Vinyl pressings
by Simon & Garfunkel · 1966
I Am A Rock was first pressed on vinyl in 1966. 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 1966, the album's first year, in 14 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.
ZSP113959-1LRunout, Side A, variant 1
ZSP113958-1FRunout, Side B, variant 1
ZSP113959-1A TIIIIIRunout, Side A, variant 2
ZSP113958-1A TIRunout, Side B, variant 2
ZSP113959-1D SSSRunout, Side A, variant 1
ZSP113958-1D SSSSSRunout, Side B, variant 1
ZSP113959-1C SRunout, Side A, variant 2
ZSP113958-1C SRunout, Side B, variant 2
ZSP113959-1AD PRunout, Side A stamped - Variant 1
ZSP113958-1AB PRunout, Side B stamped - Variant 1
ZSP113959-1H PRunout, Side A stamped - Variant 2
ZSP113958-1F PRunout, Side B stamped - Variant 2
ZSP113959-1E I PA Side, runout, stamped
ZSP113958-1E I PB Side, runout, stamped
ZSP 113959A Side, label
ZSP 113958B Side, label
ZSP113959-1E P 5Runout A
ZSP113959-1H P 6Runout B
JZSP 113959Label A
JZSP 113959Label B
ZSP113959-1E p 1Runout A
ZSP113958-1E p 1Runout B
JZSP 113959Label A
JZSP 113958Label 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Canada | Columbia 4-43617First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Denmark | CBS CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Germany | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Italy | CBS JB 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Jukebox | 7", 45 RPM, Jukebox |
| 1966 | Italy | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Italy | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Mexico | CBS 5924First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1966 | Netherlands | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | New Zealand | CBS BA-461096First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Norway | CBS 2.303 / CBS 2.303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Philippines | CBS 4-43617First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | South Africa | CBS SSC.669First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1966 | Sweden | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Sweden | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1966 | Sweden | CBS 2303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
25 vinyl pressings of I Am A Rock are listed here, from 14 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1966, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Columbia 4-43617.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 4-43617, 202303, BA-221288, CBS 2303) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSP113959-1L and ZSP113958-1F. 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.
