Vinyl pressings
by Kiss · 1988
Let's Put The X In Sex was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 6 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.
Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60157-A-SPRunout etched side A, variant 1
Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60168-B-SPIRunout etched side B, variant 1
Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60157-B-SP 1-1Runout etched side A, variant 2
Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60168-B-SPI. 1-1Runout etched side B, variant 2
872-246-72-60157-A-CBS M G1 A4 STERLING
872-246-72-60168-B-CBS M G1 C4 STERLING
PRO-693-1-AS-ES STERLINGSide 1
PRO-693-1-BS-ES1 STERLINGSide 2
872-246-72-60157-A-SP 1-1 STERLING
PRO-694-7-AS-ES1 STERLING -EMW-Side A
PRO-694-7-BS-ES STERLINGSide B
872-246-72-60157-A-SP 1-1 STERLING [SRC logo]Runout side A
872-246-72-60168-B-SP1 1-1 STERLING [SRC logo]Runout side B
2-60157Label side A
2-60168Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Mercury 872 246-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Australia | Mercury 872 246-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Germany | Vertigo 872 498-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Single Sided · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Single Sided · Promo |
| 1988 | Guatemala | Mercury 874 766-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Vertigo 872 246-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1988 | Netherlands | Vertigo 872 313-1First year12", Single | 12", Single |
| 1988 | UK | Phonogram KIZZA 1First year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 246-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 246-7 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 246-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene |
| 1988 | US | Mercury PRO 694-7 DJFirst year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | Mercury PRO-693-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | Mercury 872 246-7 DJ / Mercury 872 246-7First year7", 45 RPM, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Misprint, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | Not On Label7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl | 7", 45 RPM, Single · Colored vinyl |
14 vinyl pressings of Let's Put The X In Sex are listed here, from 6 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, UK, Australia, Guatemala and more. One of them is Mercury 872 246-7.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 872 246-7, PRO-693-1, 872 246-7 DJ, PRO 694-7 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60157-A-SP and Sterling SRC 872-246-72-60168-B-SPI. 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.
