US
1978- Label and catalog number
- T.K. Disco 98
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
TKD-98-A
TKD-98-B
Queen SamanthaThe Letter
Vinyl pressings
The Letter
by Queen Samantha · 1978
10 pressings8 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
10 pressings came out in 1978, the album's first year, in 8 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
- T.K. Disco 98
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
TKD-98-A-AM STERLINGA-side runout
TKD-98-B-AM STERLINGB-side runout
TKD-98-ASide A label
TKD-98-BSide B label
Australia
1978- Label and catalog number
- Miracle Records MS-7512
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
Australia & New Zealand
1978- Label and catalog number
- Miracle Records MS-512
- Format
- 12"
Canada
1978- Label and catalog number
- Able ABE.1776
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
- Runout / matrix
A-848-1S 1A n. USide A runout
A-849-1S 1A n. USide B runout
A.848Side A label in parentheses
A.849Side B label in parentheses
Germany
1978- Label and catalog number
- Metronome 0030.100
- Format
- 7", Single, 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
0030 100A 0125 053 S 1 320 ARunout side A
0030 100 B 0125 053 S 2 320 CRunout side B
0125.053 S 1Label A-Side
0125.053 S 2Label B-Side
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1970s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Australia | Miracle Records MS-7512First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1978 | Australia & New Zealand | Miracle Records MS-512First year12" | 12" |
| 1978 | Canada | Able ABE.1776First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1978 | Germany | Metronome 0030.100First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Italy | OUT OUT NP 24010 / Rifi OUT NP 24010First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1978 | Netherlands | CNR 144.632First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Spain | RCA SPCO-7153First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | Spain | RCA SPBO-7154First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | US | T.K. Disco 98First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1978 | US | T.K. Disco 98First year12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
Tracklist
- AThe Letter7:20
- BSinging Hallelujah7:10
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The Letter are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The Letter are listed here, from 8 countries.
When was The Letter first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1978, in US, Australia, Australia & New Zealand, Canada and more. One of them is T.K. Disco 98.
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 98, MS-7512, MS-512, ABE.1776) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, TKD-98-A and TKD-98-B. 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.
