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

	£		58
	$		77

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer a lovely example of the iconic blues/rock second studio album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN II”, Catalogue Number 588198. This is a 1969 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with the 1st issue light brown E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. [The Side One record label credits “The Lemon Song” and the matrix numbers are the earliest Av2, Bv2]. 

The matt finish gatefold sleeve, printed and made by E. J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and barely any creasing. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example of this notoriously fragile sleeve.

The top quality Atlantic record is solidly pressed with a square-cut rim edge. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. 

The Matrix Numbers are:

Side One – 588198  Av2

Side Two – 588198  Bv2

Visually I would grade the record as being in somewhere between VG and EX condition as there are a few light sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light. Apart from a couple of noticeable hairline marks on Side Two (see below) these are only superficial and of no audio significance whatsoever. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few spindle traces near the centres.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This superb Atlantic 1st pressing plays with outstanding sound quality. The stereo playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant and the bass in particular is very impressive. Both sides play to a very high standard with no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The hairlines mentioned above cause some clicks during “Moby Dick” but these are only really noticeable during the quieter sections of the track and do not spoil the enjoyment of the music. Apart from this playback is close to perfect. I think that it will be difficult to find a significantly better-playing 1st pressed copy of this essential blues/rock album.   

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

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 at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.