Johann Sebastian Bach – Lute Music (BWV 999, BWV 1000, BWV 998, BWV 995)

About this record

Stamped in the dead wax, the runout SLPX 12157-A 1 P HP and SLPX 12157-B IV U HP are the fastest way to confirm this Hungaroton pressing from 1981. The sleeve carries catalogue number SLPX 12157, and the record has no barcode, so the matrix lettering and label stamps do the identifying work.

Four tracks, Lute Music, Sárközy Gergely playing Bach (BWV 999, 1000, 998 and 995), issued in Hungary.

What drives its value

Price follows condition steeply on this record. The price guide puts an M copy at 12.28 USD, NM at 10.98, VG+ at 8.40 and VG at 5.81, so a buyer should expect a sizeable drop with each grade.

Lower grades run down through G+ at 3.23, G at 1.94, F at 1.29 and P at 0.65. Current market supply is 47 copies for sale, with a lowest listed price of 1.6 USD.

Demand is modest: 173 collectors have the release and 17 want it, with a community rating of 4.25 from 12 ratings. Because the record is a Hungarian original issue rather than a later reissue, buyers look for the 1981 Hungaroton pressing specifically.

How to appraise this pressing

Confirm the pressing by reading the dead wax. Side A should read SLPX 12157-A 1 P HP and side B should read SLPX 12157-B IV U HP.

Check that the catalogue number on the spine and jacket matches SLPX 12157, and that the record is listed as a Hungaroton release from 1981. The folded insert with English, German, French and Russian liner notes should be present, and the cover photograph shows the two lutes made by Tihamer Romanek.

Grade the disc by looking at each side under a strong light for play wear, inner-groove distortion, and sleeve ring wear, then compare your grade against the price guide tiers of M, NM, VG+, VG, G+, G, F and P.

Further reading: grading a record, how to sell vinyl.