LED ZEPPELIN II 2, 1969 UK PLUM ATLANTIC 1st PRESS

	£		259
	$		343

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the second album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled ‘LED ZEPPELIN II’, Catalogue Number 588 198. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with the earliest Av2/Bv2 Matrix Numbers and ‘The Lemon Song’ credited on the Side One record label. Complete with the correct 1st issue light brown E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. 

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by E. J. Day & Co., London, is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light storage/handling wear. There is a small price sticker removal mark on the front top right corner, and a few scuffs to the bottom of the back cover. There is also an impression of a name and address on the top left corner of the back cover where the sleeve has been pressed on whilst writing (only really visible under close inspection). The opening gatefold spread is unmarked and the spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible.

The top quality Atlantic record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is a nice solid pressing with a square-cut rim edge. Visually both sides are in EX+ condition, with the exception of a few stylus rub marks on Track 3 of Side One. These are not scratches, but superficial rub marks that track the groove, caused by a build-up of debris on the stylus. These are purely cosmetic and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are in totally unmarked mint condition with not even one single spindle trace. The spindle hole is perfect with no wear at all. I am confident that the record has hardly been played.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a very loud-cut and vibrant pressing which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. The bass in particular is amazing. The record plays as new. Both sides play without fault. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or clicks and barely any unwanted surface sound at all. Lead-in and linking grooves play with near silence. If you are looking for the very best playing 1st press copy available – this is it! It may be a life-long search to find another stone cold mint playing example. Don’t let this one get away!

Complete with the correct 1st issue white poly-lined inner sleeve which is also in EX condition.

I would like to have offered this magnificent record with a perfect sleeve – but I am not prepared to mix and match. The record and sleeve have been together for 40 years and the minor sleeve faults are an important part of the LPs history.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £36 value - £9.95

Europe over £36 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £14.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £2.00 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.