Vinyl pressings
by The Reflections · 1975
Three Steps From True Love was first pressed on vinyl in 1975. 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 1975, the album's first year, in 9 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.
S45 - 92048 4078 - J2 #2 ―◁Side A - etched ("#" looks like H with underscore)
S45 - 92051- J2Side B - etched
(S45-92048)Label—Side A
(S45-92051)Label—Side B
92048 4078 J1 #3Run Out Groove - hand etched Side A
92051 4078 J1 #3Run Out Groove - hand etched Side B
(S45-92048)Label—Side A
(S45-92051)Label—Side B
SF 92048 45A-side label
SF 92051 45B-side label
SF 92048-1
SF 92051-1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Belgium | EMI 4 C006-81944First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Canada | Capitol Records 4078First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Germany | Capitol Records 1C 006-81 944 / EMI Electrola 1C 006-81 944First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Italy | Capitol Records 3C 006-81944 / Capitol Records 3C 006 81944First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1975 | Jamaica | Capitol Records 4078First year7" | 7" |
| 1975 | Netherlands | Capitol Records 5C 006-81944First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | Spain | Capitol Records 1-J 006-81944First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1975 | UK | Capitol Records CL 15826First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | UK | Capitol Records CL 15826First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1975 | US | Capitol Records 4078First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1975 | US | Capitol Records 4078First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1975 | US | Capitol Records 4078First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1975 | US | Capitol Records P-4078First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
13 vinyl pressings of Three Steps From True Love are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1975, in US, UK, Belgium, Canada and more. One of them is Capitol Records 4078.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4078, P-4078, CL 15826, 4 C006-81944) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, S45 - 92048 4078 - J2 #2 ―◁ and S45 - 92051- J2. 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.
