LED ZEPPELIN IV (ZOSO)

An increasingly rare and sought after copy of this 1971 UK STEREO 1st pressing (with 2nd variant label) variant on the coveted UK red & plum ATLANTIC label, STEREO 2401012 

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1 2401012 A//3 with  stampers "1 1" and "1 5" at 2.30 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively, and "PECKO DUCK" hand etched on the runout

Side 2  2401012 B//4 with  stampers "1 1" and "8" at 8.45 o'clock and 9 o'clock respectively, and "PORKY" hand etched on the runout

The appearance of the vinyl is excellent-. Completely flat and still retaining an impressive sheen with no obvious marks (just a couple of wispy hairlines on each side visible in normal daylight). It's only under a bright light that a few more wispy hairlines and some light paper scuffs come into view indicating that this vinyl has had a reasonable amount of use, but these are strictly surface only, non "feelable", and non-intrusive. Very nice condition vinyl both sides.

The red and maroon labels are excellent+. Pristine, in fact, apart from a few very light spindle trails on each side adjacent to the centre hole - you need to look hard to spot them. Note the "Kinney" and "Superhype" credits and the "Atlantic Recording.." text in the horizontal white band, and on the side 2 label track 2 being listed as "Misty Mountain Top" instead of "Misty Mountain Hop" - all indicative of a 1st pressing with 2nd variant label.

The non-laminated (all sides) gatefold outer sleeve is very good.  All edges remain firm but there is consistently moderate scuffing on both bottom and both top edges and a few "nicks" on the spine. The corners remain well defined right angles but again there is moderate scuffing/rubbing. There is no creasing and no unwanted writing or doodles and the colouration, both on the outside and the inside of the gatefold, remains in excellent condition. It's a pity about the edge and corner scuffing because otherwise the condition would be excellent, but it is as it is and "very good" is the correct condition grading. Note the K50008 sticker on the reverse side which purports to the later "green and orange" 3rd pressing catalogue number - I can only assume that this sticker was mistakenly placed onto this 1st pressing sleeve during production because for the later green and orange label the colouration of the gatefold was lighter and some of the gatefolds were actually laminated. 

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent. There is impressive tone and clarity throughout and with no distortion, even on the higher frequencies and at higher volume. No skips or nasty pops and no clicks either apart from the very occasional static click. There is just the hint of some occasional background crackle but this is very mild, non-intrusive and only really noticeable at the very beginning of side 1. Sit back, turn up the volume, and enjoy each and every track on this rock classic - a great, great listen, with much of the audio quality being excellent+ - this is where vinyl really comes into it's own, providing "in your room" audio quality which simply knocks spots off digitally remastered CD's.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. BLACK DOG

2. ROCK AND ROLL

3. THE BATTLE OF EVERMORE

4. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Side 2 :

1. MISTY MOUNTAIN TOP

2. FOUR STICKS

3. GOING TO CALIFORNIA

4. WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS

Comes with original, brown "flip over" inner sleeve which remains in excellent condition despite a 10cm split in the middle of one side - no creases and no fraying, just a single tiny nick on the top opening edge. Note that I always post the record in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a solid very good (at least) copy of this increasingly rare and always sought after 1971 UK 1st pressing rock classic - a "must" for any serious rock vinyl collection, and only continuing to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 63 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class signed for  : UK £5.00; 

and Royal Mail international 1st class tracked and signed for continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £13. 

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler