LED ZEPPELIN, PHYSICAL GRAFFITI, 1975 UK SWAN SONG

	£		71
	$		94

betsy50 store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer a superb example of the brilliant studio double album by LED ZEPPELIN titled “PHYSICAL GRAFFITI”, Catalogue Number SSK 89400. This is an ORIGINAL 1975 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the SWAN SONG RECORD LABEL, with the earliest A1, B5, C1, D1 Matrix Numbers and a truly excellent 1st issue Gothic Print Finishers ‘box-style’ window cut-out sleeve.

It is important to explain the differences between a genuine 1st issue from 1975 and later pressings. Firstly, the 1st issue Swan Song record labels do not have Warner ‘W’ logos at 2 o’ clock as do all later pressings. The colours on the 1st issue labels are also brighter and more vibrant. Secondly, the 1st issue box style sleeve is made of slightly thicker card and has the Swan Song Kings Road London address printed on the back. Later pressings do not have this. Thirdly, the 1st issue picture card inner sleeves are made from thicker card than later issues and are slightly different in colour. Fourthly, the 1st press matrix numbers are A1, B4(or 5), C1 and D1. Later issues have at least one 2 on the C or D numbers. Lastly, the picture card insert is made of thicker card and carries the Gothic Print Finishers text with p & © 1975. The album for sale here has all of these 1st press features.   

The 1st issue box style single sleeve, printed and made in London by Gothic Print Finishers Ltd., is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers are unmarked with all of the window cut-outs in perfect shape. The spine is square and uncrushed with perfect red text. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent 1st issue sleeve. I think that it will be very difficult to find a better one!

The top quality Swan Song records are fairly solidly pressed and retain a deep mirror-like shine. Both records are visually in EX condition with just a very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely cosmetic and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The beautiful Swan Song labels are unmarked with only a few faint spindle traces near the centres. There is only minimal wear to the spindle holes.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These superb Swan Song 1st pressings play 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 no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). You simply will not find a significantly better-playing 1st pressed copy of Zeppelin’s tour de force – I guarantee it!  

The 1st issue thick card picture inner sleeves are in EX condition, with the exception of a short split to the middle of one side edge on each.

The thick card gatefold insert is also in EX unmarked condition.

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 - £10.95

Europe over £41 value - £13.50

Worldwide up to £41 value - £15.50

Worldwide over £41 value - £17.95

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.