LED ZEPPELIN I A1/B1 Red/Plum PRESS UK *SUPERB* FINAL UPGRADE AUDIO NM/MINT-
£
301
$
399
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
Led Zeppelin I A1 / B1 Red/Plum Label
This very early A1/B1 pressing plays to a superb standard and easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE time warp classic! In other words no need to buy another as you could not get better audio than this! The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio is so impressive and there are no clicks or pops - basically no intrusion on the audio at all.
The intro on 'Your Time Is Gonna Come' on S2 is a prime example of the sound quality and has barely any 'background' - you so rarely hear this intro playing with such clarity. I cannot overstate just how stunning the sonic quality is on both sides. This is an album that has only been lightly played down the years and it has also been preserved incredibly well.
So yes the vinyl is visually stunning and I am not sure I have ever seen a more beautiful example. The cover is super clean with only very minimal shelf wear. The original inner is also near perfect - an amazing 'package' for certain.
This is known as a very early second press variation but still has the A1/B1 matrix. It has the orange lettering on the front cover and the silver/grey band along the bottom edge. The matrix on both run out grooves is 'corrected' and it has the 'Warner Bros/7 Arts...' publishing credit printed in one line on the labels.
588171 (2nd 8 corrected with etched 8) A // 1 1 2 1 4
588171 ( 2nd 8 corrected with etched 8) B // 1 1 2
The audio on S1 is Mint(-)
The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T1 intro Near Mint-)
The cover is Ex++
The original 'plastic bags...' inner is Near Mint
The labels are Near Mint
Visual grading
This vinyl is in fantastic condition and in essence looks 'as new' - it is STUNNING! It has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen and has no marks, scuffs or scratches at all it truly is a beautiful example of this iconic vinyl. On very close inspection I can only detect a couple of barely visible sleeve removal hairlines. The surface has no groove wear and there is only a minimal amount of spindle wear. The run out grooves are also super - a beautifully preserved vinyl for sure.
Play grading
S1 begins with 'Good Times Bad Times' and the clarity and power from the word go is superb! That intro has only one light tick and the first verse and chorus both play with stunning precision. From that point on I heard only one other very faint tick and already you know you are listening to a red/plum pressing as you do not get this level of definition and depth on any other version. Every section plays with great power and there is no distortion on the top end and no underlying static either. The fade also plays perfectly and this is easily a Mint- version.
The acoustic intro on 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' is 'as new' and as Plant's vocal begins there is no let up in quality. The clarity is exceptional to say the least! The first 'louder' section is sublime and it continues in the same way. The infamous background baby 'cry' at 1:40 can be heard so clearly and exemplifies just how impressive the clarity is. The more you get into this classic the more you are impressed by it as there is just no interference of any kind. Each quieter section plays with incredible clarity and every 'high octane' passage has no distortion or interference either. The super quiet end vocal is breathtaking and again this more than deserves a Mint- grade. Wow!
'You Shook Me' has no intrusion on the intro and Plant's first vocal is also 'as new'. This track has so many quiet sections and yet the clarity is not compromised in any way. The audio is so 'clean' and the long mid instrumental section is a prime example of that, the playback is absolutely STUNNING! It is so obvious this vinyl has hardly been played and also so well preserved over the years otherwise you would not get audio definition as impressive as this. From start to finish there are no clicks or pops, no underlying static and even Plant's 'scream' vocal at the end has no 'background'. There is no need for a minus here as this is Mint in every way. What a version!
The bass intro on 'Dazed And Confused' plays with wonderful clarity and this quality continues into the first vocal. Thereafter there is so much to admire - no inner groove distortion which is perhaps surprising as this is the final track on S1 - and a clarity and depth that cannot be faulted. The audio is so 'clean' and the quiet mid instrumental plays to a fantastic standard with no sign of any interference. I just cannot believe what I am hearing - to think this is over 50 years old! The next 'high octane' section is so powerful and just to repeat there is literally no distortion on the top end of Page's iconic solo. Let's not forget that Bonham is going bonkers ! here and yet all I could detect was one faint tick. This is without question one of the finest versions I have ever heard and to the end it plays with great precision. Mint- is a genuine appraisal of the audio on offer here. What a side!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As any Led Zepp collector will know the intro on 'Your Time Is Gonna Come' will always have some static/crackle and it is just a question of how much. I am pleased to say this is one of the 'cleanest' examples you will find today, it is stunning! There is barely any static and there are certainly no clicks or pops. It would be hard to find clarity better than this and as Bonham and Page join the scene the playback is 'as new'. This quality continues into the first vocal and the remainder is of the same standard also. I detected only a couple of very minor background ticks but from start to finish there is no actual interference - each chorus plays to perfection and I am confident in grading the intro as Near Mint- and the remainder as Mint it is that good.
