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

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Description

The records I offer for sale are from my extensive personal collection of 1960s and 1970s albums which I have built up over the last four decades. During that time I have added duplicate copies of some of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I am very particular about the records that I own. Storage space limitations dictate that the time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to downsize my collection.

It's my pleasure to offer for sale a superb barely-played 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. [The record matrix numbers are the earliest 588 198 Av2 and 588 198 Bv2 (where v = delta symbol) The Side One label credits "The Lemon Song" which denotes a first pressing].

The gatefold sleeve is in VG+ condition with just very light storage wear and only a few minor creases near the edges. If it weren't for a collection number sticker and faint writing in the top right corner of the front cover (see close-up photo) the sleeve would grade a strong EX. There is also a tiny pinhead size impression mark near the front bottom left corner which is very minor but mentioned for complete accuracy. The back cover is 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 its original shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually it is in EX condition with just very light sleeve-removal/rub type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any significant effect on the audio playback. The plum & orange Atlantic labels are like new with just a few faint spindle traces each side. There is barely any wear to the spindle hole. It is clear that the record has only been played a few times.  Audiowise both sides play excellently throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. During a critical listen I noted a few soft ticks during the fade-out to "Ramble On", but otherwise it plays almost flawlessly with nothing to spoil the listening experience. 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, date coded "03 70" is in great condition with just a few creases but no splits or tears.

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

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:   

EU - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50