Vinyl pressings
by Simon & Garfunkel · 1970
El Condor Pasa / Why Don't You Write Me 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.
40 pressings came out in 1970, the album's first year, in 18 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.
ZSS154027 1F TIIIStamped Side A, except TIII etched, Variant 1
ZSS154028-1E T TIIIStamped Side B, except T TIII etched, Variant 1
ZSS154027 1F TIStamped Side A, except TI etched, Variant 2
ZSS154028-1F TIStamped Side B, except TI etched, Variant 2
JZSS154027-1A PSide A - Stamped - Variant 1
JZSS154028-1A PSide B - Stamped - Variant 1
ZSS154027-1B PSide A - Stamped - Variant 2
ZSS154028-1B PSide B - Stamped - Variant 2
ZSS154027-1C ssA Runout
ZSS154028-1C ssB Runout
ZSS 154027A Label
ZSS 154028B Label
JZSS 154027-1ASide A Runout (Stereo) Variant 1
JZSP 154029-1ASide B Runout (Mono) Variant 1
o JZSS154027-1A P A 2Side A Runout (Stereo) Variant 2
JZSP154029-1A P 3Side B Runout (Mono) Variant 2
JZSS 154027Side A Label (Stereo)
JZSP 154029Side B Label (Mono)
ZSS154027-1D S1Runout A
J ZSP154029-1F SRunout B
JZSS 154027Label A
JZSP 154029Label 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 | Benelux | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Benelux | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Canada | Columbia 4-45237First year7", Single, Stereo | 7", Single, Stereo |
| 1970 | Costa Rica | CBS 10469First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Europe | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | France | CBS 4895First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | France | CBS 4895First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4895First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4895First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1970 | Germany | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Greece | CBS BA 301283First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1970 | India | CBS 4895First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1970 | Iran | Top 4 EX 43287", 45 RPM, Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Costa Rica | CBS 104697", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
46 vinyl pressings of El Condor Pasa / Why Don't You Write Me are listed here, from 20 countries, released between 1970 and 1973.
The earliest pressings are from 1970, in US, UK, Australia, Benelux and more. One of them is Columbia 4-45237, released September 1970.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4-45237, S 4895, BA-221745, 4895) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS154027 1F TIII and ZSS154028-1E T 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.
