LED ZEPPELIN IV 4, 1971 UK PLUM ATLANTIC, V.EARLY PRESS

	£		102
	$		135

betsy50 Store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer a superb example of the iconic fourth studio album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN IV”, Catalogue Number 2401012. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO PRESSING on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORDS LABEL, with a lovely 1st issue matt finish gatefold sleeve. The package comes complete with the correct 1st issue grey card lyric/credits inner sleeve. 

The copy for sale here is a very early pressing with the earliest design 1st issue labels and the ultra rare factory fitted colour-coded corrective stickers. The labels differ from the usual plum & orange labels in several respects. The main differences are that they have “Executive Producer: Peter Grant” text and no “Superhype Music Inc.” credits. The “LED ZEPPELIN” text is at the bottom of the labels rather than the top, and there is no “Under licence from Atlantic Recording Corpn.” text inside the white band. Due to differences of opinion between the band and Peter Grant these 1st issue labels were hurriedly corrected by fitting a plum-coloured sticker on top of the Peter Grant text which credits Jimmy Page as the Producer and includes a “Superhype Music Inc.” credit in addition to the “Kinney Music Ltd.” credit. As this sticker also covered up the “LED ZEPPELIN” text it was necessary to apply an orange sticker with “LED ZEPPELIN” to the orange top part of the label which was the only available space. These stickers were only used as a temporary measure until the label text had been changed.

The vinyl matrix numbers are A//3, B//4 and “PECKO DUCK” and “PORKY” are etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively. Most people believe that all A//3, B//3 pressings came before A//3, B//4 ones - but this is not the case. The fact that a few A//3, B//4 pressings have the corrective stickers proves this, as these stickers were only used for a very brief period soon after the initial release and the vast majority of A//3, B//3 pressings have the familiar amended plum & orange labels which came after the stickered ones. This is therefore a very early pressing of Zeppelin’s masterpiece, made even more special by the rarity of the corrective stickers.

The matt finish gatefold sleeve is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and minor creasing. The front cover and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The back cover has a short ring mark near the opening edge and a few small spot marks near the spine, but is otherwise very presentable. There is some storage wear to the edges and corners – but nothing serious. The spine is square and solid. Overall this is a very tidy-looking 1st issue sleeve.

The record is fairly solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually it is in EX condition with just very light sleeve-removal/storage type surface marks evident under bright light. These are only superficial and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with only a few spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear to the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a top quality Atlantic pressing which plays with outstanding sound quality. The stereo playback is particularly loud-cut and vibrant and the bass in particular is very impressive. Both sides play perfectly. There is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality and virtually no unwanted noise at all. You simply will not find a significantly better-playing copy of this incredible album - I guarantee it!

The correct 1st issue soft grey card lyric/credits inner sleeve has splits to the side edges but is otherwise unmarked.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 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. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.