LED ZEPPELIN II 2 1969 UK PLUM ATLANTIC LEMON SONG 1st PRESS PHENOMENAL AUDIO!

Click images to enlarge

Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

It's my pleasure to offer for sale a very special copy of Led Zeppelin's iconic second studio album, simply titled Led Zeppelin II, Catalogue Number 588198. It's a 1969 UK first pressing on the plum & orange Atlantic record label, with a first issue E. J. Day and Co. light brown matt-finish gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct white poly-lined inner sleeve. What makes this copy so special is that it is a Pye contract pressing which differs from the standard Atlantic pressings in several ways. [The record labels are have 2 circular ridges unlike the standard Atlantic labels. The record matrix numbers are hand etched 588 198 - A and 58#8 198 - B rather than the usual stamped Atlantic ones. The Side One label credits "The Lemon Song" which denotes a first pressing].

The gatefold sleeve is in EX condition with just light storage wear to the edges and no creases of any significance. The front and back covers are unmarked with virtually no ringwear on the back cover which is very unusual for this particular sleeve due to its unlaminated matt finish. The opening gatefold spread is pristine and the spine is solid with all text clearly legible. Overall it's a very well preserved example of this notoriously wear-prone sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly pressed mid-weight record retains a nice shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually both sides are in VG condition due to several obvious sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks which are only cosmetic and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The plum & orange double-ridged Atlantic labels are unmarked with just a moderate number of spindle traces each side. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. Audiowise both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, repeat ticks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is nothing short of sensational - very powerful, dynamic and vibrant with incredible bass. It really is a top playing copy in every respect.

The white poly-lined inner sleeve is in EX condition with no splits or tears.

Overall this is a superb and ultra rare 1st press copy of Led Zeppelin's highly accomplished second album which will make a fine addition to any record collection. 

I must stress that if you are looking for a visually perfect copy this is not the one for you due to the aforementioned sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks. It does, however, play perfectly! Please bear this in mind if you decide to buy.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50