LED ZEPPELIN IV 4, 1971 UK PLUM ATLANTIC 1st ISSUE WITH A//3, B//3 MATRIX

	£		175
	$		232

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It's my pleasure to offer for auction a superb copy of Led Zeppelin's iconic fourth studio blues/rock album simply titled Led Zeppelin IV, Catlogue Number 2401 012. It's a 1971 UK plum & orange Atlantic 1st issue with a matt-finish gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the original grey soft-card lyric/credits inner sleeve. [The stamped matrix numbers are the earliest corrected 2401012 ### A//3 and 2401012 B//3. "PECKO DUCK" and "PORKY" is etched in the run-outs of Sides One and Two respectively, indicating the work of the master cutting engineer George "Porky" Peckham].

The sleeve is a lovely example with only light wear and no creases of any significance. The front and back covers are in excellent shape. There is evidence of a sticker being removed from the back cover at some time although this hasn't damaged the surface of the cover in any way. There is a short length of clear tape in the middle of the right side bottom edge (which is difficult to spot). If I grade the sleeve critically as being in VG condition, due to the tape, no-one should be disappointed. I've included plenty of photos which show the sleeve from all angles. 

The top-quality mid-weight record is in EX+ condition. The plum & orange Atlantic labels are like new with only a few faint spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. I can confirm that the record has only received a modest number of careful plays on a high end turntable. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. Atlantic pressings from the 1970/71 period are some of the finest quality records ever pressed. The sound quality of this particular pressing is simply staggering - very powerful, dynamic and vibrant with great bass. It really is a top-playing copy which will definitely not disappoint!

The lyric/credits inner sleeve has the usual splits to the edges, but is otherwise very presentable.

Overall this is a stunning copy of arguably Led Zeppelin's most accomplished album which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 linear-tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-30 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £50 value - £14.00

Europe over £50 value - £16.60

Worldwide up to £50 value - £16.80

Worldwide over £50 value - £19.40

Apologies for the high cost of postage. This is due to a recent rise in Royal Mail charges and Ebay's decision to charge 10% commission on postage (which seems very unfair to me)