Vinyl pressings
by Maria Reining · 1954
Der Rosenkavalier was first pressed on vinyl in 1954. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
4 pressings came out in 1954, 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.
ARL 2206 - 3B KU N 1Runout first record, side A (1)
ARL 2213 - 1B UC N 4 CBRunout first record, side H (8)
ARL 2207 - 2B BN N 2Runout second record, side B (2)
ARL 2212 - 1B BM N 2Runout second record, side G (7)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Germany | Decca LXT 2954/5/6/7First yearLP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1954 | Netherlands | Decca DAX 195017/20First yearLP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1954 | UK | Decca LXT 2954/5/6/7First yearLP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1954 | US | London Records LLA - 22First yearLP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Argentina | London Records CFL 55256/9LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1969 | UK | Ace Of Diamonds GOM.512-5LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Germany | Decca BA 25 025-D/1-4LP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| 1972 | Germany | Decca BA 25 025-D/1-4LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1972 | UK | Decca 4BB 115-8LP, Album, Reissue, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Reissue, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| 1975 | Germany | Decca 6.35001 EKLP, Box Set | LP, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Australia | Decca LXTA 2954/5/6/7LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.35001LP, Album, Box Set, Reissue | LP, Album, Box Set, Reissue |
| ? | Germany | Decca LXT 2954/57LP, Album, Box Set | LP, Album, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.35001 EK / Decca BA 25025-D1.4LP, Album, Reissue, Box Set | LP, Album, Reissue, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca LXT 2954 / 57LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono | LP, Album, Mono, Box Set · Mono |
| ? | US | Richmond RS 64001LP, Album, Mono · Mono | LP, Album, Mono · Mono |
16 vinyl pressings of Der Rosenkavalier are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1954 and 1975.
The earliest pressings are from 1954, in UK, US, Germany, Netherlands. One of them is Decca LXT 2954/5/6/7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LXT 2954/5/6/7, LLA - 22, DAX 195017/20) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ARL 2206 - 3B KU N 1 and ARL 2213 - 1B UC N 4 CB. 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.
