LED ZEPPELIN IV A3 / B3 Atlantic 2401012 UK 1971 RED/PLUM Label
This rare first A3/B4 pressing is in wonderful condition.  Also known as 'Zoso' or 'Four Symbols' there are  about eight red/plum pressings of this classic album and this is one of the transitional issues with the 'Kinney Record Group' catalogue number sticker on the back cover.
PECKO DUCK and PORKY are etched into the dead wax.
On this pressing there is no 'Peter Grant' credit on the label as per Jimmy's request!  And  “Under licence from Atlantic Recording Corpn.,” is now within the central white stripe.
2401012 // A // 3 // 1 1  3 1 // PECKO DUCK
2401012 // B // 4 // 1 1  5 // PORKY  
The audio on S1 is Ex+ (Near Mint in many sections)
The audio on S2 is Ex+ (Near Mint in many sections / 'When The Levee Breaks' is Ex)
The gatefold is Ex to Ex+
The labels are Mint-
The original inner sleeve is Ex-
Visual grading
This is probably the best red/plum pressing of this vinyl I have ever seen.  It is visually stunning and has a beautiful glossy sheen.  I am not exaggerating in saying that at first glance it looks 'as new'.  This is borne out by the quality of the audio as described below.  Only upon closer inspection under a strong bright light can you detect a couple of the faintest of hairlines.  You can tell it has been played a number of times due to the spindle wear (which isn't excessive) but it has obviously been so carefully handled by its previous owner.  You will rarely find one looking as visually immaculate as this one.
Play grading
'Black Dog' has only very light static at the beginning and then plays with excellent depth and power and no distortion.  The clarity really is first class and there is only the lightest of static in the quieter sections.  Turning the volume up loud in no way distorts the sound and it is a great listen with no loud clicks or pops.  A wonderful start to a classic album.  'Rock and Roll' again plays with incredible power and range and is without doubt one of the best versions I have ever heard on a red/plum pressing.  It grades as Near Mint if not better (!) such is the dynamic power and range of this classic track.  Phew there are not enough adjectives for the quality of this recording!  'The Battle of Evermore' again plays to a very high standard but every now and then you can hear a touch of static in the background but I only mention it to be complete in my description as my 100% feedback testifies.  It still plays with a definition you rarely find on these first pressings today.  The classic 'Stairway to Heaven' has excellent audio for a '71 red/plum pressing.  The long acoustic intro plays with great clarity and only light intermittent static here and there.  There is some distortion on the top level perhaps but the music still plays very clearly.  The guitar solo and vocal that follows it play with great power and only a little distortion.  There is some crackle on the final few seconds but overall it is an excellent listen and will not disappoint.
'Misty Mountain Hop' has some light crackle in the background on the first half of the track but in saying that the music it is not to the detriment of the 'listening' as the music still plays very clearly.  You expect some interference on a 46 year old vinyl and it is not intrusive here in my opinion.  'Four Sticks' here is a superb version and rarely have I heard it play with such distinct clarity on a red/plum pressing.  The bass comes through so strong and this easily grades as Near Mint.  There is no 'background' on this track at all.  'Going to California' has only the lightest of static on the intro which is rare for such a quiet opening.  It then continues with incredible quality and barely any 'background' and again I am confident in grading this track as Near Mint as the audio is just sublime.  'When the Levee Breaks' ends the LP with excellent audio and no clicks or pops but there is some background static and distortion on the top level but it isn't particularly intrusive.  I often find this track plays with some distortion and this often occurs with 'final tracks' where the grooves are pressed closer together in order to fit it onto the side.  However, for a vinyl approaching 50 years it still plays extremely well with no other interference.
Gatefold cover
The gatefold has been very well preserved and has only a little shelf wear.  The edges are very clean and it is only the bottom edge on the back cover that has any wear.  It is difficult to see but there is a very small split here.  The spine is in superb order with only minor rubbing at each end.  The opening edge has hardly any handling wear.  The front and back cover are remarkably clean and rarely have I seen better and there are no marks or scratches either.  As stated the transitional sticker is on the back cover.  The inside of the gatefold is in immaculate condition and is 'like new'.  Visually stunning.  Apart from the small area of wear at the foot of the back cover it would be difficult to find a better version of this gatefold.
Inner sleeve
The original inner sleeve is definitely one of the better ones you will find as so often they are just wrecked!  The only negative here is one 6cm split on the bottom edge and an even smaller 2cm split on one side.  Other than that it is very clean with no marks or writing, just a couple of light creases.
The labels
The red/plum labels are in stunning condition with no writing etc, just some light spindle wear.  They look practically as new.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers

2401012 // A // 3 // 1 1  3 1 // PECKO DUCK
2401012 // B // 4 // 1 1  5 // PORKY


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