LED ZEPPELIN I * TURQUOISE SLEEVE * LABEL ERROR * MINT- CONDITION * UK 1st PRESS

	£		2,222
	$		2,652

Led Zeppelin - I
I am pleased to offer for sale this fantastic first issue of Led Zeppelin's eponymously titled debut album, commonly referred to as: Led Zeppelin I.
Background:
Led Zeppelin formed from the ashes of The Yardbirds. Unsure of the commercial viability of the new outfit, Atlantic pressed a limited run of the album which were released with sleeves that featured turquoise lettering for the band and label names to the front side. 
After the success of the initial tour, the Atlantic organised a second issue. However, they decided that turquoise wasn't quite rock'n'roll enough and changed the lettering on the sleeve to orange. Consequently, only the first few thousand albums feature turquoise lettering and even fewer remain in circulation today. Fewer still can be found in the fantastic condition that this remarkable example that I am selling. It is truly an archival quality final upgrade example. 
Take a look below for more details and the opportunity to listen to the full audio recording.
Album Details:
Serial number: 588171
Matrix number: A//1 / B//1
Mother & stamper codes: 1 2 1 / 1 1 5
Vinyl Weight: 146g 
The A//1 B//1 matrix numbers and uncorrected serial number.vinyl is a true UK first pressing. The mother and stampers codes suggest that the record was produced very early in the production cycle. Consequently the audio reproduction is superb! Take a listen below.
The labels are the extremely rare first variant which can be identified by the mis-print in which both Superhype Mus. and Jewel Music. are given the publishers credit for song A3.
As is mentioned above, the sleeve is the first variant. The turquoise lettering and 'grey line' to the bottom of the front side evidence this.
Completing the album is the original polythene lined, die-cut 'British Patent Number' inner sleeve. 
Condition:
The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself. 
Vinyl: MINT -
Labels: EXCELLENT +
The labels are bright, clean and without writing. No spindle wear is evident. The only thing keeping it from MINT- is slight colour bleeding visible from the plum into the white. Presumably this is a factory error.  
Visual: EXCELLENT +
The record displays immaculate deep-gloss playing surfaces. In bright daylight no surface marks are visible. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a few barely visible wispy paper hairlines can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 
Sound Quality: MINT -
Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.
Side 1:


Side 2:


As is evident from the recordings, this copy has not been played many times. Both sides play through with superb clarity and definition. There are quiet lead-ins and minimal noise in between tracks. You won't need to look for another copy of this fantastic record.
Sleeve: EXCELLENT / EXCELLENT +
The original sleeve looks great. Both sides are bright and clean and the cover art vibrant. The laminate retains the original lustre. There are a couple of small areas along the spine where the laminate has lifted. It has not split at any point. Many copies left the factory like this. The corners show subtle softening. The opening edge shows only very minor wear. The top and bottom edges are without wear. A very tidy example.
Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT 
The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is still very white with minimal creasing.

Additional Details:
Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve. 
The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.
The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Beatles rarities.
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