Vinyl pressings
by Richard Strauss · 1976
An Alpine Symphony was first pressed on vinyl in 1976. 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 1976, the album's first year, in 5 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-14252-1WSide 1 runout var. 1
ZAL-14253-2WSide 2 runout var. 1
ZAL-14252-1W BB 2BSide 1 runout var. 2
ZAL-12453-1W BU 1Side 2 runout var. 2
ZAL-14252-4G 211 1Side A runout
1 ZAL-14253-5G 2BSide B runout
ZAL 14252Side A label
ZAL 14253Side B label
ZAL-14252-1W 2B IKRunout side A - machine stamped
ZAL-14253-2W 2B KNRunout side B - machine stamped
ZAL.14252Side A - on label
ZAL.14253Side B - on label
ZAL-14252-1W 2B IKRunout side A - machine stamped
ZAL-14253-2W 2B KNRunout side B - machine stamped
ZAL.14252Side A - on label
ZAL.14253Side B - on label
ZAL-14252Runout side A - machine stamped
ZAL-14253Runout side B - machine stamped
6.41 990-00-1Label side A
6.41 990-00-2Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Australia | Decca SXLA-6752 / Decca SXL.6752First yearLP | LP |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.41990 AWFirst yearLP | LP |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.41990 AWFirst yearLP | LP |
| 1976 | Germany | Decca 6.41990First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1976 | Japan | London Records SLA 1088 / London Records SLA 1088First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1976 | UK | Decca SXL 6752 / Decca SXL.6752First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | London Records CS6981 / London Records CS 6981First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | US | London Records CS6981 / London Records CS 6981First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1976 | UK | Decca SXL 6752 / Decca SXL.6752First yearLP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1977 | Yugoslavia | Jugoton LSDC - 70829 / Decca LSDC - 70829LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | Japan | London Records SOL 9013-14LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | UK | Decca JB 139LP, Stereo | LP, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | London Records 414 308-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 1987 | Japan | The Super Analogue Disc K38C 70018LP, Album | LP, Album |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Decca SXL 6752 / Decca SXL.6752LP, Repress | LP, Repress |
15 vinyl pressings of An Alpine Symphony are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1976 and 1987.
The earliest pressings are from 1976, in US, UK, Australia, Germany and more. One of them is London Records CS6981.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use CS6981, SXL 6752, SXLA-6752, 6.41990 AW) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-14252-1W and ZAL-14253-2W. 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.
