Vinyl pressings
by Ludwig van Beethoven · 1969
Symphony No. 5 / Symphony No. 40 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.
7 pressings came out in 1969, 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.
EAL-8974-3GRunout side A, stamped, variant 1
EAL-4525-1GRunout side B, stamped, variant 1
EAL-8974-4G I.I 3 CRunout side A, stamped, variant 2
EAL-4525-5G B B 1Runout side B, stamped, variant 2
EAL-8974-3GRunout, stamped, side 1
EAL-4525-1GRunout, stamped, side 2
EAL 8974Label (upside down), side 1
EAL 4525Label (upside down), side 2
EAL-8974-3G UA JT 5EVariant 1 runout side A stamped
EAL-4525-1G UC JT 1Variant 1 runout side B stamped
EAL-8974-3G CG 5CVariant 2 runout side A stamped
EAL-4525-1G CII JT 1Variant 2 runout side B stamped
EAL 8.974Matrix side A
EAL 4.525Matrix side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | France | Decca ECS 518 / Eclipse ECS 518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1969 | New Zealand | Decca ECS 518 / Decca ECS.518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1969 | UK | Eclipse ECS 518 / Eclipse ECS.518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1969 | UK | Decca ECM 518 / Decca ECM.518First yearLP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| 1969 | UK | Decca ECS 518 / Decca ECS.518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1969 | UK | Decca ECS 518 / Decca ECS.518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| 1969 | Uruguay | Clave 72-518First yearLP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | UK | Eclipse ECS 518 / Eclipse ECS.518LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Repress, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | London Records R23232LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono | LP, Compilation, Mono · Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Ace Of Clubs SCLA 7042LP, Compilation, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Stereo |
| ? | France | Decca 220.004LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | UK | Decca ECS 518 / Eclipse ECS 518LP, Compilation, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo | LP, Compilation, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo |
12 vinyl pressings of Symphony No. 5 / Symphony No. 40 are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1969 and 1977.
The earliest pressings are from 1969, in UK, France, New Zealand, Uruguay. One of them is Eclipse ECS 518.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use ECS 518, ECM 518, 72-518) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, EAL-8974-3G and EAL-4525-1G. 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.
