LED ZEPPELIN III - 1st Press UK A5/B5 Version 6 - Gatefold -

	A$		47
	$		31

Led Zeppelin III - A5/B5 Version 6 - 1970 1st Press - UK - So Mote It Be & Do What Thou Wilt
Highly desirable and highly collectable
This is the last of the 1st press UK releases. Subsequent 1970 releases have A5/B6/B7 etc on the matrix run-out. This album is sometimes referred to as one of the 2nd generation albums but this is mainly due to the labels staying consistent for several versions after this release. This is also the last UK manufactured sleeve the next sleeve was made in Germany.
Enough history!
This LP is in overall great condition although it does have its problems.
If you've bought from me or even followed some of my auctions you will know that I am brutally honest and super critical when describing and rating any vinyl that isn't rated EX or better. If an album is marked in any way I will play test it to confirm sound quality and playability start to finish.
Side 1 is in Very Good condition. Some crackle on the lead in and build up to The Immigrant Song but once up and running the sound quality is still fantastic. Some loud clicks at the start of Friends but again sound quality is still fantastic. From here on the main noise is only in between tracks and quieter moments meaning that favourites like Celebration Day is nice and crisp and Since I've Been Lovin' You is just as wonderful as it should be to listen to.
Side 2 is where the main issue is. Visually there is some kind of spiral/circular damage to the surface. I don't know what this is. It could be some residue of some kind on the vinyl. I can't clean it off with my cleaning products so I'm going to call it a scratch. The main issue is on Hangman where about 1 minute into the song the music is distorted for about 1/2 to 1 full revolution of the platter. As with Side 1 there are other surface marks and light scratches so overall sound quality is still great just like Side 1. If it wasn't for the problem on Hangman I'd rate this side VG. Hangman, sadly, I can only give a rating of Good. Some might say but it's only 1 second of the song. I know I'd be disappointed if I wasn't informed of this problem and had it rated accordingly.
The sleeve is in terrific condition. The pin wheel is in full working order. This is the original pin wheel with the centre stud holding the wheel in place. Later versions - including my other Led Zep III auction have a loose wheel that floats inside the cover. The title seam is still perfectly clear clean and legible. The laminate is still in great condition. There are some minor surface blemishes, some edge wear, a small amount of separation  on the bottom of the pinwheel board (easily fixed with some paper glue) and slight fading from time but the overall condition for a 47 year old album cover is Very Good plus!
I am totally confident that serious vinyl collectors would want this album in their collection and put up with the 1 second of distortion or find a way to get rid of it.
Good luck!
Will post worldwide
Will combine shipping

Please note I visually inspect all of my albums before listing. If the album has any visible marks I play it to evaluate sound quality. If you see a listing with a sound quality comment it is because I have played the album to confirm its playability.
My grading assessments are as follows; New (N) - An unopened album that has never been played. Mint (M) - An album that has been opened and may have been played.  Vinyl will visually have no scratches or distortions (Manufacturing flaws may be noted). Sleeve will look new. It will have no visible flaws. Near Mint (NM) - An album that has been opened and played. Vinyl will be near perfect but will show some faint surface marks that are mostly unavoidable when sliding an album in and out of its cover. Sound quality will be as new. Sleeve will look new but may have some very slight flaws. Excellent (EX) - An album that has been opened played and well cared for. Vinyl will have light surface marks that do not effect play. Sound quality will be as new but may have the occasional light crackle in between tracks/run in/run out but will not be heard during play. Sleeve cardboard will be solid with no tears or gouges. It will show signs of wear but will still be clear and readable. Very Good (VG) - An album that has been played many times but still plays all the way through with no skips or stops. Vinyl will have marks and surface scratches. There will be noise heard in between tracks and during quieter parts of songs. Sleeve will show signs of wear. It may have some glue coming away from board. It will likely have some blemishes such as bends, cracks, marks, etc. It will still be clearly readable and recognisable. Good (G) - An album that plays through but looks like it has seen better days. Vinyl is clearly marked and scuffed. Scratches are many and visible. Sleeve is mostly intact but could be torn or severely worn and may have some colour or print loss. No Rating (NR) - I will only list an unrated album if it has some collectability value. The album will have many visible marks, its playability will not be guaranteed.