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ITEM DESCRIPTION

 

For your consideration:

Led Zeppelin

"III (3)"

QUIEX SV-P (Super Vinyl Profile)

Vinyl = NM

Jacket = NM

In 2003, Classic Records launched its now famous Signature Blue Note Mono reissue series. As part of that series Classic developed an "authentic" 200 gram LP profile that replicated that of an original Blue Note record from the 1950's.  Comparing a test pressing on the new profile versus the same title on the normal 180 gram pressing it was discovered that the 200 gram version sounded significantly better.  The 200 gram pressing sounded louder, with more definition and solidity of notes across all frequencies and there was more detail - particularly low level detail like room or hall sounds, pages being turned, musicians whispering and automobile sounds outside the studio all became easier to identify.  At first it was speculated inside Classic Records that the extra weight resulted in the better performance as no one could come up with a better answer given that the stampers were the same as well as the vinyl pellets used on both 180g and 200g pressings.  One day, Michael Hobson, the founder of Classic Records was discussing this unexplainable sonic discovery with the Legendary Mastering Engineer and Sheffield Records founder, Doug Sax when Doug, without hesitation stated "Ah Michael you've discovered the difference in a flat versus conventional profile".  Puzzled, Hobson asked for an explanation which Sax described as going all the way back to 1950's mono pressings and what happened when stereo records came out in the early 1960's.  Sax explained that in the 1950's when mono records had no vertical modulation (only lateral), pressing PolyVinylChloride PVC (plastic) records were more easily pressed on "Flat Profile" dies fitted to the pressing machines since the grooves on the mono stampers were all the same height (no vertical modulation).  The molten vinyl was able to flow evenly across the stampers and fill properly during the molding (pressing) of the record.  The problems started when stereo record cutting came into vogue producing stampers that had variable height grooves sticking up across the diameter of each stamper.  Using the older mono pressing dies resulted in tremendous problems getting the areas between grooves of different heights to fill properly - a groove that is in front of another taller one often got passed over by the flowing molten vinyl resulting in "non-fill" which was audible and thus a "defective" record.  Pressing plants don't like to press defective records and are always looking for high pressing yields or a s few rejects as possible.

To solve the problem, the engineers developed a new pressing die profile which tapers from the center of the die, flattens in the middle of the diameter and then tapers again toward the outside of the die. The new profile was "concave" rather than flat.  When you put a flat stampers onto the concave dies the stampers distort and are no longer flat - the grooves are no longer perpendicular across the stamper and by association across a finished vinyl pressing.  This new die profile created "back pressure" on the flowing vinyl and solved the "non-fill" problem with stereo pressings and resulted in higher yields which was great for pressing plants and good for record companies who wanted good prices on pressings.  The problem was and still is that the new profile records don't sound as good as they could because they are not flat across their profile.  Using a micrometer across the diameter of a 1950's mono records reveals that the thickness is virtually the same across the record's diameter from center label to outer edge but not so for a newer stereo profile pressing which is convex across its diameter resulting from the concave profile dies / distorted stampers.  This is the dirty little secret that Classic had rediscovered was known to old school experts like Doug Sax who founded Sheffield Labs in the 1970's.  After the discovery, Classic Records never looked back and all of its releases and re-pressings after 2003 were on the new 200 gram Flat Profile dies that were specially made for Classic.  Some years later Classic discovered that the very same profile was used by JVC in Japan to produce the legendary UHQR pressings for Mobile Fidelity which are well known to sound better than the conventional Mobile Fidelity pressings of the same titles - it all makes sense now.  The long and the short of this is that Classic 200g Super Vinyl Profile (Flat Profile) pressings are as good as it gets for proper playback without groove distortion from non-flat pressings - Period.

I have been an avid collector of fine vinyl for over 40 years. It’s now the second time to part with some of my duplicates, one of a kinds, and my “babies” to cover some upgrading needs. IMHO, the record carries almost all the value weight, and the cover too has utmost significant importance in defining price. My time is valuable, like yours, and it is my goal to provide the best experience with your vinyl purchase.

 

These records are expensive, and that’s why you should continue reading this. Vinyl is my passion.

 

You will never (yes, the ‘never’ word) see me use deception tactics like “looks unplayed”, “appears unplayed” “don’t thinks its ever been played” or “unsure if its been played” in my descriptions.  Either its played or unplayed.  If you cant tell a difference between a played record or unplayed record, either you didn’t own it, or you don’t know what an unplayed record looks like under bright light.  I don’t have time for nonsense, and neither do you.

 

      Descriptions are conservative, because like you, I don’t like surprises when it comes to vinyl purchases. Some are play graded, and some are visual under bright light – but its all subjective to ones ear, and ones eyes. I will tell you that I have a very good eye for imperfection, and also have a keen ear.  From time to time, there may possibly be the occasional quiet passage noise, or imperfection, something in the groove the stylus doesn’t like, static build up during play, or maybe its tracking too light in the groove which affects the notice of imperfections.  But what I can assure you is – you wont find any better vinyl than right here.

