LED ZEPPELIN III A5/B5 1st PRESS RED/PLUM 'Peter Grant' *STUNNING* NR MINT/MINT
£
239
$
317
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
LED ZEPPELIN III A5 / B5 Atlantic 2401022 UK 1970 RED/PLUM Label
On offer here is an incredible first pressing on the famous red/plum label. It has the 'Peter Grant' credit as Executive producer on the labels which later copies do not. The publishing credits are 'Warner Bros. Music Ltd'.
It has the famous Aleister Crowley quotes 'Do what thou wilt' and 'So mote it be' etched on the dead wax and the rotating wheel still works perfectly. The gatefold incidentally remains in superb condition. The audio is of an immaculate standard, the audio would be nigh on impossible to beat, and a comprehensive grading is detailed below.
2401022 // A5 / 1 2 2 // B5 / 1 1 3
The audio on S1 is Near Mint (many sections are Mint)
The audio on S2 is Mint- (tracks 1 & 2 intros are Ex+)
The gatefold cover is Near Mint
The labels are Mint
The original inner sleeve is Ex
Visual grading
Visually this vinyl is stunning and especially S1. This side has no hairlines or scratches at all and gleams like new. S2 is practically the same but has one long very faint hairline across it that has no affect on the fantastic audio that grades as Mint- as detailed below. Aside from that it is in perfect condition and rarely have I seen a genuine first pressing looking as shiny and clean as this one. There is only a small amount of spindle wear on each side and has only been lightly played.
Play grading
With no lead in static on the opening grooves the classic 'Immigrant Song' plays with immense power and depth and is up there with the best versions I have ever heard. There is no interference and no distortion which is sometimes prevalent on these pressings. A stunning start and a rarity to find this quality on an A5/B5 first press and grades as Mint- without doubt.
'Friends' has a little background static for the first couple of seconds on the quiet intro but then plays with truly impressive audio. There is no interference and the clarity again is 'high end'. For this track to play with no clicks, pops or crackle is a mega rarity.
'Celebration Day' continues this quality with just a touch of static on the intro but again barely lasts for more than a two seconds. Thereafter the audio is mind-blowing! It plays loud and true with barely any distortion. No intrusive crackle etc this is audio of the highest calibre. It packs a punch this track and it's wonderful to hear it play so cleanly.
The bluesy 'Since I've Been Loving You' is another highlight and plays with great power and definition. The long quiet intro plays perfectly with no static etc and grades as Mint- such is the immaculate quality. Jimmy's solo in the middle is stunning and plays without distortion which again is often heard but not on this pressing! There on the audio continues to impress with perhaps a touch of distortion on the top end. Nothing intrusive though and it remains an absolute first class listen. No clicks, pops, crackle or jumps. Wow!
'Out On The Tiles' ends the side with excellent audio. There is a little more distortion here and there but that is so often the case with final tracks where the grooves are pressed closer together. It still plays fantastically with no other 'background' and the end guitar section especially plays with stunning power and superb bass.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the off 'Gallows Pole' has mega impressive audio. I did hear a couple of light clicks on the intro and a touch of intermittent background static but thereafter plays with fantastic sound and no interference. The power is stunning and there is no muddiness or distortion on the top level, it plays with wonderful definition, a real foot stomper as always!
The 'Tangerine' intro plays extremely well with just a touch of static for a few seconds and one faint click. The 'background' really is very minor and is totally non-intrusive. I always write what I hear and often mention things that many sellers wouldn't, I just like to be complete in my gradings. You are after all investing your money in a rare first pressing so I like to be thorough. The track then plays with superb clarity and no other static. A fantastic version.
'That's The Way' is stunning and grades as Near Mint easily. There is no 'background' here and the clarity is first rate. Rarely have I heard this acoustic track play with such impressive audio. I would be happy in grading it as Mint really but better add a minus to it as not sealed and may upset the grading Gods! When the bass comes in towards the end the audio is especially 'high end' and the depth and warmth is of an impeccable standard.
'Bron-y-aur Stomp' plays to the same standard and is another stunning listen. This is without doubt Mint no questions asked this time! The quiet acoustic intro plays with no 'background' and the audio throughout is simply immaculate, there is no other way to describe it.
The final track 'Hats off to (Roy) Harper' ends this incredible first pressing with no interference and Mint audio once more.
In summary this is a final upgrade archive copy for certain. Rarely have I heard an A5/B5 genuine first press play as well as this and the audio knocks spots off later pressings and the more recent reissues. With only a minor amount of interference (and I mean minor!) this stunning vinyl plays as Mint for the vast majority. This is how music should be heard, on high quality vinyl!
Gatefold cover
This iconic laminated E.J. Day gatefold has been beautifully well maintained throughout the years, it is so clean, and rotating wheel still works perfectly. The edges are extremely clean and only the bottom edge has a little rubbing. The wide spine is in perfect shape with no wear whatsoever and the corners are also remarkably free of rubbing. The laminate on the front cover is in superb condition with no splitting or lifting anywhere. This is also the case on the back cover and apart from one small scratch type mark it is in near perfect condition. So often this gatefold is discoloured but this one has retained its original condition incredibly well. The inside is just immaculate, so rarely found like this and the opening edge has a minimal amount of handling wear. This is definitely one of the cleanest, if not the best, first press gatefolds I have seen. It would be difficult to find a better one, a lovely example.
Inner sleeve
The is the original poly-lined 'Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous' inner with patents numbers printed on the left and 'Made In England 33 0870' on the right. These numbers relate to the release date. It is in excellent condition with no splits or tears just some creasing here and there.
The labels
The red/plum labels with the Peter Grant credit are in superb condition shape and are like new. They have no marks or writing and no fading either. There is only a relatively small amount of spindle wear.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers
2401022 // A5 / 1 2 2 // B5 / 1 1 3
I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
Recent Feedback
Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!
Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you
100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++
Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!
Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.
Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.
Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!
Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!
Postage & Packaging
I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £6.00. PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE. WHEN ITEMS EXCEED A SALE PRICE OF £50.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT INTERNATIONALLY INSURANCE IS NECESSARY AND COSTS AN EXTRA £2.50. PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.
ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.
UK Postage Rates (Second Class)
LPs/12" singles : £4.95 (recorded) then £0.75 per extra item
7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra
EUROPE
LPs/12" singles : £7.95 then £1.25 per extra
7" singles / CDs : £4.95 then £0.95 per extra
REST OF WORLD
LPs/12" singles : £11.95 then £1.75 per extra
7" singles / CDs : £5.95 then £0.95 per extra
I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT. THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED. I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!
In the coming weeks and months I will be selling plenty of Queen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Genesis and Marillion items so please keep a look out! Many thanks. Please look at my other items on now!
price rating
