LED ZEPPELIN II UK Plum + Livin Lovin Wreck

	£		755
	$		1,000

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Artist or Band: LED ZEPPELIN

Album Title: Led Zeppelin II

Producer: Jimmy Page.

Executive Producer: Peter Grant.

Engineer(s): Eddie Kramer, George Chkiantz, Andrew Johns, Chris Huston.

A Special Note About This Record and it’s Rarity: Every once-in-a-while a record comes along that will stick in memory forever – and this one easily falls into that elusive and rare category. This example of Led Zeppelin’s second album is up there with the very best I have ever seen – and not only that, this is the very rare and highly elusive example that lists the label error ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck’ on side two that of course should have read ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Maid’. Examples with this label error are way, way rarer than standard ‘Lemon Song’ copies, this early example includes the Lemon Song’ credit also of course. Original, first pressed copies with ‘The Lemon Song’ printed on the UK Plum format are quite rare now anyway and highly treasured and sort after. When the famous red and maroon (‘plum’) labels are found showing ‘Lemon Song’ and ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck’ titles, you know you have one of the rarest ever UK Led Zeppelin albums ever made. The error was corrected very quickly and very few made their way into people’s album collections – a mere handful will survive in such clean, hardly-played conditions. Also the ‘Lemon Song’ title on the labels was quickly changed on the ‘second pressings’ to become ‘Killing Floor’ for legal reasons, making the earlier original pressings far more scarce and sort-after. This comes with a genuine first pale brown cover as well and it must rank as one of the very best I have ever seen too. This cover goes beyond ‘difficult’ to find in top conditions because the fragile brown ink rubs and ringwears almost by looking at it. Very, very few exist even in fine EX conditions let alone better. One in this superb. little blemishes or aged condition will rarely ever be found, seen or offered. The few that do still exist in such conditions are usually locked away in valuable record collections and rarely see the light of day – and I am sure this one hasn’t for decades. This cover has not been handled for many years and has remained as ‘near perfect’ as any example of this impossibly delicate cover ever could be. I hope my cover pictures do this some justice, this is a cover of rare beauty and being in such conditions with the label error too makes this potentially, one of the rarest and most incredible items I have yet offered on Ebay. Beware of ‘plum’ copies offered with very dark covers, they will have been swapped with later pressings, these are far more common and with more around, more often seen in better conditions. The original pressings should have a very pale brown cover (as this one does), the second pressings (Killing Floor version) have a mid-brown cover, the later Kinney orange and green pressings have a very dark brown cover and catalogue number, looking very different to the early examples - these can vary a little but this is pretty much a general guide. The record itself is also in truly astonishing condition, only played twice and that includes my play-grade and is close to ‘Mint’ as you will wish to see - but it grades Mint(-) for me. Most often, when a major rarity shows up, is it seen written-off by scratches or massive amounts of plays – this beautiful record bucks the trend and this will challenge any copy regardless of the rare labels. This truly is a very rare record when found like this and one for the connoisseur collector – such items do not come along often, and that is no exaggeration or understatement. Collectors who follow my listings regularly and over some time may remember I offered a similar example of this record around two-and-a-half years ago but no other copies have approached this level before or since until now. All Led Zeppelin collectors will know how just how elusive this label error version is and finding original covers in such little worn and truly eye-catching beautiful covers is near impossible. Simply compare this cover to the average one found that is laden with ringwear, creasing, faded or badly rubbed surfaces, rife with heavy edge rubbing and damage - sticker marks are common. I almost thought it near impossible to find a Led Zeppelin II cover quite like this again but the proof is here. Please look at the pictures again they do not lie. The only minor wear are a few small edge rubs but nothing else of note. Within my time of Ebaying, this has to be one of the most staggering classic albums I have ever seen or offered and even selling it does not come easy. But anyway, it’s here and good luck to any interested collector for reading this advert. This could conveivably be the very best ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck’ example you will ever be offered and do not let it slip the Net lightly.

Posting: FREE to ALL countries via recorded and signed for, fast mail e.g. Special Delivery or Airmail. Packed bullet-proof - DOUBLE BOXED, out-of-cover etc.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Whole Lotta Love; What Is and What Should Never Be; THE LEMON SONG; Thank You.

Side 2: Heartbreaker; Livin’ Lovin; WRECK (Shes just a Woman); Ramble On; Moby Dick; Bring It On Home.

Cat Number: 588198.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 135 grams..

