LED ZEPPELIN II 2, 1969 UK*1st PRESS* LEMON SONG CREDIT

	£		70
	$		93

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 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the brilliant second album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN II”, Catalogue Number 588 198. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 UK STEREO *1st PRESSING* on the PLUM/ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL, with THE LEMON SONG CREDITED on the Side One label, and 1st ISSUE LIGHT BROWN E.J.DAY GATEFOLD SLEEVE!!

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by E. J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in close to EXCELLENT CONDITION (strictly graded). It is still nice and rigid and shows very little loss of condition. The front cover is almost unmarked with just a couple of tiny surface scuffs. There is barely any creasing (just a few tiny hairlines near the spine and bottom edges). The back cover is in excellent shape apart from a small sticker removal mark in the top left corner. Unusually for this fragile sleeve, there is barely any ringwear. The opening gatefold spread is just about perfect. The top and bottom edges show some light storage wear in places (nothing serious). The opening edges are also in excellent shape with barely any signs of use. The corners are still fairly square with only very light rubbing. The spine is nice and solid with only the lightest traces of wear and the text clearly legible. Overall a very well preserved example of this notoriously fragile sleeve. Tough to find one much better!!

The record is very solidly pressed – a beautiful 1st press Atlantic heavyweight! It retains a deep mirror-like shine, and sits flat and true on the turntable. The rim edge is tapered.

The etched Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

RECORD 1

Side One – 588-198-A     D     KT    1

Side Two – 588-198-B     KT

These are quite unusual matrix numbers for this album. I have researched it a little, and think that the LP may have been out of a batch of contract pressings intended for the export market. In any event, it is a very rare LP.

Both sides are visually in close to EXCELLENT CONDITION with only a few very light surface marks visible under bright light (mostly from taking the record in and out of the inner sleeve). These marks are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful plum & orange Atlantic labels are unmarked with just a few spindle traces near the centres.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant stereo recording, which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. The bass is absolutely amazing. Both sides play superbly with all frequencies crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks, and very low levels of unwanted noise (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). A significantly better playing copy may be very difficult to find!!

Complete with the original white poly-lined inner sleeve which is in excellent condition. The opening edges are square-cut rather than curved as with later pressings. There are no splits or tears, just light creasing and minor age discoloration. “UK Patent No…” and “Foreign Patents Pending” are printed in blue text at the bottom.

1st PRESS LEMON SONG EXAMPLES WITH A SLEEVE OF THIS QUALITY AND NEAR PERFECT PLAYBACK ARE SERIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO FIND - DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!!

International postage costs: Europe £5.50, Worldwide £7.95

International buyers: payment by PayPal only 

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.