LED ZEPPELIN III A5/B5 1st PRESS RED/PLUM 'Peter Grant' Credit EX/EX+/NM Audio
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Description
LED ZEPPELIN III A5 / B5 Atlantic 2401022 UK 1970 Red/Plum Label
This genuine first pressing has the 'Peter Grant' credit on the red/plum labels which later copies do not. The publishing credits are 'Warner Bros. Music Ltd'.
It also has the famous Aleister Crowley quotes 'Do what thou wilt' and 'So mote it be' etched on the dead wax and the rotating wheel still works perfectly on the gatefold.
A5 / 1 4 2 // B5 / 1 2 1 0 // Cat no 2401022
The audio on S1 is Ex (many sections are Ex+)
The audio on S2 Ex+ (Near Mint in many sections / 'Gallows Pole' intro is VG+)
The gatefold cover is Ex
The labels are Near Mint
The original inner sleeve is Ex+
Visual grading
This vinyl does have some hairlines and 3/4 that are quite long and certainly more obvious than others and a small area of fine scratchy type marks on 'Immigrant Song'. However, as is often the case with quality vinyl they have very little affect on the quality of the audio which for the majority is extremely impressive. I would say S2 is cleaner than S1 but if anything I would say the latter plays with stronger audio. It has been played a number of times as can be seen by the spindle wear but as detailed below the sound quality is of an excellent standard for a genuine A5/B5 first pressing.
Play grading
The classic 'Immigrant Song' plays with excellent power and depth and only a touch of background static in a couple of the quieter sections although there aren't many of those! There are no clicks or pops. 'Friends' has a little crackle at the start and end but the remainder is very impressive and displays audio of excellent quality. Just a hint of non-intrusive background static again. Aside from some crackle at the beginning 'Celebration Day' is a wonderful listen with no other interference. The audio here is just a reminder why music needs to be heard on vinyl. The long quiet intro to the bluesy 'Since I've Been Loving You' is a treat! It plays so clearly and with only very slight 'background' static here and there. A modicum of distortion on the top end perhaps which is more prevalent on the final third, and a handful of light dust ticks, but overall for a rare first pressing this is an excellent version. 'Out On The Tiles' ends the side with excellent audio but with some intermittent distortion again. However, it still 'rocks out' with great power and no other interference. The end guitar section especially plays with stunning power and no distortion.
There are a couple of skips on the lead in grooves but this hardly matters as it prior to the music starting. 'Gallows Pole' then has some crackle at the beginning and a couple of dull pops but is soon replaced by light static which by the mid way point has largely disappeared. It then plays with wonderful clarity and continues like this to the end, very impressive actually - excellent definition and a great foot stomper! 'Tangerine' starts in sublime fashion with barely any 'background' on the quiet intro and is a superb listen. The remainder keeps up this high end quality with great depth and clarity and is one of the best versions I have heard on a first pressing, it really is a superb listen. 'That's The Way' is stunning, I'm running out of adjectives here! The depth is just incredible and the bass so strong and powerful and grades as Near Mint without doubt. I heard just one dull click towards the end but it doesn't detract from what is a fantastic version. 'Bron-y-aur Stomp' has no static or crackle at the start just a small number of light clicks. From then on it plays with great power and depth and no other interference. Yes there are some hairlines on this record but for the majority the audio quality is hugely impressive and this track is a classic example of this. The final track 'Hats off to (Roy) Harper' has a couple of background clicks at the beginning and one right at the end but the remainder plays with a dynamic quality and no other 'background'. A stunning end to a classic album.
Gatefold cover
The laminated E.J. Day gatefold is in excellent condition with only minor shelf and the wheel still rotates perfectly. It is definitely one of the cleanest first press gatefolds I have seen. The edges and spine are in great shape and only the bottom edge of the front cover has a little rubbing. Overall the corners are excellent order also and only the bottom right corner on the front cover has a minor amount of creasing. The laminate throughout is in great condition although there is some crease lines towards the bottom of the back cover. However, it does not have any splitting or lifting anywhere. The front and back cover remain very clean with only very slight fading here and there and the inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition, beautifully clean, one of the best I have seen. The opening edge also has very little handling wear.
Poly-lined inner sleeve
The original poly-lined 'Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous' inner has no splits to the sides just one small to the centre window. It also has some creasing which is to be expected.
The labels
The red/plum labels are in excellent shape with no marking or writing, just some spindle wear. As stated they have the Peter Grant credit which denotes it as a very first pressing.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers
A5 / 1 4 2 // B5 / 1 2 1 0 // Cat no 2401022
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
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