Led Zeppelin I - Original UK First Pressing - Superhype Credits Uncrossed Matrix
LED ZEPPELIN I
Original First Pressing Labels With Superhype Credits On Both Sides!
Original 588171 Uncrossed Matrix On Both Sides
Atlantic Records 588171 : MATRIX NOs: A1 / B1
This is an original first pressing disc in the revised orange cover, these are the exact same pressings that were included with the original turquoise cover version!
It's important to note that not all first pressings came in the turquoise cover as the design was changed very early on after only a couple thousand covers were printed. These albums still came from the same pressing run, that's why this record is still considered a first pressing even though it's in the revised orange text cover.
All later plum label copies have one of the 8s in the 588171 deadwax stamp crossed out and re-written by hand, and a large majority also have the Superhype credits changed to Warner Bros, which was also revised again even later on.
Vinyl: G
Unfortunately the vinyl is only in Good condition, and no higher. The labels have some dirt / discolouration near the edges and they show a fair amount of spindle wear too, all in all giving quite a few signs that this record was well-played and very enjoyed. Visually the surfaces show quite a lot of wear; sleeve removal marks, scuffs and scratches are to be expected. The record surprisingly plays through without jumping and the sound quality is still very strong but there is apparent, noticeable crackle throughout both sides of the record and it affects the quieter tracks the worst. As far as I'm aware there is no extra inner groove damage detectable on my turntable, but some passages can become a little overshadowed by the noise and there are some odd spots of distortion in "Good Times Bad Times". As mentioned there are a fair amount of scratches and a pattern of deeper marks that go over "Your Time Is Gonna Come", so ticks / pops and some rotational blips are to be expected in places, but luckily they don't cause any jumps on my system and I have tested this multiple times just to be sure.
There's a "Camden Public Library" engraving on the deadwax of Side 1 which I imagine means that this record was passed through the hands of many people back in it's day. That would definitely explain how it's been worn and to be honest it's surprising that it can still play as well as it does, it really goes to show how well-made and resilient '60s vinyl was. Luckily the etching had no audible effect as my stylus played over it in the runout.
Cover: VG +
The original orange text / silver stripe cover is in Very Good + condition. The condition is really surprising given how the record has turned up but it's holding together quite well with sharp openings, a very strong white backdrop with little to no discolouration to speak of bar one small spot on the front, plus a fully intact and crack-free spine. It's not often you find one of these original covers with good seams, but this one has them. I actually would have graded it as Excellent, but unfortunately there is quite a lot of laminate wear on both sides and that's the only large demerit I can really pick out with this cover. It may not come up so well in the photos but there are a lot of thumbnail laminate marks and signs of creases, too. The most noticeable spot is near the Atlantic logo on the front corner. The laminate is lifting a little bit near the spine on both sides too, but I have yet to find a copy of this album that hasn't developed that issue. All in all, it's quite nice apart from the laminate layer itself, which is a bit of a shame.
The record comes with a generic paper inner sleeve that seems to be holding up alright, just with some creases.
Overall, a far from perfect but still listenable and enjoyable example of this classic rock staple! It's not often you find first pressing discs turning up for sale without having to pay exorbitant amounts for the turquoise cover so this might a good opportunity for anyone looking to hear the true first pressing matrices.
Any questions, please feel free to message me! I combine postage on multiple purchases :)
