Vinyl pressings
by Paul Davis · 1977
Singer Of Songs - Teller Of Tales was first pressed on vinyl in 1977. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 3 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.
BLP-410 (WS-1052) Masterfonics (Anvil)Runout A variant 1
BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics (Anvil)Runout B variant 1
BLP-410 (WS-1052) #2 Masterfonics (Anvil)Runout A variant 2
BLP-410 (WS-1053) #2 Masterfonics (Anvil)Runout B variant 2
BLP-410 (WS-1052) Masterfonics [Anvil symbol]Runout A
BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics [Anvil symbol]Runout B
WS-1052Label A
WS-1053Label B
T1 BLP-410 (WS-1052)-2 MasterfonicsRunout A variant 1
T1 BLP-410 (WS-1053)-1 MasterfonicsRunout B variant 1
T1 BLP-410 (WS-1052)-1 B MasterfonicsRunout A variant 2
T1 BLP-410 (WS-1053)-1 B MasterfonicsRunout B variant 2
BLP-410 (WS-1052) Masterfonics MR △22707(2)Runout A etched (ex. Masterfonics), variant 1
BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics MR △22707-X(2)Runout B etched (ex. Masterfonics), variant 1
BLP-410 (WS-1052) Masterfonics MR △22707(1)Runout A etched (ex. Masterfonics), variant 2
BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics MR △22707-X (1)Runout B etched (ex. Masterfonics), variant 2
BLP-410 -(WS-1052) Masterfonics MR △22707(2)Runout side A
BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics MR △22707-X (1)Runout side B
WS-1052Side A label
WS-1053Side B label
BLP 410 (WS-1052) MasterfonicsSide A runout
BLP 410 (WS-1053) MasterfonicsSide B 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Canada | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1977 | Philippines | Vicor InternationalFirst yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410 DJFirst yearLP, Promo · Promo | LP, Promo · Promo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1977 | US | Bang Records BLP-410First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 2023LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
| 1981 | Japan | CBS/Sony 25AP 2023LP, Album, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Reissue, Stereo · Promo |
| 1983 | Japan | CBS/Sony 20AP 2593LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
11 vinyl pressings of Singer Of Songs - Teller Of Tales are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1977 and 1983.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in US, Canada, Philippines. One of them is Bang Records BLP-410.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use BLP-410, BLP-410 DJ) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, BLP-410 (WS-1052) Masterfonics (Anvil) and BLP-410 (WS-1053) Masterfonics (Anvil). 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.
