Canada
1983- Label and catalog number
- Maze Records MS 810
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
MS 810-A RE-1 TLC-ALSide A
MS 810-B-RE-1 TLC-ASide B
SagaScratching The Surface
Vinyl pressings
Scratching The Surface
by Saga · 1983
10 pressings6 countriesProg RockRock
Scratching The Surface was first pressed on vinyl in 1983. 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 Scratching The Surface
7 pressings came out in 1983, the album's first year, in 4 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.
UK
1983- Label and catalog number
- Portrait TA 4067Epic TA 4067
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
TA 4067 A1 ASide A
TA 4067 B1 ASide B
UK
1983- Label and catalog number
- Portrait A 4067Epic A 4067
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
A 4067 A1 ASide A runout
A 4067 B1 ASide B runout
UK
1983- Label and catalog number
- Portrait A 4067Epic A 4067
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
A 4067 A1Runout A-Side - Variant 1
A 4067 B1Runout B-Side - Variant 1
A 4067 A1 ARunout A-Side - Variant 2
A 4067 B1 ARunout B-Side - Variant 2
Italy
1983- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 817 616-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
817616 7 A 520 09018Side A runout
817616 7 B 520Side B runout
France
1983- Label and catalog number
- Polydor 817 409-7
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo
- Runout / matrix
160 8174097 A POLYGRAMSide A, etched
160 8174097 B POLYGRAMSide B, stamped
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.
1980s10 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Canada | Maze Records MS 810First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Polydor 817 409-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | France | Polydor 817 465-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1983 | Italy | Polydor 817 616-7First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Portrait TA 4067 / Epic TA 4067First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Portrait A 4067 / Epic A 4067First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1983 | UK | Portrait A 4067 / Epic A 4067First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1984 | France | Polydor 821 830-112", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Spain | Polydor 817 465-77", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1984 | Germany | Polydor 817 465-77", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
Tracklist
- AScratching The Surface3:32
- BThe Sound Of Strangers4:09
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Scratching The Surface are there?
10 vinyl pressings of Scratching The Surface are listed here, from 6 countries, released between 1983 and 1984.
When was Scratching The Surface first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1983, in Canada, UK, Italy, France. One of them is Maze Records MS 810.
How do I tell if my copy of Scratching The Surface is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MS 810, TA 4067, A 4067, 817 616-7) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MS 810-A RE-1 TLC-AL and MS 810-B-RE-1 TLC-A. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Scratching The Surface 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.
