LED ZEPPELIN IV A3/B4 UK ATLANTIC RED/PLUM Rare EX/EX+ Audio
£
73
$
97
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Description
LED ZEPPELIN IV A3 / B4 Atlantic 2401012 UK 1971 RED/PLUM Label
This rare first A3/B4 pressing is in excellent condition. Also known as 'Zoso' or 'Four Symbols' there are about eight red/plum pressings of this classic album.
PECKO DUCK and PORKY are etched into the dead wax.
On this pressing there is no 'Peter Grant' credit on the label as per Jimmy's request! And “Under licence from Atlantic Recording Corpn.,” is now within the central white stripe.
2401012 // A // 3 // 1 2 2 0 // PECKO DUCK
2401012 // B // 4 // 1 2 4 // PORKY
The audio on S1 is Ex+ ('Stairway To Heaven' is Ex)
The audio on S2 is Ex+ ('When The Levee Breaks' is Ex)
The gatefold is Ex
The labels are Near Mint
The original inner sleeve is Ex-
Visual grading
This very early red/plum pressing has been well cared for down the decades. There are no scratches at all and only a small number of very faint hairlines on each side. It really is a beautiful vinyl and at first glance it looks as new and still has that clean glossy lustre of new vinyl. The labels are also superbly clean but do have some spindle wear so whilst you can see it has been played a number of times it has obviously been very carefully handled by its previous owner.
Play grading
'Black Dog' has only two background light static sounds on the intro and no crackle. It then plays with immense depth and power. The clarity is first class and there is only a hint of static in the quieter sections. Turning the volume up loud in no way distorts the sound and it is a great listen with no loud clicks or pops. 'Rock and Roll' plays with stunning power and range again and is without doubt one of the best versions I have ever heard on a red/plum pressing. It grades as Near Mint if not better such is the quality on display here. 'The Battle of Evermore' plays to a very high standard and has only low level static on the quiet intro. The remainder plays with great clarity and no clicks or pops. The classic 'Stairway to Heaven' has very light static on the intro but it does not intrude on what is still an excellent listen. I would say there is more static during the 'there's a feeling I get' verse but has decreased by the 'if there's a bustle in your hedgerow' verse. The guitar solo and final verse plays with a little distortion but still has excellent power and no other interference.
'Misty Mountain Hop' plays extremely well but some light background static here and there. You expect some interference on a 46 year old vinyl and it is not intrusive here in my opinion. This version of 'Four Sticks' is of superb quality and has no obvious interference. I have rarely heard it play with such distinct clarity on a red/plum pressing. The bass comes through so strong and this easily grades as Near Mint. 'Going to California' again displays audio of excellent quality. Yes there is the lightest of intermittent static but your ears have to be very close to the speakers to hear it! For such a delicate track the sound quality is very impressive and there are no clicks, pops or jumps. 'When the Levee Breaks' has one click literally at the start and then plays with excellent audio and no clicks or pops but there is some distortion on the top level but this is always the case with this track on the early pressings. This occurs when the grooves are pressed closer together in order to fit it onto the side. However, for a vinyl approaching 50 years it still plays extremely well with no other interference.
Gatefold cover
The gatefold has been very well preserved and only has mild shelf wear. The edges have some rubbing and whilst the spine is very clean there is some wear at the top and bottom. The front and back cover are in great condition although the latter does have three very small initials written top left. The inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition with only a couple of rub marks bottom left and very slight fading along the bottom. The opening edge has minimal handling wear for 46 years of age.
Inner sleeve
The original inner sleeve at first glance looks to be in great condition. However, there is a large split along the bottom edge but it is at least a clean split. It is a shame because the rest of it is in superb condition. There are no splits to the sides, no markings and barely any creasing either. So often these are found badly damaged so for the only wear to be one large split isn't a bad result and at least it isn't taped together!
The labels
The red/plum labels are in stunning condition with no writing etc, just some spindle wear as previously stated.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers
2401012 // A // 3 // 1 2 2 0 // PECKO DUCK
2401012 // B // 4 // 1 2 4 // PORKY
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
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