LED ZEPPELIN III LP UK 1st PRESS Vinyl A5/B5 Plum VG+
£
20
$
26
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Description
This is a first press copy of the 1970 album Led Zeppelin III on the Plum Atlantic label. It has all the indicators associated with the very first copies as follows :
Labels :
(1) 2401002 (on labels)
(2) Produced by Jimmy Page , Executive Producer : Peter Grant (credited on top half of labels)
(3) Warner Bros. Music Ltd.
Inside Cover
Under License from Atlantic Recording Corp., U.S.A.
Manufactured for Polydor Records Ltd., London
Printed and made by the E. J. Day Group London and Bedford.
Side 1 Matrix and stampers : 11 3 Do What Thou Wilt 2401002 A - 5
Side 2 Matrix and stampers : 11 5 So Mote it Be 24001002 B - 5
The cover and inside gate-fold is generally clean, but with a minimal light browning along the edges. No ring wear and cover and insides nice and glossy. There is slight 'nibble' at the bottom of the spine and a dink on btm right hand side front. The wheel is perfectly in place and works, the strong spine reads solid, and although there is some minimal creasing and opening wear I would grade a conservative very good + for its 47 years age. I have taken pictures to show any issues up, but if you require anymore please let me know?
The labels are good + with a little mottling. No spindle marks visible.
The Vinyl has been cleaned professionally on a Moth II record cleaner which has not only made it look good but has increased the dynamic sound considerably. Looks wise it is very clean and only a couple of wispy marks/rubs, no out and out deep scratches as far as I can see.
As far as the sound is concerned, overall it is in great condition and a wonderful pressing. The worst issue is during the last track of side two 'Hats Off'. There is a a repetitive crackle that can just be heard in the background in the right speaker, it is most pronounced as it fades down and into the dead wax. I've tried to see what may cause this but even after cleaning I cannot see anything specific. I can honestly say that although this is a niggle and shows up a flaw it didn't affect my enjoyment of that track. it comes across clear and fresh with lovely pronounced acoustic slide guitar work, and Robert Plants young falsetto is ear piercingly clear.
I have just spent a most enjoyable 40 minutes of my life listening to this wonderful bright and punchy sounding album. This early pressing has great all round instrument separation, sound definition, with no distortion as far as I can hear. Some forgiveness has to be made for such an aged copy, and there are occasional pops and clicks that appear, but in general nothing to worry about. There is some background noise as one would expect, but apart from that already mentioned, mostly showing up in quieter parts, at the run-ins, in between tracks, and into the dead wax. I do have difficulty with regard to this particular aspect, as what is acceptable to one may not be to another. To my taste I don't have an issue with a little 'sparkle', as my 9 year old grandson describes it, it is comforting and real. Also, the level at which you will hear it will also depend on the equipment you are listening to the music through, it is all so subjective. All I can say is that there have been no issues for me with regard to this particular album. If you have any doubts please do not bid!
I would grade this as overall VG because of the last track side two issue, and the run-in 'sparkle'. However, once into the flow there are many parts that to my ears are excellent sounding and just fill the heart with joy!
I have tried to be as thorough and as descriptive as possible with my comments, but if you have any questions please ask and I will try and answer them honestly.
This is an opportunity to own and listen to a true Classic. Whereas it is not a perfect copy, it is a good starting point and ready for an upgrade at a later date.
UK Collection free - Postage 2nd Class tracked and signed for £5.50
Europe £9.50 or cost and Worldwide cost tracked and signed for.
Happy bidding
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