LED ZEPPELIN, PHYSICAL GRAFFITI, SUPERB 1975 UK SWAN SONG 1st ISSUE

	£		90
	$		119

Hi, my name is Nick (aka cornerstonevinyl). I have been an avid record collector for many years, building up an extensive collection of mostly blues/rock, psych, progressive and classic rock 1st issue albums from the mid sixties to early seventies period. I have decided to sell off a few choice albums in either the Fixed Price or Auction formats. These offerings represent the crème de la crème of my 35 years of record collecting and are of the highest quality. My grading is strict and any significant defects will be mentioned. You can rest assured that a record that I grade as MINT- will be both visually and aurally as fine a copy as you are ever likely to find (hopefully my feedback and 4.9/5.0 "item as described" rating will bear this out). My descriptions are concise and in accordance with the GRADINGS detailed below. I will not bore you with the unnecessary duplication of song lyrics, and self-respect will not allow the use of ridiculous words like "awesome, mega, hyper", etc., or endless exclamation marks. Customer satisfaction is of the highest importance to me. In the unlikely event that you are not entirely happy with an LP bought from me for any reason, I will refund you in full upon return without any hassle.

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional barely-played example of the iconic double album by LED ZEPPELIN titled "PHYSICAL GRAFFITI", Catalogue Number SSK 89400. This is an original 1975 UK STEREO 1st ISSUE on the SWAN SONG RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st ISSUE GOTHIC PRINT FINISHERS LTD die-cut window sleeve. Complete with the correct 1st issue wraparound gatefold credits insert and thick card picture inner sleeves. [The sleeve is the earliest possible design with the Swan Song Kings Road address printed on the back cover. The wraparound credits insert is made from thick card and has a proper shaped spine. The inner sleeves are also made from thick card and have SSK89400/A and SSK89400/B printed in the corners.

The matrix numbers and stampers are etched as follows:

Side A  S-43 SSK 89400 – A   1  E.g.

Side B  S-4  SSK 89400 – B   2  E.g.

Side C  W-2 SSK 89400 – C   2 E.g.

Side D  W-2 SSK 89400 – D   1 E.g.

Despite the matrix numbers being quite unusual and the presence of Warner “W” logos on the record labels, I can confirm that this is a complete genuine UK 1st issue bought shortly after release. I have seen several A1,B4(B5),C1,D1 matrix stamped pressings (acknowledged to be the 1st press matrix numbers) with Warner “W” logos on the record labels – so the presence of “W” logos does not mean that the pressings are not 1st issues. The sound mix is also the 1st issue mix, with the coughing at the end of “In My Time Of Dying”].

The sleeve is in a strong EX condition with only the lightest of wear and a few very minor creases. The front and back covers are unmarked with the window cut-outs completely undamaged. The spines are square and solid with the red text 100% legible. Overall this is a beautiful example of this iconic but notoriously delicate 1st issue sleeve.  

The top quality Atlantic records are in EX+ condition. Record 1 weighs a solid 125g and has a thick square-cut rim edge. This is quite unusual for a Physical Graffiti pressing. Record 2 weighs 115g and has the more typical tapered rim edge. Both retain their just pressed shine and rotate evenly on the turntable. The Swan Song picture labels are like new with no obvious spindle traces and virtually no wear to the spindle holes. I can confirm that the records have only received a few careful plays. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all.

The gatefold credits insert and the picture inner sleeves are all in unmarked EX+ condition.

Overall this is a superb and complete 1st issue of Zeppelin's tour de force which will grace any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 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 but is still very presentable.

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 - £9.95

Worldwide - £13.30