Label format and Condition: Connoisseur standard Atlantic Red and Maroon (‘Plum’) labels. Stunning richly coloured and ultra clean examples, both sides could conceivably pass for new. With just a couple of tiny, very faint spindle traces which remain inconspicuous until held to angled light and only then showing very slightly (but look hard). No wear or scuffing around the hole areas, all ink remains fully intact. All text bold and sharp and crystal clear to show off those two rare label titles as mentioned above. These look simply gorgeous, fresh, clean and truly beautiful. All ink fully present with no chips or scuffs and just as importantly, no fingermarks or traces of handling. This pair of very rare Led Zeppelin II ‘Plum’ labels are unlikely to be found much better than these.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: 588198 A 2 1 1 5 / 588198 B 2 1 1 6

Musicians: Robert Plant – Jimmy Page – John Paul Jones – John Bonham.

Album Information: For many the greatest rock album of all time - a monumental classic that all serious collectors want in their collection. ‘Whole Lotta Love’ remains the definitive heavy rock anthem. The album justifiably charted at Number 1 in the UK and US. After the raw brilliance of the heavy blues rock of their debut, ‘II’ expands the horizons still further. Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham rarely ever sounded better than on this massive issue. All rock fans and collectors will know this album well already – it’s content is legendary and it simply refuses to age or its classic status dimish. This is one of the ‘Most Wanted’ albums ever issued, and so it should be. It’s simply never found looking quite like this these days and for anyone wanting this rare example to keep for a life-time, this is an opportunity that will not come along often.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High – almost off-the-scale. This is hardly ever seen devoid of unsightly ringwear, grubbiness or major rubbing. To see a cover like this is a rare thing of beauty and I feel confident, younger collectors will have seen very few looking quite like this. Examples like this with so little wear are very rare indeed and are seldom seen or offered (and most won’t include a ‘Wreck’ copy inside.

Cover Condition and Details: I am happy to grade this astonishing cover as Mint(-) (or as close to this grade as they ever really get) – quite possibly the best I have seen yet with blemishes or signs of wear being small and minimal. This is one of the most unforgiving, fragile and volatile finished covers ever made and is massively prone to all forms of wear and shabbiness (and ultra vulnerable to price sticker removal tears or the residue marks they invariably left behind). I think most sellers would agree this is amongst the hardest classic covers to find with little wear and any that shows up looking like this is a massive exception to the rule. It’s a gatefold format, the original pale-brown type and never tolerates overhandling or any abuse well. Never laminated (unfortunately) attractiveness and longevity was very limited unless kept in ‘cottonwool’. Printed by E. J. Day and Co London. Please study the pictures, decide for yourself what this is like compared to most seen, my pictures dont dont lie, there are no digital clean-ups ever used on any of my graphics – what you see is what you get. Sometimes my camera flash can actually over-emphasise any mild surface blemishes, but I promise, this could be one of the finest original LZ II covers you will see for some considerable time.

Cover Front: Like WOW!, worthy or a second (or third) look. This is a front of genuine beauty and retains the freshness and stunning good looks of a near new cover. Any blemishes I mention on this quite astonishing cover will be ultra small and tiny because there is little of anything more than that – all covers will have the odd minor blemish somewhere if viewed closely enough. Blemishes?: well there is a tiny cornertip rub on the top right and a small edge-corner rub on the bottom opposite but this apart, there is little else to fault. I am strugging to even find a crease worthy of the word and any rubbing hardly even registers - a faint trace near the top as my close-up picture may just pick up. No grubbiness worthy of the word, even the white areas are still just that - white. No sticker marks or indentations. This front is truly beautiful and I can only tip my hat to the original owner who has kept one of rocks most fragile covers looking in quite unbelievable condition. This has the lovely pale brown finish (as it should have) and is near spotlessly clean and ultra fresh. Not a trace of ringmarks or fading and all the delicate brown ink is fully intact and strong. The white areas are still just that and this clearly has hardly ever been out of a protective cover or handled. The small edge blemsihes apart (and this is being somewhat critical) this front is near reference standard and will rarely, if ever, be found much better.

