LED ZEPPELIN I ORIG UK 69 TURQUOISE COVER LP

	£		710
	$		941

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering the RAREST Rock Classics to the World

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Album Title: Led Zeppelin (One).

Rarity & Overview: The title itself on the ‘Plum’ label is not too difficult to find with the orange coloured cover. The very first examples with the turquoise cover and 'Superhype' credit record are a very different matter, they are and always have been very rare. Even fairly recently, these did surface for offering, but lately, they are getting close to drying up as collectors grab the few available ones around. There still seems debate over which is a true ‘first pressing' of this landmark album, as I was only 12 when it was issued in 1969, I prefer to let other so-called ‘experts’ give their opinions. I will simply describe in detail what is exactly here in front of me, then you decide. What I do know is this is one of the most sort-after and prized albums ever issued. Runs with the blue (or more accurately, turquoise) cover were very small and most around now are locked away in prized and valuable collections. This album has soared in value in recent years and I feel sure it will continue to do so. I never put reserves on my items as it’s greatly misleading for bidders and I always keep my opening bids very low to in all fairness to collectors to let them determine the market value and I have never sold on minimum profits. Some I win, some I lose, that simple. I intend to do the same on this immensely rare record, but I also reserve my right to take it off the market if it does not reach what I feel is a reasonable price, I had to outlay a large sum just to secure it. The cover on this one is not near mint but more near excellent. It has some creasing and corner rubs, but not a great deal else to fault and still looks attractive. The record itself looks very modestly played and has only ultra fine whispy surface marks that have NO sound whatsoever. It retains a super shine and genuine lustre and has survived those heady days, for many, still the era of the mono record-player that inflicted such wear, marks and damage to the classics of the day. This has NOT been in any way mistreated like that. With absolutely stunning audio quality as you would expect from a copy this early pressed (confirmed by the matrixes below), this is a lovely copy. Just enough present visually to remind it’s over 40-years-old, simply matured and many would feel, looking ‘perfect’ for it’s considerable vintage. Near Mint examples do exist, I have had one or two, but they are now almost off-the-scale in terms of value and owners want colossal prices for them, if indeed you can even get them to part with them. This is a much, MUCH better than a compromise copy (to say the very least), and it may indeed give the opportunity for those who do not wish to spend a king’s ransom or simply cannot afford to do so on a genuine near mint one. I have seen trashed copies of this in London that grade only around fair (or even less), with records that I am sure would sound wretched, with asking prices exceeding £700++. Such poor quality simply brings into context of just how fine this copy really is. Anyway, all the information the specialist collector needs is below. Any questions, please ask.

Producer: Jimmy Page.

Executive Producer: Peter Grant.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Good Times Bad Times; Babe I’m Gonna Leave You; You Shook Me; Dazed and Confused.

Side 2: Your Time is Gonna Come; Black Mountain Side; Communication Breakdown; I Can’t Quit You Baby; How Many More Times.

Label/Format: Atlantic – Red and Maroon (‘Plum’) format. This ultimate example has the very rare and highly prized ‘Superhype’ credits. Few copies were issued with these credits making this copy the most prized in the Led Zeppelin catalogue. Most ‘Plum’ copies of this title have the far more common Warner credits. (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both clean and attractive with only light and faint spindle marks, no wear around the rims and this legendary issue plays with supreme sound.

Cat Number: 588171.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 138 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: 588171 A1 // 1 1 1 ? / 588171 B // 1 1 ? 4 (these matrixes have NO error corrections, the (?) are unclear figures, possibly 8s.) [Please see my close-ups of the matrixes, hope they are clear enough].

Musicians: Jimmy Page – Robert Plant – John Bonham – John Paul Jones.

Brief Info: Originally issued in very small numbers within the turquoise sleeve lettered sleeve and some labels had Superhype credits. This was withdrawn fairly quickly, some say because as it was thought not to stand out enough and reprinted and replaced with the far more familiar orange lettering and logo. Or the turquoise sleeve was simply a ‘mistake’. Again, I do not know, but for sure, these are rare and are not seen often. Being so early, most that surface are in very poor conditions. This copy on offer has the blue cover and the Superhype label credits and is in very fine condition and sounds absolutely fantastic.