      

      I do not play grade every record (but I do jot down notes from a previous play if it has been played in most circumstances) since every system is different, and even grading is subjective in itself. But what I can assure you that it will be graded fairly sonically and/or visually via bright light AND assisted from what I have experienced on my audiophile grade equipment (if played).  I do not play grade unplayed records. As mentioned, I am not a professional grader but I have been collecting for a very long time.  I will tell you more about what’s wrong with it then attributes.  OCD and attention-to-detail are some of my attributes;-)

 

IMHO, my vinyl is the most pristine that you will find anywhere because I am as OCD as you are - if you are reading this far. I do not allow anyone to handle my vinyl, NOR THE COVER. I clean my stylus, use an anti-static record brush, and MILTY before every needle drop. Sound familiar?

 

-    I KNOW HOW TO PACKAGE VINYL, PROTECT RECORD/JACKET…SEALED OR UNSEALED, 160g-200g…..AND……I GET IT TO THE SHIPPER SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY.

 

-     Most of my collection is minty (ok NM or NM-) sealed, MFSL sealed, MFSL UNPLAYED but opened, MFSL Opened, QUIEX SV & SV-P, and UHQR.  Basically, the nicest samples you’ll find anywhere.

 

-      I own SEVERAL copies of everything including this one.  I have my "play copies", my "dont touch" copies, and my “maybe someday I will sell this” copies. I DON’T SELL MY PLAY copies.

 

-    I don’t offer junk or offer vinyl that isn’t up to par to remain in my collection. Period.

 

-     They have been stored carefully, upright, smoke free, and ALL in protective sleeves in a closed customs made cabinet for vinyl records, which is free from light. We have allergies so our house is always kept at proper human comfortable levels and precise humidity levels.

 

-     ALL unsealed albums will have been professionally cleaned using MOFI cleaners or similar utilizing a VPI 16.5 record cleaning system, unless otherwise indicated. Opened, unplayed records may or may not have been cleaned, depending on cleaning sessions.

 

BIDDERS OUTSIDE USA

Contact me before you bid for shipping costs so there aren’t any surprises. Thank you.

      

  PAYMENT 

  Payment is due immediately after "BUY IT NOW" or within 24 hours of auction end. eBayer’s OUTSIDE USA PLEASE see note below for shipping.

 

SHIPPING - USA  

-       It will arrive to you in the same condition as presented unless visually damaged by the carrier.

 

-     INSURANCE: Insurance only protects you if I don’t do my job and package it well (THAT WONT BE AN ISSUE). Otherwise, it is provided in the cost of shipping, which I do not make a penny.

 

-     OPENED VINYL: your vinyl will be packaged well, in a LP mailer (similar or better), and you WILL have a hard time opening it ;-).  Rest assured it will be well protected, and if it is an opened record, it will be shipped independent of the cover to avoid seam splits and sandwiched between stiffeners.

 

-     SEALED RECORDS: I do not open and will be reinforced tightly, especially on 200g records, to ensure safe arrival.

-     USPS Media Mail within USA – S&H  (SEE SHIPPING BOX) (2-9 business days/ Includes Delivery Confirmation).  If you want another method, please inquire before auction ends or before paying.

 

 

-     If you want any other shipping method, please inquire for price BEFORE you bid.  Thanks!

 

SHIPPING - APO/FPO

APO/FPO – WAIT FOR INVOICE BEFORE paying so we can sort through how you want it shipped, or ask before you bid. USPS Priority will get there the “fastest”, and media mail will take forever. An additional $3.00 will be added for handling to each order.

 

SHIPPING – OUTSIDE USA  

       BIDDERS OUTSIDE USA: Please Inquire before bidding so I can provide shipping costs BEFORE you bid. I will send invoice at auction end - PLEASE do not pay until you receive the invoice. I will try to combine on multiple purchases, so inquire before for rates. $8 USD Handling charges is mandatory on all international shipments - these terms are not negotiable. Buyer assumes all cost associated with his/her duties and customs. 

 

      RETURN POLICY & GENERAL POLICIES

 

-        SEALED RECORDS - If the album is sealed and you open it, then you bought it and there are no returns or refunds. I can’t control or warranty something sealed records – it’s the chance we all take in the vinyl world. 

 

-     UNSEALED RECORDS: If you find that it my description is not as described in an opened album situation then lets discuss it – I have no problem giving you my number. 

 

-     If it was my fault and was out in left field on my description, then I will pay for same shipping method with proper contact and authorization - FIRST. Meaning, contact me first, and I will give you my number and/or we can discuss arrangements. 

 

-     PLEASE NOTE: FOR OUT OF PRINT SEALED LP’S - ONCE OPENED it is IRREPLACEABLE and therefore NOT RETURNABLE. In these instances, I am offering a sealed pressing with flaws indicated on the cover only, if any. Please note that in case of pressing flaws I cannot accept a return or replace it with another copy.

 

FEEDBACK

-    When you abide within the guidelines of my auction, you have fulfilled your obligation to me.  Therefore, you receive positive feedback without being held hostage like other auctioneers will do (that just says ‘lack of confidence in their product’ in what they are selling by not giving buyer feedback).

 

-       Your feedback is very important to me as well. Please return the kindness.

 

Happy bidding! Happy Holidays! Cheers!