Vinyl pressings
by Johnny Cash · 1970
What Is Truth / Sing A Traveling Song was first pressed on vinyl in 1970. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
25 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 13 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.
ZSS 152685-1B TIIISide A runout [etched] variant 1
ZSS 152684-1B TIIISide B runout [etched] variant 1
ZSS-152685-1B TIIISide A runout [etched] variant 2
ZSS-152684-1A T ISide B runout [etched] variant 2
ZSS 152685-1KVariant 1 Side A Runout Etched
ZSS 152684-1KVariant 1 Side B Runout Etched
ZSS 152685-1LVariant 2 Side A Runout Etched
ZSS 152684-1JVariant 2 Side B Runout Etched
JZSS -152685-1FRunout A side variation 1
JZSS-152684-1FRunout B side variation 1
JZSS -152685-1F sRunout A side variation 2
JZSS-152684-1E s11Runout B side variation 2
ZSS 152685-1L P A 10Side A runout
ZSS 152684-1C A 2 PSide B runout
ZSS 152685Side A label
ZSS 152684Side B label
ZSP152683-1B T1Side A, runout
ZSS-152685-1B T1Side B, runout
JZSP 156283Side A, label
JZSS 152685Side B, label
ZSP152683-1B T1Runout side A
ZSS-152685-1B T1Runout side B
JZSP 152683Label side A
JZSS 152685Label side 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Australia | CBS BA-221742First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | France | CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Ireland | CBS S4934First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1970 | Netherlands | CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Philippines | Columbia 4S-45134First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Scandinavia | CBS 4934 / CBS CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Scandinavia | CBS 4934 / CBS CBS 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | South Africa | CBS SSC.1067First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Spain | CBS 4934First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1970 | UK | CBS S 4934First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | US | Columbia 4M-45134 / Columbia 4S-45134First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1970 | US | Columbia 4S-45134 / Columbia 4M-45134First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| 1970 | US | Columbia 4M-45134 / Columbia 4S-45134First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Styrene, Stereo, Mono · Promo, Mono |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Japan | CBS/Sony CBSA 820627", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| ? | Japan | CBS/Sony CBSA 820627", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
27 vinyl pressings of What Is Truth / Sing A Traveling Song are listed here, from 14 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Canada, India and more. One of them is Columbia 4S-45134, released February 1970.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4S-45134, 4M-45134, S 4934, 4-45134) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS 152685-1B TIII and ZSS 152684-1B TIII. 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.