The legend started here, formed from the ashes of the Yardbirds, but this self-assured debut album immediately established them in their own right. Faultless musicianship combined with strong material to create an emphatic statement of purpose. Blues standards are extensively reworked and original songs are as powerful and memorable as found on any debut album ever made. Page’s guitar explores the instrument’s potential with dazzling runs of sonic inventiveness, while Plant takes the lead vocal into new realms of expression. Raw and loud this has moments of true brilliance and many still are convinced this was their best ever album – a tough call for sure. Led Zeppelin albums are always best enjoyed on the Plum labels, they are thicker and heavier and have slightly deeper grooves and very loud and dynamic sound qualities that are never bettered. The Superhype pressings are the MOST prized of all, they offer just that little bit of extra detail and fidelity that is hard to put into words, simply listen to it on a worthy system and hear for yourself. Several audiophile customers of mine. when the subject is raised, agree. Of all the Led Zeppelin albums I find, this first album is always the one that seems the most played often in lesser conditions. Okay its the oldest, but not by that much. It simply was adored by early owners and often played into submission. This rare ‘Blue’ and ‘Superhype’ example is super overall condition with record gorgeous and the cover just showing it’s great age a little. A nicely ‘matured’ example that most collectors will enjoy. But if a near mint pristine one is the only option, this one is not quite for you. Search and save, for those will command massive prices now. This record is pure raw-power and plays supremely well with nothing of note at all to fault – it’s a highly demanding album and rarely plays to absolute perfection, but this one is joy, this too played on a fully-tuned and recently serviced LP12. It will take something pretty special to match or better this record and the sound it offers – this is NO ‘superhype’, it’s plain fact.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Even though it’s fully laminated, this does not wear as well as you man thing. Few escape laminate issues, e.g. major lifting, heavy creasing and dulling. No made with the thickest of card, all these problems are rarely avoided.

Cover Grade and Format: Near Excellent. A fully laminated, single format with the highly prized turquoise logo and band name (as seen in close-up). It was printed and made in England by MacNeill Press Ltd, London. Within the world of rock music, this is still one of the most cherished and prized covers ever issued. It has legendary status and the demand exceeds supply of the very few made – most too in less than wonderful conditions, often with significant damage.

Lamination & Front: This iconic rock cover front is still looks very nice indeed. Grading is difficult and subjective, this for me falls between a high grading Very Good to a Near Excellent. It has no damage and most of any ‘wear’ is creasing. Let’s start with the front: the laminate retains a very impressive shine and clarity and any friction rubs or dulling are ultra faint to barely any. The spine edge has a fine lift line but ver narrow indeed in context of this one. I have seen this cover in blue and orange with huge blisters that really do ruin the appearance, this has not happened to either side here. The line of non-adhesion has minimal visual impact and there is no peeling. With the artwork still looking magnificent with rich and intense blackness to that famous old zeppelin and the white areas, still just that, white. Not yellowed or toned. Mild record impression with faint rim dull seen under light, this is very light indeed. There are a number of creases, only one anything like moderate near the top right corner area, even this shows little with normal viewing. Directly below this are a number of half moons, or thumb creases, this cover rarely escapes these as the card is not substantially thick, again modest visibility without scrutiny. The spine edge has around seven hairline creases that have toned a little. These are very fine indeed only slightly enhanced to the eye by the darkening, they are only very small and again, how many covers this age avoid a few of these? Actual marks are few and mainly faint, one pressmark and a tiny few ultra fine surface blemishes, yes, again, most seen under light. The bottom right corner has a very small tip rub. Overall, viewing this front in ‘normal’ face-on method, this famous looks very impressive and importantly remains attractive to the eye. Only with angled viewing under light to the mostly minor blemishes stand out. Inside a heavy-duty protective cover (supplied), this looks fantastic. Most collectors will enjoy the front, but not for the highly discerning perfectionist. Any doubts, do not bid.

Lamination & Back: The back is very similar in most-all aspects. There are slightly more creases: a couple can just be said to be around moderate, these near the left edge. Less half moons and only scattered finer surface creases, most tend to disappear when viewed normally. Very light and minor friction rubs but little actual dulling, this too retains super shine. The spine edge almost replicates the front with the fine laminate line lift (probably that way when purchased, as many were) and the fine, lightly toned hairlines. A few fine surface marks but still a fully intact back that looks again very nice to the eye. Just enough to remind of it’s considerable age, but believe me, there will be others around that will be decrepid and shabby with massive asking prices. This is not perfect, but a fine, solid example with both the main faces in pleasing condition (unless near perfection is mandatory).

Top & Bottom Edges: Barely any wear up to the corner tips that have rubbed. Very thin edges that retain their laminate protection, both are straight too.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with little wear and no feathering or trimming. These front and back edges have a fine unprotected strip where the laminate ends slightly short of full width, these exposed strips show little wear, grubbiness or chipping, very minor and faint toning traces on the back (but look hard). Record entered on this right outside edge.

Spine and Text: A fine spine that is made very thin in manufacture which makes the fact the text is beautifully centred and unworn a big plus. Solid with minimal traces of compression and only fine laminate cracks, as mentioned on the main faces above. All text is present and unworn and all laminate intact with no peeling [please see the spine text in close-up].

Corners: The corners have small tip rubs, tiny on the spine pair and only marginally larger on the right pair. Fine to very fine shape is retained.

