LED ZEPPELIN PHYSICAL GRAFFITI UK FIRST ISSUE RARE EX+

	£		105
	$		139

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: PHYSICAL GRAFFITI

Rarity: RARE VARIANT – To claim that Physical Graffiti is rare across all variants is inaccurate, after all it was one of the best selling albums from one of the best selling progressive rock bands ever - so there were multi millions produced and sold worldwide in many variants. For similar reasons of the vast quantities produced and diversity of manufacture it is very difficult to identify a UK First Press, because the first pressings were set up with and range of ‘mothers’ and ‘stampers’ all used in the early stages of production. In these circumstances identification is general rather than specific and any claims to be ‘the first pressing’ are at best tenuous and at worst misleading. However, it is possible to identify a UK FIRST ISSUE and VERY EARLY PRESSING which is what I am offering in this listing and, a UK FIRST ISSUE, EARLY PRESSING COMPLETE - IN EXCELLENT TO PLUS OR BETTER CONDITION THROUGHOUT, LIKE THIS, CAN DEFINITELY BE DESCRIBED AS RARE. I have seen and heard many variants of this album and in my experience the RAREST is one like this which approaches a NEAR MINT grade in places and is a POWERHOUSE OF AMAZING SOUND. For easy reference I have set out below most of the features which characterize a UK First Issue, and possibly first, but more likely early pressing.

Characteristics of a ‘Physical Graffiti’ UK First Issue, First or Very Early Pressing:-

1/. The outer cover is a ‘box’ design of stiff mid weight card construction, it has 33 ‘die cut windows’, the eight on the ground floor (4 front, 4 back) are doubles. At the back top centre there is a Swan Song logo followed by the Kings Road address and credits. The group name, record title and Swan Song catalogue number run down the left hand side spine, viewed from the front, these are printed in red. The vinyls and insert load from the top.

2/. The ‘window’ name template, titles and credits insert is of medium thickness card - later issues have a noticeably thinner insert, as well as thinner inner sleeves. The insert credits Gothic Print Finishers as the maker of the cover, it also state the Swan Song SSK 89400 catalogue number and the Kings Road address.

3/. The Inner sleeves depicting various well know images which can appear in the windows are of quite a thick card with a ‘natural’ grey finish inner surface. They have the catalogue number followed by /A or /B on the back (bottom right corner). Later issues were thinner card, some smooth inside, later still they were just thick paper.

4/. This album was first released in 1975 by which time the manufacturers were using less vinyl per record so there are no real heavyweights that I know of in variants of this album. The vinyl weights for the First Issues that I have had are typically 110-130 grammes, which is similar to the later pressings, so it is difficult to determine issue based on vinyl weight.

5/. Many of these albums were produced in Germany so the matrices in the vinyl ‘run off’ areas on each side are significant - please see below for an example of how an early pressing should be ‘marked’ in terms of matrices and stampers. Broadly speaking they should have the SSK 89400 catalogue number followed by A1, C1 & D1 - side 2 is an anomaly as this most often appears with B4 or B5 on early pressings. There are variations with this but as a general rule this information is reasonably reliable when taken along with all of the other points I have listed.

6/. The labels are very important when identifying a First Issue, early pressing because when this album was first pressed the Warner ‘black ball’ logo had not been ‘installed’ as a feature at the end of the bottom perimeter text - so it is definitely not there on genuine early pressings. This logo was introduced by Warner on their UK labels post 1975 and does feature on later pressings and re-issues.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST ISSUE
• UK EARLY PRESS WITH EARLY MATRICES & STAMPERS
• SUPERB MID-WEIGHT VINYLS IN EXCELLENT TO PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL SWAN SONG LABELS WITH NO WARNER ‘BALL’ LOGO
• GOTHIC PRINT FINISHERS DIE CUT THICK CARD WINDOW COVER
• FULLY PRINTED CARD INNER SLEEVES WITH CATALOGUE NOS.
• ORIGINAL THICK CARD CREDITS AND TITLES INSERT ‘WINDOWS’
• EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND ONE AS GOOD AS THIS

Artiste(s): LED ZEPPELIN who were - Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham

Discs Format: 2 x 12” LP’s

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL SWAN SONG - FIGURE WITH SWAN WINGS ON A BROWN / BLUE BACKGROUND WITH BLACK PRINT

