress, Stereo |
| ? | Spain | Decca SXL 6396LP, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Reissue, Stereo |
| ? | Yugoslavia | Jugoton LSDC-70727 / Decca SXL.6396LP, Reissue | LP, Reissue |
21 vinyl pressings of Symphonies Nos. 5 & 8 are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1969 and 1984.
The earliest pressings are from 1969, in UK, US, France, Japan and more. One of them is Decca SXL 6396.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SXL 6396, SW 93063, CS 6619, SLC-1755) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-8702-6W and ZAL-8703-4W. 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.