Cover Back: Even harder to find in decent condition due to ringwear problems – this is again exceptional with no ring marks whatsoever. With close viewing, this near impossible large brown solid area has the ultimate faint traces of rubbing but again, I strongly suggest this is almost as good as they ever get these days and in reality, even new examples could have shown more (and probably often did after being handled in shop racks). Any surface rubbing here is barely even detectable and the lack of ringwear or pressmarks is simply amazing. A mega faint record impression near the bottom edge if being crazy-critical but none will ever show less. We will all have seen this ruthless revealing back, even more delicate than the front due to the record being pressed directly up against it, looking totally shot, tired and shabby looking. Often resembling a dartboard than album cover with large deep, white rings dominating. This is practically crease-free and any tiny marks will have almost have to be found via a magnifier. Blemishes? - Small corner tip rubs again can just be seen and a tiny mark near the bottom right corner but again look hard. A faint trace of set-off on the white part edge, again being ultra critical again, most all of the white area is very clean and… white. This back, like the front, sets a standard most others can only dream of.

Cover Gatefold Inner: Virtually pristine perfect, this looks fantastic. Clean, fresh and unworn – that famous huge Zeppelin rarely looked better. A couple of faint glue residue traces on the left edge that would have occurred in manufacture but they barely show anyway. I am mentioning every tiny blemish I see.

Top Edges: One microscopic chip (pin-head size) and nothing else up to the right corner tips that have rubbed..

Bottom Edges: Practically the same as above, one tiny rub near right and the same corner tips have rubbed again. Faint rub on extreme left fold.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp, totally unworn and crisp, no feathering of course. Record entered on right outside back edge.

Spine and Text: There is a small rub on the top edge near the bottom of the front foldline - the most wear on the entire cover, that’s how good it is. It is mildly sloped towards the bottom, I feel sure manufactured this way but that’s only an opinion. The right edges meet together very close to flush and parallel too, so folded very squarely. Showing hardly any other wear at all, practically all ink intact with tiny end fold tip rubs only. All the delicate text pristine, bold, clear and totally uneroded or worn (please see my spine picture). A couple of ultra fine surface hairline creases the faintest of rub traces but this has clearly been opened little. Intact and little worn LZ II spines are hard to find too.

Corners: Critical viewing: top left: small surface crease but practically devoid of rubbing. Bottom left: Has tip rub and little more on the foldline as mentioned already. Top right pair: tiny tip creases only. Bottom right: Small tip rubs again.

Cover Summary: If, like me, you thought this classic album cover could not be found like this again, well this one is a supreme reminder to what these once looked like from new. Not quite ‘pristine perfect’, but possibly the best you will get offered for some time, and this should please most-all collectors. I have been ruthlessly critical on even the tiniest of blemishes but this is a real important piece. If a better example is wanted, well it could almost take a lifetime to find it. The real truth of the matter is, this cover is almost impossible to keep like this unless simply left untouched and out of the light. Any drop in standards allows this cover to deteriorate, and it did so quickly. This landmark sleeve sets an amazingly high standard and I proud to offer it. Back into the protective cover again.

The Inner: EX++, practically Mint(-) also apart from gum browing mainly on the bottom edge. This is fully lined and still tight and clear. No real creasing and all edges solid and unsplit. Generally clean and attractive, all evidence that gives strong clues just how few times this record has made the trip out or been handled. Vintage inners also rarely wear this well. This has the 069 date code.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Undergraded at Mint(-) like the cover, quite possibly the best copy I have ever seen. Under direct sunlight (yes the sun actually made a brief appearance this afternoon), this shows only few, ultra faint surface blemishes – mere removal marks that have no sound whatsoever. I faint hairline was noted too. Many would grade this as mint I feel sure and for stunning visuals this is possibly merited. I can remember buying records years ago from new that had more marks than this. I will not put a ‘Mint’ grading on any record that shows even as few spindle traces as this or has any marks at all – but this was as close as it gets for me to do so without actually doing it. Now played just twice, this is an amazing looking copy and remember too, the rarest example you will ever see. Regardless of which pressing it is, it’s one so often played into submission – a very popular album by any title’s standard. This is beautifully clean, and retains an intense black finish with with fantastic shine and is very solidly pressed. Complex, deep and wide groove patterns, telling vinyl ‘readers’ it has the most incredible potential sound quality and thunderous dynamics – and boy it certainly does. A visual copy for the connoisseur again, how many ‘Wreck’ copies will survive only played twice?, including my breathtaking play-grade experience – barely even ‘run-in’ in vinyl terms. Any ‘Plum’ example of this landmark recording in such conditions is the exceptional rather than the rule. This could even conceivably be the finest ‘Living Lovin’ Wreck’ example in existence.

Album Played For Grading: Yes.

