France
1978- Label and catalog number
- Melba LDA. 20343Jonathan LDA. 20343
- Format
- LP, Album
Vinyl pressings
The Letter
by Queen Samantha · 1978
16 pressings13 countriesDiscoFunk / Soul
The Letter was first pressed on vinyl in 1978. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of The Letter
15 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 12 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.
US
1978- Label and catalog number
- Marlin MARLIN 2220
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
MAR-2220-A-AM STERLINGSide A
MAR-2220-B-AM STERLINGSide B
US
1978- Label and catalog number
- Marlin MARLIN 2220
- Format
- LP, Album, Stereo · Rainbo Pressing
- Runout / matrix
MAR-2220-A-RB S-6278 STERLINGSide A runout
MAR-2220-B-RB S-6279 STERLINGSide B runout
US
1978- Label and catalog number
- Marlin MARLIN 2220
- Format
- LP, Album
- Runout / matrix
MAR-2220-A-AM STERLINGSide A
MAR-2220-B-AM STERLINGSide B
US
1978- Label and catalog number
- Marlin MARLIN 2220
- Format
- LP, Album
Italy
February 1978- Label and catalog number
- OUT OUT-ST 25007
- Format
- LP, Album
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 16 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s16 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Brazil | Building Records BGLP12334 / Building Records BGLP-12334First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Canada | Able ABL-17032First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | France | Melba LDA. 20343 / Jonathan LDA. 20343First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Germany | Metronome 0060.106First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Greece | Olympic SBL 1140First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Israel | Teen Records LDA 20 343First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Netherlands | CNR 660.023First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | Portugal | Imavox IM-38001First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Scandinavia | Polydor 2489 144First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Spain | RCA Victor SPL1-7150 / RCA SPL1-7150First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Marlin MARLIN 2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Marlin MARLIN 2220First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1978 | US | Marlin MARLIN 2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | US | Marlin MARLIN 2220First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1978 | Italy | OUT OUT-ST 25007First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
Tracklist
- A1The Letter7:52
- A2Don't Stop - I Feel Good6:02
- B1Singing Hallelujah7:10
- B218646:59
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Letter are there?
16 vinyl pressings of The Letter are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1978 and 1979.
When was The Letter first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in France, US, Italy, Brazil and more. One of them is Melba LDA. 20343.
How do I tell if my copy of The Letter is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use LDA. 20343, MARLIN 2220, OUT-ST 25007, BGLP12334) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The Letter on vinyl worth?
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.
