LED ZEPPELIN IV 4, 1971 UK PLUM ATLANTIC 1st PRESS

	£		43
	$		57

betsy50 store

From my extensive Led Zeppelin collection I am pleased to offer a lovely example of the brilliant fourth studio album simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN IV”, Catalogue Number 2401 012. This is a 1971 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue un-laminated matt-finish gatefold sleeve. Complete with the correct 1st issue lyric/credits inner sleeve. [The sleeve is the earliest possible matt-finish version from 1971. It has a transitional “KINNEY RECORD GROUP” factory sticker on the back but is still definitely a 1st issue sleeve. The soft grey card flipback inner sleeve is also a true 1st issue as it does not have the later K 50008 catalogue number printed on it. The matrix numbers are A3/B4 and “PECKO DUCK” and “PORKY” is etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively].  

The sleeve is in EX condition with only light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers are exceptionally clean with barely any surface wear or age discoloration. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The spine is square and solid with only the lightest of rubbing at the tips. There is a bit of rubbing adjacent to the bottom opening corner of the back cover. Overall this is a superb example of one of the most iconic album sleeve ever made.   

The top quality Atlantic record is in EX condition. It’s a nice mid-weight 120g pressing which sits perfectly flat on the turntable. The plum & orange Atlantic labels show only a few short spindle traces each side. There is still some plastic flashing inside the spindle hole. The sound quality of these original Atlantic pressings is truly outstanding - very powerful and vibrant with wonderful driving bass. This is a very clean-playing copy and both sides play excellently throughout. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and does not interfere with the enjoyment of the music). I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing copy of this wonderful album.

The lyric/credits inner sleeve is unmarked apart from a small circular sticker residue mark in one corner. It has short splits to the bottom and one side edge.

Overall this is a lovely 1st press copy of Zeppelin's iconic fourth album which will grace any record collection.  

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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.

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 - £9.95

Worldwide - £13.30