Catalogue Number: SSK 89400

Country of origin and first published date: Made in UK 1975

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1: SSK 89400 A1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2: SSK 89400 B5

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 3: SSK 89400 C1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 4: SSK 89400 D1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:  1   4   V

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:  5   B

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 3:  1   2   B

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 4:  1   V

Track listing as per label: SIDE 1 - CUSTARD PIE / THE ROVER / IN MY TIME OF DYING / SIDE 2 - HOUSES OF THE HOLY / TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT / KASHMIR / SIDE 3 - IN THE LIGHT / BRON YR AUR / DOWN BY THE SEASIDE / TEN YEARS GONE / SIDE 4 - NIGHT FLIGHT / THE WANTON SONG / BOOGIE WITH STU / BLACK COUNTRY WOMAN / SICK AGAIN

My opinion and summary of condition: I will concentrate on explaining the condition and characteristics. This is a highly rated album with outstanding qualifications for the real specialist. It is not hard to find a version of this album, but it is extremely difficult to obtain this particular variant in EXCELLENT OR BETTER CONDITION THROUGHOUT. There will be relatively few examples of this album with credentials which match this, and only a small quantity of those will compare favourably with the condition of this one. This is a scarce and excellent opportunity to own a lovely example of this brilliant album.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some superficial surface lines and small marks mainly caused by bag movements, no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some superficial surface lines and small marks mainly caused by bag movements, no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 3: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some superficial surface lines and small marks mainly caused by bag movements, no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 4: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some superficial surface lines and small marks mainly caused by bag movements, no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT PLUS, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs* no tears, no visible spindle hole wear (*n.b. small scuff near spindle hole, hard to see and probably there from new)

Label Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 3: NEAR MINT, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 4: NEAR MINT, some light spindle lines but, no marks, no scuffs no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, UK original as described above in the ‘characteristics’ classic three boxed edge top loader with die cut window cover of stiff mid-weight card construction printed and made in England by Gothic Finishers Ltd., London SE9 2EQ with SWAN SONG / 484 KINGS ROAD, LONDON SW10 address on top rear. There is some general light surface rub wear but it is minor and minor burring at the edges of some of the windows caused by sliding in and out of shelf storage over time. There is some minor corner and edge wear, a small bruise back bottom right corner and slight blemish top right back quadrant but all of this is minimal to the point of being almost insignificant. Overall this is one of the best examples I have ever seen of a cover which can be difficult to preserve. I think it is comfortably excellent to plus but please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spines: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, there is not a conventional spine as such but there are three ‘boxed’ edges all in excellent to plus condition with square shoulders. The one with the pink/red text on displaying the title, record label and catalogue number is clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT PLUS, Original stiff card fully printed inners each of which has the catalogue number on the bottom right corner at the back. The inside of these superb and highly collectible inners is a raw natural card finish, but these vinyls will also be supplied with separate white paper inners with antistatic poly-liners.

Insert / Separator: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, single side printed stiff card 2 x LP size fold out titles and credits insert which also acts as a separator for the two inners / vinyls. Apart from two slight short surface creases these are in near new condition.

Vinyl Warp: nothing significant visible on either of these vinyls when eye tested on a moving turntable

Vinyl Weight: 124 & 118 grammes (two superb SWAN SONG mid-weights)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

THIS ALBUM PLAY-GRADES: EXCELLENT PLUS & EXCELLENT TO PLUS

Audio Performance: THESE VINYLS DELIVER AN OUTSTANDING AUDIO PERFORMANCE OF GREAT CLARITY. THERE IS A LITTLE UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND FROM TIME TO TIME BUT IT IS RESTRICTED TO THE ‘LEAD IN’ & ‘LINKING’ GROOVES AND QUITER PASSAGES, - CERTAINLY NOT INTRUSIVE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS IS TERRIFIC, DYNAMIC SOUND - AN ABSOLUTE POWERHOUSE OF  REAL, CLEAN AND BRIGHT AUDIO – IN EVERY WAY IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO MATCH THIS ALBUM.

Other: If you are looking for a first rate example of this album for your collection, to play and enjoy, this is the one - highly recommended

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.