LED ZEPPELIN III 3, 1970 UK *1st PRESS*, SUPERB AUDIO

	£		49
	$		65

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 and well protected, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a lovely example of the third album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN III”, Catalogue Number 2401 002. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 STEREO UK *1st PRESSING* on the PLUM/ORANGE ATLANTIC LABEL. “Do what thou wilt” and “So mote it be” are etched in the wax run-outs on Side One and Two respectively.

This LP was re-pressed many times throughout the 70s, and even the plum/orange label versions had 3 different pressings. Most plum/orange pressings actually date from 1971, which was when most of the sales of this LP took place. It is therefore important to explain the features which identify a *genuine 1st pressing*. The first difference is the text on the labels: 1st pressings have “Produced by Jimmy Page” and “Executive Producer: Peter Grant” written in bold text towards the top of the label, above the white stripe. This was changed very quickly at the insistence of the band, with the “Jimmy Page” credit being moved to the bottom of the label in smaller text, and the “Peter Grant” credit removed completely.  Secondly the catalogue number text on 1st press labels is written as “2401002”, whereas on later pressings a dash is inserted which changes the catalogue number text to “2401-002”. These details are extremely important as they confirm the 1st press credentials. Additionally, all genuine 1st  pressings have the earliest E. J. Day fully laminated sleeve, whereas later pressings often came with inferior German made covers.  

The earliest design *1st Press* fully laminated gatefold sleeve, printed by the E. J. Day Group, London and Bedford, is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. The rotating wheel is in perfect working order. The front and back covers, and opening gatefold spread are in excellent unmarked condition with only a few very light laminate creases, and minor age discoloration of the white edges. The edges are in fine condition with just a little light feathering in places. There is very little wear to the corners. The spine is near perfect – lovely and square with all text clearly legible. There are no rips, stickers or writing. Overall a beautiful 1st Press sleeve.

The solidly pressed vinyl retains much of its original lustre and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually, there are just light surface marks which are of no audio significance, with the exception of a short stylus mark at the start of Track 4 Side One, which causes a few clicks. The BEAUTIFUL PLUM/ORANGE LABELS show only a few light spindle traces each side and are otherwise unmarked. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

Both sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. This is a particularly vibrant recording which SOUNDS SENSATIONAL played at high volume!! I always marvel at the quality of these Atlantic 1st pressings. The amount of information contained in these loud-cut grooves is truly amazing!! I just can’t stress enough how good this sounds. There are NO jumps or pops, and a minimum of unwanted noise to spoil the listening experience (just the clicks mentioned above). Several of the tracks have quiet acoustic introductions and passages, which are easily ruined by intrusive crackle. Not on this copy – all play beautifully! A significantly better playing copy may be difficult to find!!

Complete with white, poly-lined inner sleeve which is in excellent condition.

OVERALL AN EXCEPTIONAL PACKAGE - DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

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.