Vinyl pressings
by Richard Strauss · 1969
Der Rosenkavalier 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.
2 pressings came out in 1969, the album's first year, in 2 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-9069-2W I JT 1Stamped runout side A
ZAL-9070-2W H JT 1Stamped runout side B
ZAL-9071-2W BB JT 1Stamped runout side C
ZAL-9072-2W G JT 1Stamped runout side D
ZAL-9069-4GSide 1 runout
ZAL-9070-3GSide 2 runout
ZAL-9071-3GSide 3 runout
ZAL-9072-3GSide 4 runout
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 | UK | Decca SET 418-21First yearLP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1969 | US | London Records OSAL-1435First yearLP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Spain | Decca SET 421LP | LP |
| 1972 | UK | Decca SET 418-21LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| 1978 | UK | Decca SET 418-21LP, Repress, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Repress, Stereo, Box Set |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.35118LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca SKB 25 032-D/1-4LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Album, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca 6.35118LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Germany | Decca SKB 25 032-D/1-4LP, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | Netherlands | Decca SET 418-21LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set | LP, Reissue, Stereo, Box Set |
| ? | UK | London Records OSAL-1435LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records OSAL-1435/50-5544LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| ? | US | London Records OSAL-1435/50-5544 / Book-Of-The-Month Records OSAL-1435/50-5544LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition | LP, Album, Club Edition, Stereo · Club edition |
13 vinyl pressings of Der Rosenkavalier are listed here, from 5 countries, released between 1969 and 1978.
The earliest pressings are from 1969, in UK, US. One of them is Decca SET 418-21.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SET 418-21, OSAL-1435) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZAL-9069-2W I JT 1 and ZAL-9070-2W H JT 1. 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.
