48hrSALE Led Zeppelin s/t Listen⭐️‘68 Test Press White Label Advance Copy LP

$

1,950

⭐️ F r o m B e n n y ’ s V i n y l ⭐️

A 100% STAR RATED SELLER - BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! YOU DESERVE THAT :)

Led Zeppelin s/t LP⭐️30 Dec 1968 Test Press White Label Advance Copy

Matrix Numbers:

ST-A-681461-A AT RG W 73(mirror image backwards)

ST-A-681462-A AT RG W 73(mirror image backwards)

An extremely rare opportunity to own what most vinyl enthusiasts consider to be the ‘Holy Grail’ of record collecting.

Pricing:

I hope you agree that I have priced this keenly based on the current market availability August 2025 and:

- my seller credentials

- you can listen to it

- condition + sleeve artwork

3 copies on DG: $3.5K (VG), $4.6K (VG), $5.8K (VG+)

Ebay: no copies currently for sale

Listening Link:

https://youtu.be/6CxCJlS44TE?si=t5-NVcuctWGR594B

Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin

Dec 30th 1968 Advance Copy 148g

Notes:

Sonically this ‘advance copy’ is the truest recording on vinyl of the OG master-tape studio recording because it is a test pressing. In this respect, on this pressing, each instrument can be heard with great clarity from the fret noises on Page’s guitar, to Plant’s vocal nuances and of course the legendary

Bonzo Bass Drum.

Advance copies were rushed out to radio and media following the band’s first US performances that created such a stir. Labels were made by Atlantic Records Press Officers on

typewriters and as such each one was slightly diIerent.

This test pressing is a stereo mix/release. Unlike the next and later Zeppelin albums, no mono ‘fold-down’ release of this first Led Zeppelin record was ever made. Interestingly this is because, as is well documented, Page was very focused in the studio on producing a recording that utilized the many different facets of a ‘stereo’ listening experience.

Advance pressings were sent in a plain cardboard jacket to radio stations/media accompanied by a B&W 10x8 photo and a letter from the Atlantic Records Press office introducing / hyping the band. A copy of each of these (not originals) is included in the sale. Radio stations/DJs were renown for not taking care of advance/test/WL pressings that they were given by record companies for free. Consequently, finding even ‘playable’ copies of these vintage promotional releases is extremely unusual. This copy plays very well and is a very enjoyable listen.

This copy is particularly unique because of the fantastic hand-drawn ‘period sixties’ artwork on the front cover, drawn by most likely a Radio DJ or Radio station employee. On the back cover (again hand-written) tracks and timings are listed along with DJ notations that on Side II include genres written next to titles and ‘All Good > Cosmos-Shattering’ at the bottom.

Visual/Overall Playtest Record Grading: VG ‘strong’

Comparing this copy to a VG+ grade where according to the Goldmine Standard: “except for

a couple of minor things, this would be Near Mint”, this copy presents visually as VG bearing visible, feelable and subsequently audible blemishes. Apart from these tics/pops, these is no underlying continuous ‘ground noise’. As such surface noise is low and consequently, overall the recording sounds extremely clear, spacious, bright, and punchy: VG ‘strong’. There are points on the record that warrant VG+ or higher.

Goldmine Standard Grading (scroll down for full Grading Scale)

VINYL: VG to VG+

PLAY TEST:

(Technics 1210, Stanton 500-II Cart, Pickering DE stylus)

Side 1

T1 VG+

T2 VG to VG+

T3 VG

T4 VG

Side 2

T1 VG to VG+

T2 VG

T3 VG

T4 VG

T5 VG to VG+

SLEEVE: Gen hand-drawn period artwork ‘to die for’.

Shipping: Professionally packaged (see below) and will require signature on delivery.

Please be sure of your purchase before you make it. Although returns are accepted, I always take detailed, close photographs of the vinyl/sleeve and the item will need to be returned in exactley the same condition as pictured. I am a seller of integrity and I expect the same honesty from my customers. Thank you.

From a pet, COVID and smoke free home.

**EBAY ANTI-RETURN FRAUD PARTNER**

(see below)

Shipped via USPS Media Mail, professionally packaged in high quality record mailer with a stiff 12” LP cardboard insert when necessary.

You can buy from me with confidence with my assurance that I will:

- grade records honestly

- provide pictures

- package your record professionally*

- dispatch on time

Grading Vinyl Records: I use the industry standard grading guide below for records.

How Will My Record Be Packed?

*IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT YOUR RECORD ARRIVES UNDAMAGED!

When packing a record, I separate the vinyl (in the sleeve) from the jacket to prevent seam-splits during shipment. If required I include a FREE stiff 12” cardboard spacer to sandwich the record inside a FREE high-quality professional RECORD BOX MAILER made in the USA from 100% recycled paper.

**EBAY ANTI-RETURN FRAUD PARTNER**

I go to such lengths to ensure the highest quality packaging it is impossible for a record to be damaged without very obvious visible severe damage to the mailer.

If you claim you have received a vinyl record that is cracked or damaged I will ask you to send me the following before I will even consider any kind of refund:

High-quality photographs showing -

1. each side of the whole LP that is good enough quality to zoom in and clearly see any damage without it being blurred

2. A close-up photograph of each side of the label on the record to verify it is the same record as dispatched

3. Clear pictures of any damage to the mailer

4. Please contact me first but then be prepared to wait just a couple of days while I work with eBay to check for any return fraud patterns. Whilst we are all operating under the honor system unfortunately this has become necessary especially regarding vinyl records. THANK YOU! :)

SHIPPING TO N AMERICA ONLY!

Please be sure this is what you want from the grading description here and attached photos!

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.

Sleeve has slight wear, marks, indentations, and/or may possibly have a cut-out hole (or similar).

Very Good (VG)

Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list VG as the lowest price.