Vinyl pressings
by The Temptations · 1977
Greatest Hits Volume 3 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.
7 pressings came out in 1977, the album's first year, in 6 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.
STML 12061 A-1 H 1Side A, runout, stamped, variant 1
NICK WSide A, runout, etched, variant 1
STML 12061 B-1 P 1Side B, runout, stamped, variant 1
NICK WSide B, runout, etched, variant 1
STML 12061 A-1 NICK WSide A runout stamped
STML 12061 B-1 NICK WSide B runout stamped
98 780 A-1Side A (stamped)
98 780 B-1Side B (stamped)
98780-A- 17-11-77 I ΔRunout A
98780-B- 17-11-77 I ΔRunout B
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 | Australia | Motown STMLO.12061First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Germany | Motown 1C 064-98 780First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Germany | Motown 1C 064-98 780LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Compilation, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1977 | Greece | Motown 14C 062-99043First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Italy | Motown 3C 064 - 98780First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | Netherlands | Motown 5C 062-98780 / Motown 5C 062-98 780First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| 1977 | UK | Tamla Motown STML 12061First yearLP, Compilation, White Label | LP, Compilation, White Label |
| 1977 | UK | Motown STML 12061 / Motown 0C 062-99 043First yearLP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Motown 1C 064-98 780LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Germany | Motown 257·15·042LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Netherlands | Motown 5C 062-98 780LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Netherlands | Motown 5C 062-98780 / Motown 5C 062-98 780LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
| ? | Scandinavia | Motown 7C 062-98780LP, Compilation | LP, Compilation |
13 vinyl pressings of Greatest Hits Volume 3 are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1977, in UK, Australia, Germany, Greece and more. One of them is Motown STML 12061, released August 1977.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use STML 12061, STMLO.12061, 1C 064-98 780, 14C 062-99043) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, STML 12061 A-1 H 1 and NICK W. 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.
