Rare first pressing: Led Zeppelin’s First Vinyl LP Turquoise lettering.

	£		650
	$		861

Very rare first pressing: Led Zeppelin’s self-titled First Vinyl LP with Turquoise lettering.

This is certainly not a ‘mint copy’ of this extremely rare record but it’s in remarkably good condition given it’s now over 45 years old.

This is the first pressing of Led Zeppelin’s debut album titled ‘Led Zeppelin’ issued in the UK in January 1969. Catalogue number: ‘588 171 Stereo’. The record is in its original jacket and inner sleeve and includes the coveted turquoise lettering on the front, and the statement ‘Under Licence from Atlantic Recording Corp, USA. Manufactured by Polydor Records Lid., London, Printed and made by MacNeil Press Ltd., London, S.E.1.’ on the rear.

The album’s labels are the original ‘plum and red’. Tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4, on side one and 1, 2, 3, and 5 on side 2 are credited to ‘ superhype music’ and track 3 on side 1 and 4 on side two to ‘Jewel Music’. These accreditations are available only on the first 2000 LPs of first rare ‘Turquoise’ cover pressings http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-ZEPPELIN-1-I-VINYL-LP-1st-PRESSING-TURQUOISE-TEXT-588171-EXTREMELY-RARE-/151329035460). The vinyl has the ‘corrected’ matrix numbers stamped on Side 1: ‘566171 A// 1   11 (this is followed by a mark which is difficult to decipher accurately)’ and on side 2: ‘588171 B// 1   11 (this is followed by a possible 5 or 6)’.

So what condition is it in?

The cardboard jacket

There are no tears or major bends in the outer jacket. Apart from some aged related discolouration on the left hand side of the front, the graphics and text on both sides are clear and unblemished. There are two indentations on the lower right hand side of the front, but these have not penetrated the outer cellophane which has lifted slightly here. However as can be seen from the photographs above, these do not detract from the cover’s iconic imagery.

Inner sleeve

The original inner paper and polythene sleeve is intact but has clear signs of wear and tear. As can be seen there is some discolouration. There is also a three and a quarter inch tear on the outer paper sleeve on the right hand corner, and a four inch split of both the paper and polythene on the opposite edge.

Apart from the warning that ‘Plastic bags can be dangerous’ the rear of the sleeve includes the statements ‘British Patent number 900513 & 978939 (or 978939)’ and ‘Made in England’.

The record

As indicated in the photographs, there is a visible scratch on track 2 and a very feint scratch through tracks 2, 3 and 4 on side one and three very feint scratches on track 1 on side two of the vinyl, but they make no significant impact on the overall quality of sound.

I played the disc on a Steepletone 3 speed vinyl turntable record player (model ST918) at full volume and was genuinely surprised at how good the reproduction actually was.

There is some low surface noise and a couple of odd clicks here and there between tracks. They were hardly noticeable when the music was playing. There was no irritating repetitive clicking or sticking on any of the songs on both sides of the record. The labels on both sides of the disk are in good condition with no spindle damage.

Clearly this record is not in ‘mint condition’ and I have tried to identify all of its short comings as best I can.

 I do believe however that it is a highly collectable and playable disk which is in remarkably good condition and reproduces beautifully the music of one of the most important rock bands of the last century at the start of their recording career.

Postage and packing costs quoted are for the UK only. Please contact me if you are thinking of buying this album and live outside Britain.

Thanks for looking.