Led Zeppelin II vinyl - 1969 Robert Ludwig (RL) Hot Mix

$

165

The Led Zeppelin II vinyl from 1969, featuring the Robert Ludwig (RL) Hot Mix, is a highly sought-after collectible, making it a must-have for any Led Zeppelin fan. This version that Robert Ludwig engineered is now regarded as the "hot mix" amongst collectors because of its capability to cause the needles on cheap record players to literally jump out of the grooves due to the sheer energy and hot dynamic range they possess. It was because of this feat that the pressings were deemed defective and the RL version of the record ended up having a limited run.
The cover is a little damaged from peeling issues around the edges (see pics) but is overall solid. Also has a split on the one bottom edge (see pic). Inside cover is in good condition with a few small marks. Has what I believe to be the original inner sleeve. 

I have done a thorough listen through on this copy and am providing as honest of a grading as possible. This copy has marks and hairlines but does not skip on my turntable (Pioneer  PL-550 with an AT VM540ML cartridge). IMHO, this copy sounds better than it appears. There is crackle on both sides but a good ultrasonic cleaning would probably help to clear some of that up even more. To my ears, side 2 seems to have less crackle than side 1. If you are looking for a really clean copy, this one is not for you. This is a chance to get this great RL version at a reasonable price. It's far from perfect but it is a good copy of this record and the music overpowers some of the noise, depending on the song. I am not an audiophile but have a good ear and do not enjoy really noisy records (lots of crackles and pops) but have enjoyed this one for years as it is now. My evaluation is very honest on this record:

Here is my personal opinion and a breakdown by song:

1.      Whole Lotta Love: Few light crackles, sounds clean and good to my ear

2.      What Is & What Should Never Be: Crackling apparent but more in quiet passages but not bad IMHO

3.      The Lemon Song: Light crackles, sounds great

4.      Thank You: Crackling is apparent being a quieter song & heavier crackling near the end of the song

5.      Heartbreaker: Light crackle, sounds great

6.      Living Loving Maid: Pretty clean, sounds great

7.      Ramble On: Crackles but sounds good

8.      Moby Dick: Light crackles but sounds good

9.      Bring It On Home: Some light crackles which are more apparent in the beginning quieter passages but sounds great to my ear

I am not an expert grader but have a good sense of record condition & grade very fairly. I do my best to grade conservatively & accurately. I take photos of the record cover & any obvious flaws so that you can have as much information as possible before placing a bid. Please inspect the photos & evaluate for yourself. 

Ask any questions you have BEFORE placing a bid. Pictures are of the exact items you will receive. All vinyl visually inspected to be at least VG or better unless stated. I will do my best to point out any flaws or discrepancies but sometimes little things are missed. I do not grade sleeves or labels.

What plays perfectly on my system, may not on yours. I will not accept returns because of surface noise on an old record. If you cannot accept these terms, please do not bid. If a record is scratched, scuffed, or warped, I will note it thru the grading I have outlined above. I will give my best evaluation of the cover & include any pictures of damage, if present.

Ships USPS Media Mail in record specific carton. I am not responsible for shipping damage and will not accept returns for damage in shipping by USPS. If you want insurance, please let me know and it can be added for the additional cost. You will have to open a case with the post office if the carton arrives damaged as cartons leave my home in perfect condition with Fragile stickers attached to the carton.

Grading - 

M: Perfect. Sleeve, labels & inserts (if any) look like new without any marks. Vinyl is unplayed, still in shrink.

NM: Nearly perfect. Sleeve does not have creases, writing, seam splits or any obvious defects. Labels & vinyl look glossy & clean without any obvious signs of wear. Vinyl plays like new.

EX+ to EX: Well cared for. Sleeve has slight signs of wear or light marks. Labels have light wear or marks, normal corner or edge wear. Vinyl may show slight scuffs or very light hairlines and plays with some very minor audible noise. A grading I would be very happy to own.

VG+: Used but in great condition. Sleeve has some wear which may include seam splits, tape &/or writing (all will be noted). Labels show wear with spindle marks or possible writing (all noted). Vinyl shows scuffs and/or light scratches. Upon playing, surface noise may be evident but minimal and plays through without skipping.

VG: Obviously used. Sleeve has obvious wear which may include seam splits, stickers & writing (all will be noted). Labels show wear with possible stickers, glue residue or writing (all noted). Vinyl shows scuffs and/or light scratches. Upon playing, surface noise is evident but should play through without skipping.