Vinyl pressings
by Johnny Cash · 1981
The Baron was first pressed on vinyl in 1981. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
10 pressings came out in 1981, the album's first year, in 7 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.
1 S PAL·37179-1C o A4Side A runout, variant 1
1 S PBL-37179-1C o A 3Side B runout, variant 1
1 S PAL·37179-1C o A6Side A runout, variant 2
1 S PBL-37179-1C o A 4Side B runout, variant 2
o T1 PAL 37179-1L D3Side A runout
o T1 PBL 37179-1J C3Side B runout
AL 37179Side A label
BL 37179Side B label
PAL-37179-1G PSide A runout, Variation 1
PBL37179-1M PSide B runout, Variation 1
PAL-37179-1J A POSide A runout, Variation 2
PBL37179-1M PSide B runout, Variation 2
CBS-S-84990 A1Etched Side A
CBS-S-84990 B1Etched Side B
Å MX194672 SBP237617-1Side A runout stamped
Å MX194673 SBP237617-2Side B runout stamped
MX194672Side A label
MX194673Side B label
AL-37179-1A-2HZ DMSide A runout
BL-37179-1A-2HZ: DMSide B runout
AL 37179Side A label
BL 37179Side B label
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Australia | CBS SBP 237617 / CBS FC37179First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Australia | CBS SBP 237617First yearLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| 1981 | Canada | Columbia FC 37179First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | Europe | CBS CBS 84990First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | New Zealand | CBS SBP 237 617First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | South Africa | CBS ASF 2648First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | UK | CBS 84990 / CBS S CBS 84990First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Columbia FC 37179First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Columbia FC 37179First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | US | Columbia FC 37179First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
10 vinyl pressings of The Baron are listed here, from 7 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1981, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Columbia FC 37179.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use FC 37179, 84990, SBP 237617, CBS 84990) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 1 S PAL·37179-1C o A4 and 1 S PBL-37179-1C o A 3. 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.
