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Data as of Sep 20, 2026
Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No.6 (Pastoral)
1984 · US · RCA Custom · Vinyl LP Album Stereo
Offers · 1
- $10ref VA-GS566Media M · MintSleeve M🇺🇸 Ships from United States — Factory Sealed. Open to offers. Will send more pics upon request.
The Discogs price estimate is a separate reference; offer prices above are sellers’ own.
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Pressing identification
Match these against your copy to confirm the exact pressing.
- Runout — side A
- FW 601 A D4RS-0501FW 601A 4 I A1CFW-601-A 10FW 601A 3 I A2X
- Runout — side B
- FW 601 B D4RS-0502FW 601B 4 I A2HFW-601-B 7 A2FW 601B 4 I A2T
- Barcode (Scanned)
- 0077731060108
- Barcode (Text)
- 0 77731 06010
- Pressing Plant ID
- I(Stamped in runout)
- Pressed By
- RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis
Specifications
- Artist
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Genre
- Classical
- Style
- Classical
- Year
- 1984
- Label
- RCA Custom
- Catalog number
- FW-601
- Country
- US
- Barcode
- 0077731060108
Tracklist
- A1Allegro Ma Non Troppo9:00
- A2Andante Molto Mosso10:46
- B3Allegro3:21
- B4Allegro3:40
- B5Allegretto9:31
- Composed By
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Conductor
- Sir Charles Groves
About this record
RCA Custom's 1984 pressing of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony carries dual matrix variants across its 2 sides—FW 601 A D4RS-0501 and FW 601 B D4RS-0502 on one generation, FW 601A 4 I A1C and FW 601B 4 I A2H on another—both stamped at the RCA Records Pressing Plant in Indianapolis. The 128 copies currently for sale at $0.82 lowest price signal a flooded secondary market, yet 2393 collectors own it against only 22 who want one, marking this as a deep-catalogue item with minimal collector heat.
What drives its value
This Funk & Wagnalls Family Library edition commands a steep condition gradient: Mint copies reach $12.56, while NM drops to $11.24, VG+ settles at $8.59, and VG falls to $5.95—a spread that reflects the fragility of 1984 RCA pressings and the rarity of unplayed stock. The 128 copies listed for sale at $0.82 floor price reveal saturation; the 2393 have against 22 want confirms this is a common pressing, not a sought reissue.
As a US-market custom pressing tied to a 1966 Fabbri Milan master (copyright 1970 Fabbri & Partners), it ranks below original classical pressings in collector priority. The included 12-page biography booklet covering Beethoven's 1770–1804 life adds reference value but does not lift demand; most buyers treat this as a functional copy rather than an investment.
How to appraise this pressing
Confirm the pressing by the RCA Custom label, catalogue FW-601, and the barcode present on the back cover. The dead-wax matrix on Side A reads either FW 601 A D4RS-0501 or FW 601A 4 I A1C; Side B reads FW 601 B D4RS-0502 or FW 601B 4 I A2H—both variants originate from the RCA Records Pressing Plant in Indianapolis.
Grade by the condition of the 5 tracks and the integrity of the 12-page Beethoven biography booklet; splits between jacket and vinyl are common on 1984 RCA stock. Surface noise and light scratches are typical; VG+ copies show minimal play wear and retain gloss.
The stereo separation and midrange clarity of the Pastoral's 5 movements will reveal groove wear if present. Check the barcode and the 1984 manufacture date printed on the back; reissues or later pressings will carry different copyright years or plant codes.
Further reading: grading a record, how to sell vinyl.
Release notes
Part of series: "Funk & Wagnalls - Family Library of Great Music - Album 1 Includes Biographies of the Great Composers and Program Notes"
"Symphony No.6 in F (Pastoral), Op.68"
Includes 12-page large size book "His Life and Times 1770-1804" about Beethoven.
RCA Custom Stereo. Made in U.S.A. 1984 Distributed in U.S.A by: Funk & Wagnalls, Inc. Distributed in Canada by: Superwares of Canada Ltd.
© 1966 Fabbri Milan © 1970 Fabbri & Partners Ltd. Printed in U.S.A.
Notes sourced from the Discogs database.
Other pressings of this release
Different editions of the same album — pressing decides value.
Frequently asked
What is this pressing worth in VG+ condition?
A VG+ copy is estimated at $8.59 according to the price guide. This reflects the condition tier where light surface noise and minor play marks are visible but do not interrupt listening. The estimate is as of the guide's last update and assumes the 12-page Beethoven booklet is intact and the barcode is legible.
Why are 128 copies for sale at only $0.82?
The 2393 collectors who own this pressing far exceed the 22 who want one, creating a buyer's glut. RCA Custom pressings from 1984 were manufactured in volume for the Funk & Wagnalls mail-order market, and many copies survive in circulation. The $0.82 floor reflects the secondary market clearing excess inventory; sellers price aggressively to move stock.
How do I verify this is the 1984 RCA Indianapolis pressing and not a later reissue?
Check the dead-wax matrix on both sides: Side A must read FW 601 A D4RS-0501 or FW 601A 4 I A1C, and Side B must read FW 601 B D4RS-0502 or FW 601B 4 I A2H. The back cover must print 'Made in U.S.A. 1984' and credit the RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis. The copyright line should show 1966 Fabbri Milan and 1970 Fabbri & Partners Ltd.
What is the difference between a Mint and a VG copy?
Mint copies are priced at $12.56, while VG copies are $5.95—a gap that reflects unplayed versus moderately played stock. Mint copies retain original shrink wrap or show zero play wear; VG copies display light surface noise, minor scratches, and possible jacket wear but remain fully playable. The 89 community ratings average 4.02 stars, suggesting most listeners find even played copies acceptable for the Pastoral's orchestral dynamics.
Does the 12-page Beethoven biography booklet affect the value?
The booklet covering Beethoven's life from 1770 to 1804 is part of the original package but does not command a premium; it is expected to be present. Copies missing the booklet may sell for less, but the booklet alone does not raise value above the price guide estimates. Condition of the booklet—creasing, water damage, or detachment—factors into overall VG or VG+ grading but is secondary to vinyl condition.