LED ZEPPELIN II 2, UK PLUM ATLANTIC LEMON SONG 1st PRESS, EARLIEST A2/B2 MATRIX

LED ZEPPELIN II 2, UK PLUM ATLANTIC LEMON SONG 1st PRESS, EARLIEST A2/B2 MATRIX

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Description

It's my pleasure to offer for sale an exceptional copy of  Led Zeppelin's iconic second studio album, simply titled Led Zeppelin II, Catalogue Number 588198. It's a 1969 UK first pressing on the plum & orange Atlantic record label, with a first issue E. J. Day and Co. light brown matt-finish gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct white poly-lined inner sleeve. [The Side One record label credits "The Lemon Song". The record matrix numbers are the earliest 588198 Av2 and 588198 Bv2, where v = inverted triangle].

The gatefold sleeve is in EX condition with just light signs of wear and a few very minor creases. The front and back covers are unmarked with the rear panel showing only minimal ringwear and a few small circular impression marks (spindle sized) which are difficult to show in the photos. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is solid with all text clearly legible. There is a small "Boots the Chemist" sticker in the bottom left corner of the front cover indicating the original retailer back in 1969. Overall it's a very nice example of this notoriously wear-prone sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly pressed mid-weight record is in EX(+) condition. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few wispy sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a modest number of spindle traces near the centres. Audiowise both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops or repeat ticks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is nothing short of sensational - very powerful and and vibrant with incredible bass. If you haven't listened to a first pressing of Led Zeppelin II before I guarantee that the audio will be a revelation. It really is a top-playing copy!

The white poly-lined inner sleeve has some age discoloration and a few creases, but no splits or tears.

Overall this is a magnificent copy of Led Zeppelin's highly accomplished second album which will make a fine addition to any record collection. Superlatives fail me for the audio - it's truly sensational!

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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 but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £8.50

Worldwide - £11.50

Please note that I'm away from home from 28th August until 3rd September so I won't be able to post the item until 4th September. Please only buy if this is acceptable.