Led Zeppelin IV Zoso 1st 1969 UK Press A3/B3 Atlantic Plum rare gorgeous classic

	£		128
	$		170

LED ZEPPELIN IV (also referred to as "Zoso")

Rare and highly sought after 1971 UK 1st pressing rock classic in all round truly excellent condition on the coveted Atlantic red & plum label, 2401012

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1 2401012  A//3  1 3  3   Side 2   2401012  B//3  1 2  2

in addition, the side 1 matrix has a crossed out B? matrix just before the A/3 and "PECKO DUCK" hand etched into the run-off groove, and side 2 has "PORKY etched into the dead wax area - each indicative of a 1st pressing

The appearance of the vinyl is simply superb, bright and shiny and with a gorgeous gleam in normal light. Even under a bright light it's difficult to identify any aberrations such as the usual wispy hairline or paper scuff - remarkable for a 45 year classic piece of vinyl such as this. A true gleamer!

Each label is excellent+. All writing remains perfectly defined, as do the colours with no fading. There are just a couple of very faint spindle traces adjacent to the centre hole on each side and a couple of very light, barely detectable, small abrasions on the side 2 label. Note the "Kinney" and "Superhype" credits on each label, and of course the "produced by Jimmy Page" text - all indications of this first record's first pressing status.

The non-laminated, outer gatefold sleeve is excellent-. Not quite excellent because there is  mild scuffing on the top and bottom edges along with a little (but noticeable) rubbing on the corners. The spine is in very good shape, being well defined but containing some very mild scuffing. And of course the iconic gatefold inner remains as impressive as every, though there are two hairline marks (see photos) which although do not detract from the impressiveness of the inner gatefold are nonetheless noticeable. The thin cardboard inner sleeve, with flipbacks (yet another 1st pressing giveaway) is excellent but does contain an 8cm and 12cm crease diagonal to the top right corner, and the bottom seam contains a 13cm split right in the middle of the bottom edge. Otherwise excellent.

And finally there is the quality of the audio, which is mostly excellent and at times simply stunning. Beautiful tone with great clarity. I played this record in it's entirety on my Pioneer PL-X99 turntable with an almost new diamond stylus and the reproduction was brilliant. So, so, so much better than a CD!! Not quite perfect, however...there is some occasional and very mild background crackle only noticeable during some of the quieter moments and at the beginning and end of each side. I stress that this is mild and occasional and I have to put it down to a combination of static and dust in the grooves emanating from decades of storage. The other reason for this supposition is that once I cleaned the record this occasional mild background crackle reduced even further. Overall this record is a great, great listen. Play it loud, enjoy it...I know that "Stairway To Heaven" is supposedly the "be all and end all" of classic rock songs but every track on this album is an absolute stonker. I'm sure you already know that.

The tracks are :

Side A :

1. BLACK DOG

2. ROCK AND ROLL

3. THE BATTLE OF EVERMORE

4. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Side B :

1. MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP (note : later pressings had "Misty Mountain Top" text on the side 2 label)

2. FOUR STICKS

3. GOING TO CALIFORNIA

4. WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS

In summary, a truly excellent first pressing of this groundbreaking rock classic, and I can't imagine that there are too many such pressings still out there in better condition.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 50's, 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 45 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit. I do NOT profiteer from postage costs. I DO take great care in minimising all risk thereby ensuring, as far as possible, that your purchase reaches it's destination in exactly the same condition as when I post it. For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for : UK £4.50, continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £14. I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. Good luck with your bidding. Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

Description: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good

Description: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

Description: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair 

Description: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

Description: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

Description: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.