Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin original issue with turquoise lettering

	£		775
	$		1,027

Led Zeppelin - self-titled debut album in excellent overall condition and plays superbly with virtually no surface noise!

This copy has sat on my shelves un-played alongside many others, but not unloved, for the best part of 40 years and I guess it’s time to let it go to someone who will appreciate it and play it more often.

I bought this when it was first released and it has been stored upright and the vinyl has always been kept clean. It has been recently “vacuumed” on my Moth Record Cleaning machine using L’Art du Son” cleaning fluid, which has no alcohol in it, to restore it to its original lustre, since when it has been housed in a Nagaoka anti-static inner sleeve (they really do work), although the original inner sleeve is included here as well. This LP has never been loaned out or taken to any party so I know its entire history and it has always been played on quality equipment.

I have played this on my latest set-up which is Project Perspective deck, Ortofon Kontrapunkt B cartridge through Musical Fidelity XLPS2 twin mono block phono stage into a WAD Pre–11 valve pre amp coupled to a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amp and finally Ruark Prelude ‘speakers and it sounds dynamic and clear. I have also listened to it using my Sennheiser HD 565 Ovation headphones through a Musical Fidelity X-Cans v2 headphone amplifier and it sounds equally superb.

It is worth bearing in mind that other systems may not reveal the same level of hi-fi sound, especially with respect to surface noise.

The original sleeve has turquoise lettering and also the grey horizontal band across the bottom edge of the front cover, denoting a first edition. It is flat and only has the slightest of ringwear evident on the rear cover. The spine and lettering is complete with no wear (difficult to photograph this but I can send photos should you require). The corners are all complete, without dents or wear. There is slight laminate lifting (bubbling) on the front and rear covers near the spine edge but this is not significant. The opening edges of the cover are crisp and lay completely flat.

There is one disfiguring aspect on the front cover and that is some indentations (NOT writing). These can be seen from the close-up photograph and the elderly among you will recognise it as a Football Pools permutation (perm). I'v never really noticed this before but it must have been done in the record shop - someone must have laid their Pools coupon on top of the sleeve and what you see are the indentations of the ball-point pen used. I stress that this is NOT writing. It is obviously contemporary with the sleeve as the "perm" is made out in units of a farthing (1/4d) one quarter of an old penny!

Other than this the sleeve would rate as Ex+.

All this can be verified from the photographs.

Inner Ex

This comes supplied with the original white plain paper inner sleeve with polythene inner. It has British Patent (800513 & 973939) and Made in England (20/059) text either side of the "Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous" warning box. This inner is still in very good shape with little if any age discolouration. It has a slight (20mm) tear to one side edge but the corners are still sharp.

Labels Ex

The labels are in superb condition with no tears or writing and no signs of spindle marks. There is a slight grubbiness to the white area immediately in the vicinity of the hole, but this is not major and could probably be removed by using a putty rubber.

The LP has been visually and play graded as accurately as possible using the Record Collector's grading system (see below) with an added + where the condition is somewhere between two grades.

MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records listed as un-played should be mint.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have some slight wear and/or creasing.

VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items is acceptable.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration etc.

Postage & Packaging information - FREE!!!

As this LP is likely to cost the buyer a good few pounds I'm happy to absorb the cost of postage to anywhere in the world!

It will be sent via Royal Mail 1st Class & Royal Mail Airmail registered /international signed-for post and will be appropriately insured. If you require any other method of posting or insurance please ask.

I always keep proof of posting & will assist you if you need to make a claim for loss or damage with Royal Mail. Please ensure that you provide me with your correct address.

This LP will be posted in a thick purpose-made cardboard mailer with cardboard inserts for extra protection and the sleeve and LP will be separated to avoid any potential damage to either.

I will endeavour to post this the day after payment has been confirmed but I will be away from 1st to 4th February. However, I will keep the successful bidder informed.

Keep a look-out as I will soon be posting more superb condition LPs from Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, East Of Eden, Jethro Tull, Wild Man Fischer and a few more, all from my own collection and all bought at the time of release and extremely well-looked after.