The acoustic segue into 'Black Mountain Side' is faultless and that applies to the rest of this instrumental. A definitive version this is Mint with not even a single dust tick.
'Communication Breakdown' is of the same 'high end' standard. This 'high octane' track often has some distortion but that is not the case here providing further evidence of a vinyl that has only been lightly played. This is stunning and again the definition of the audio is 'high end' - an exceptional Mint version for sure.
The vocal only intro on 'I Can't Quit You Baby' has no 'background' at all and it continues to play with wonderful clarity and depth. Just consider the age of the LP and how many quiet sections there are during this track - it is STUNNING from the first note to the final drum roll as there is literally no interference of any kind. The clarity is equal to that of a recently pressed vinyl but with a greater depth and warmth that you only get from the red/plum pressings. I cannot overstate just immaculate the audio is and Mint is I believe an honest appraisal of this classic track.
The iconic bass intro on 'How Many More Times' is faultless and thereafter plays as you would want it to! With a dynamic power and depth that is unrivalled. Again there is no interference - pure powerful audio with no distortion and a gentle touch in the quieter sections. Audio does not get better than this! Each note is so precise and even during the super quiet mid section the clarity is just amazing with just one very light tick. There is no underlying static and the remainder plays to a sublime standard - the 'Oh Rosie...' section is flawless and the closing 'riff' section is as good as I have ever heard and provides a suitably fitting finale to this classic debut album. What a version! This is Mint- without a doubt.
In summary this FINAL UPGRADE album plays to a superb standard with no interference at all and how often can you say for that any 51 year old record let alone one a red/plum press from the mighty Led Zeppelin! The original pressings were generally heavily played and taken to parties etc and to find one in this sublime condition is a genuine rarity. The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio on both sides is outstanding and there is not one single click or pop and no underlying static either. In other words the sonic quality cannot be faulted and just to repeat it is so rare for the intro on 'Your Time Is Gonna Come' to play so 'cleanly'. I sold a stunning A1/B4 pressing of this album two months ago and this one is equally as good, a time warp classic for sure.
The Cover
The laminated 'MacNeill' cover is in fantastic condition with barely any shelf wear. The edges and thin pinched spine are in perfect condition with no rubbing and there is no corner wear either. The opening edge is near perfect also and the front cover has no marking and only a couple of very small laminate creases. they are hardly visible! There is only one minor crease next to the spine and for once there is very little of the laminate 'lift' that you so often see running down the spine. Being an early press it has the silver/grey band along the bottom edge which remains in perfect condition. The back cover is almost as good - barely any laminate lift by the spine and only a couple of areas of very faint water marks by the bottom edge and right corner. I've had this LP a while now and I've only just noticed this, it really is very minor. There is no actual laminate damage on either side. Overall this is a fine example of this iconic cover and is also still very strong and robust like it hasn't been handled very much.
The Inner Sleeve
The original 'Plastic Bags...' inner is in superb shape with no marking and barely any creasing. There are no side splits orr tears and is very near perfect. I would say it has only been removed from the cover a few times only!
The Labels
The red/plum labels have lost none of their original colour and have no marking or writing either. There is only minimal spindle wear and could hardly be in better condition.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers
This record has been professionally cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine
588171 (2nd 8 corrected with etched 8) A // 1 1 2 1 4
588171 ( 2nd 8 corrected with etched 8) B // 1 1 2
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 SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.
WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.
FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY. THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE. PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.
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 (First Class)
LPs/12" singles : £5.75 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item
7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra
EUROPE (Standard)
LPs/12" singles : £10.95 then £1.75 per extra
7" singles / CDs : £6.45 then £0.95 per extra
REST OF WORLD (Standard)
LPs/12" singles : £18.95 then £1.95 per extra
7" singles / CDs : £7.95 then £1.45 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!!
price rating