Sound Quality: This astonishing copy plays up too its incredible visual grading with practically nothing to fault at all. As stated it has amazing sound quality and super-fi audio quality. This is not an easy recording, it’s like a roller coaster ride in volume and quiet passages. This has immensely powerful clean sound and practically devoid of unwanted sounds and no distortion whatsoever. The odd tiny surface trace on the impossibly difficult ‘Thank You’, but how many copies will ever play this absolutely silent?. This, along with the intro to ‘Bring it on Home’ are the album’s most difficult songs. Both are delicate and quite quiet. ‘Thank You’s ending has a delicate fade out – to silence – then fades back in again. A notorious song that most all copies will have surface sound, crackle or bad distortion. This plays superbly and the delicate ending is one of the best I have ever heard, not quite ‘dead silent’ but probably nearly as good as they ever get. Overall sound quality is astonishing with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sounds barely register and no significant pops or clicks at all were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a very complex high-octane album. The grooves are pristine clean and this record is a gateway into the recording studio itself. Few copies will match or outperform this early pressing significantly I feel sure. I know for certain this record has only been played twice and has been very carefully stored and ultra carefully handled, definetely within a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove near impossible to find better overall.

The Hi-Fi Zeppelin Experience: This proves beyond any doubt, not that there was much doubt anyway, that an original vinyl record will blow away any other format (and I rather partial those those wonderful Japanese card format CDs these days). The sound on this album is simply awesome and I use the word in its true context because this simply takes the breath away. If anybody has not heard an original Led Zeppelin II on the early ‘Plum’ labels they have not lived. This will shake the foundations (and damn near did), the inherent power, scale, drama, dynamics, detail and stereo imagery are phenomenal and give that rare tingle factor only the truly great recordings ever can. Listen to that massive ‘slam’ on ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and the channel to channel guitar pyrotechnics, this is hi-fi nirvana. It was fascinating watching my Ittok arm and Ortofon tracking this complex record. The drum parts on ‘Moby Dick’ have such realism the kit could have almost been in the room. Complete silence is almost unrealistic for any vintage copy of this demanding title – but this copy gives it a very strong go, if that is demanded best stick to the silver disc format, but you will miss out on a sound experience of a lifetime. The colossal low frequency on ‘Whole Lotta Love’ will test any amp and speakers to the limit and the sound can simply saturate on even mid-priced systems. I remembering hearing this album back in the 70s at an exhibition in London through a pair of Linn Isobarik speakers using a Naim six-pack active amp set up with a Linn LP 12 front-end deck. This left an impression of sheer awe, that took the breath away. The sounds embedded into original 1969 grooves are amazing and will never be replicated or beaten by any other later pressing or format. Now I am again a LP12 owner, I really turned up the volume again and let this go – so-much-so, I got a visit from my wife and a mild reprimand (but it was worth it!). This will sort out the real hi-fi systems, because many systems simply fall apart trying to control the sound on this one. A large power amp and speaker system is almost mandatory to control the bass dynamics on this album - tin boxes will surrender almost immediately. With my amp now running hot, the bass thunders and growls, the drums and cymbals crash and zing, the guitars splinter into a frenzy and Plants vocals rarely ever sounded more sublime than on this wonderous record - yes I rather like this album, who doesn’t?

End Piece: The word ‘essential’ and ‘classic’ are both overused (I too am guilty sometimes when offering a beautiful condition piece for a favourite title), but I make no apology for using them for this groundbreaking (and earth-shattering) album. Timeless vintage blues-rock the likes that will never be equalled. This original version with ‘The Lemon Song’ and ultra rare ‘Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck’ song titles on the labels are truly getting rare and demand is high. I would imagine even the serious Led Zeppelin collectors will not have this elusive version in their collection and also will the cover be anything like this fine? This immensely attractive original cover will better most around by some margin - just tiny cornertip rubs and little else of real note - how many will even compare? The vinyl is visually attractive plays with astonishing sound – just holding this rare variant original thrills today some 40 years after issue. The labels are reference standard with the rare misprint too. A total package that should please practically all collectors, even the specialists and connoisseurs and I can strongly recommend it. I simply could not be lucky enough to find a third like this surely? – this deserves a fine home and demands to be heard again soon – the ultimate rock classic in near ultimate conditions – good luck to all.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within 48 hours maximum. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with TWO thick stiffners for even extra protection. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity and well as sender label. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 4,000+ items sold in over 7 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£39).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.