LED ZEPPELIN IV A3/B4 2nd PRESS UK ATLANTIC (Zoso) Red/Plum EX+ Stunning AUDIO

Sold Date: January 15, 2017
Start Date: January 5, 2017
Final Price: £95.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 28
Seller Feedback: 2816
Buyer Feedback: 143


LED ZEPPELIN IV A3 / B4 Atlantic 2401012 UK 1971 Red/Plum LABEL (Stunning condition)
Whilst there are about eight red/plum pressings of this classic album this A3/B4 version is commonly known as the second pressing.  It has PECKO DUCK and PORKY etched into the dead wax and Peter Grant is only credited as Executive producer on the inner sleeve only.
Also known as 'Zoso' or 'Four Symbols' this is one of the stickered versions; it has the 'new' Atlantic catalogue number sticker on the back cover.  As described below this pressing is in fabulous condition and the audio plays to a very high standard indeed.  Any fan would not be disappointed!
A // 3 // 11 31 // Pecko Duck
B // 4 // 11 5 // Porky
Catalogue no 2401012

I would grade the vinyl as Ex+ (many sections play as Near Mint)
The gatefold cover is Ex+
The labels are Ex+
The original inner sleeve is VG+
Visual grading

This pressing is visually stunning and I don't think I have ever seen better.  It retains that lovely glossy sheen of new vinyl and under a strong bright light there are no scratches to be seen.  There are only a handful of very faint hairlines no doubt caused by sleeve removal.  This record has been so well cared for.  There is hardly any spindle wear on Side One although there is a little more on Side Two.  A high quality vinyl for sure and the audio as described below plays to an exceptional standard also.  The record lies perfectly flat on the turntable.
Play grading

Side One begins with very little lead in static and 'Black Dog' then plays with exceptional clarity and depth and almost no interference.  It really is a quality listen and I only heard one faint pop during the entire playback.  'Rock and Roll' continues the quality with stunning audio.  It has no unwanted background noise whatsoever and for such an early pressing plays amazingly well.  'The Battle of Evermore' only has a couple of light clicks but apart from that plays without incident, no crackle or pops, another wonderful listen.  The quiet intro to the classic 'Stairway to Heaven' plays beautifully with only the slightest hint of static here and there.  It is without doubt one of the best versions I have heard in a long time and so rare to find audio quality of this kind on a red/plum pressing.  I heard one faint pop about half way through but that is the only interference to speak of.  Again the clarity and resonance really shine through.  There is perhaps a little distortion on the end section but that is common on vinyls of this age.
'Misty Mountain Hop' again only has a little lead in static and the remainder of the track plays with superb audio and no interference.  At the risk of sounding repetitive 'Four Sticks' plays with equal quality.  It is incredible how well these tracks play for a 45 year old vinyl.  'Going to California' only has minor background static here and there and for such a quiet track plays exceptionally well.  The static is certainly not intrusive.  'When the Levee Breaks' end the side with classic sound and just a little intermittent static but once again does not mar the listening enjoyment.
In summary this A3/B4 pressing on the red/plum label is a genuine top copy.  Rarely have I heard better and there is barely any interference of note.
Gatefold cover
The gatefold has been very well preserved and is in a lovely condition.  The edges are in superlative condition with no shelf wear and only the corners have a little rubbing as you would expect although it is only minimal.  The spine remains in great condition with no wear, just a touch of rubbing at the very top.  The inside of the gatefold is beautifully clean with no marks and in fact there are no marking anywhere on the cover.  The back cover is superbly clean has the 'new' Atlantic sticker as mentioned previously.
Inner sleeve
At first glance the inner looks to be in excellent condition but on closer inspection you can see three splits to the sides.  In saying that they are not particularly obvious and as you can see from the photos it is still very clean and has no marking or writing anywhere.  There is only very minor creasing and one tiny 'nick' on the top edge.
The labels
They are in excellent condition with just a couple of very faint marks and some spindle wear.
A // 3 // 11 31 // Pecko Duck
B // 4 // 11 5 // Porky
Catalogue no 2401012

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