Cover Summary: I fully realise the importance, collectability and fragility of this incredibly rare and sort-after cover. Hence my detailed descriptions above, with the creasing and minor blemishes, I know it’s not for the perfectionist or highly discerning collector, but with so few around these days, anyone can consider this one. It’s still a lovely clean example that will delight many, if not most realistic collectors. Let’s be honest and sensible: 41-year-old covers will usually show a little wear, some creasing and mild ageing, fact. This has simply acquired minor wear, light creasing and handling use marks that comes with the territory of the format. Little degrades it’s attractiveness and this is a little less than excellent example that has no tip-ins or enhancements. Look at the pictures, read my description and decide, it will take a might fine one to better it significantly. As I always say, if you have doubts, do not bid.

The Inner: The Polydor-style polylined inner is in excellent condition with any ageing mild and faint. The window in fantastic condition and very clear and all edges unsplit (or repaired). Barely any creasing or glue darkening, this is quite exceptional.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I cannot grade this lightly played copy less than Excellent, few of the ‘Superhype’ copies will better this significantly either. A very fine visual copy that is very clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. A few very small and faint surface marks, most all ultra fine hairlines that will only show under angled light. With many examples rendered unplayable with years of use and abuse, this is almost like a breath of fresh air – any faint blemishes on this are incredibly minor and nothing seen sounds. Always the most important factor for this seller, audio quality is of paramount importance this plays beautifully. The visual evidence via labels and playing surfaces strongly suggests the most modest of plays and I am more than certain, on better equipment. Minor hairlines or fine stylus marks are incredible hard to avoid of such old records, again fact. There is nothing on view here what I deem a scratch, e.g. a penetrating needle mark that sounds as clicks. Visually a super record that should please many collectors, again if you want a ‘Superhype’ that looks as new, well be prepared to spend a huge sum, it’s unlikely to sound any better than this one anyway. Remember, only buy play-graded records, groovewear, pressing sounds and other unwanted audio sounds can only be heard and not seen. Even pristine copies can disappoint, why take the risk?

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This landmark album plays even above its high visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is astonishing with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. An album of immense power and raw dynamics, this record is capable of awesome intensity when played at high volume. ‘Dazed and Confused’ – my personal favourite Led Zeppelin track ever – plays with incredible sonic power. For some time, the sound is restrained with that beautiful eeriness, but you can just feel it’s ready to explode at any time and the finale does just that with a cresendo of sheer raw power. This gave me that rare ‘tingle factor’ that only the very best recordings and albums ever can. Check out too the start of side two with it’s incredibly hard-to-track solo organ introduction that almost never plays devoid of some (often severe) crackle or distortion. In fact I have heard examples of this that literally break-up totally with severe noise and horrible groove-wear sound and echo, and this even on clean looking copies. This intro is critical and highly uncompromising, few examples will play this even well let alone ‘perfectly’. Only the exceptional copies that have received few plays on more sympathetic equipment have any real chance these days and this copy almost excels. This has minimal unwanted sounds or crackle, the merest trace only (and this too on a revealing deck and system), and at considerable volume too. The organ is fully focused with unusual sharpness and clarity. Few will better this overall and it can be played loudly with a high degree of confidence – not silent, but as close it realistically ever gets in real terms. When the bass and drums kick in, VERY hard it can almost make you leave your seat, the slam is breathtaking as Bonzo pounds those skins. Barely any surface sounds registered elsewhere and no pops or clicks were noted, this is an exceptional clean pressing for a highly demanding album. Hear those running basslines grinding and the percussion has real zing and breathtaking realism. Page’s guitar splinters through the speaker-cloth as does Plant’s awesome, expressive vocals. This is powerhouse blues-rock at its very best. I filed this under ‘Rock Classic’ and this is a supreme example of the genre. Remember this album’s age and vintage and what is could have been subjected too. I know I state this often in my adverts, but so many vintage classics were written off by worn or damaged needles that stripped and wrecked those delicate groove walls. One arm drop or jolt and there goes another one written-off, such decks took no prisoners with massively high tracking weights. This has clearly avoided such abuse or accidents and certainly has not been overplayed. Few copies will match or outperform this early ‘Superhype’ pressing significantly I feel sure and this was an awesome experience to hear again. Any audio blemishes (this is the correct word to use here) are minuscule and this must rank as one of the best audio rock experiences. A copy that has been handled and used a little, but unscarred with penetrating marks or anything remotely heavy. Merely fine surface blemishes only and purely superficial and few. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this astonishing record – a copy time has largely forgotten, I doubt if this record have seen light of day since the early 70s. This copy will prove difficult to find significantly better and I can strongly recommend it – no ‘Superhype’ needed, this is just an amazing item and experience. Not perfect visually, but it sure gives an astonishing account of itself on the turntable. A pure piece of rock history, they hardly get better or more important than this.

NOTE: this rare album will be posted FREE OF CHARGE anywhere in the world with signed-for and insured, bullet-proof packing.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). The record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with THREE or EVEN FOUR ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. The thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 6,000+ items sold in over 8 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.