Led Zeppelin (1969) - Turquoise 588171 - Uncorrected Matrix & Rarer Variation

	£		1,395
	$		1,848

This 1st pressing of ‘Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin’ (1969) is an ULTRA RARE VARIATION (different from the standard turquoise edition), in very good condition overall. Commonly described as the ‘holy grail’ of Led Zeppelin collecting.

Several rarities in one album

* Turquoise Sleeve Lettering (RARE but available)

* Grey stripe along the base

* Atlantic red & Plum label catalogue # 588171

* Uncorrected Stamped Matrix Number

* Side 1: Superhype Mis-Credit Label with track '3' duplicated (VERY RARE)

* Side 2: Misalignment "Black Mountain Side" has been printed too high up, almost overlaying "Your Time is Gonna Come". This may indeed be 1 of only ~50 prints! (VERY VERY RARE)

Background & Summary

Exhibits turquoise sleeve lettering, a grey stripe along the base, and the Atlantic red and plum label (catalogue #588171).

This variation also contains the rare Superhype Music/Jewel Music Publishing mis-credit label mistake, the uncorrected matrix code, and the ULTRA-rare side two printing error of "Black Mountain Side".

Led Zeppelin originally intended for the album lettering to be turquoise. However, soon after the 1st edition release, they changed the colour to orange and removed the grey line (as they perhaps felt it was ‘more rock’). Along with the turquoise lettering, this variation also contained some rare errors. 

RARE MIS-CREDITS

On side 1, 

The track credit labels were ascribed incorrectly as “1, 3, 4. Superhype Music” and then the '3' duplicated, but correctly credited as "Jewel Music”; this was later corrected to “1, 2, 4. Superhype Music” and “3. Jewel Music”.

UNCORRECTED MATRIX NUMBER

The matrix numbers on the run-out were incorrect, as later pressings have the number ‘8’ crossed out. This is the uncorrected version.

VERY RARE MISALIGNMENT

This record is even rarer than the 'standard' turquoise with mis-credits & uncorrected matrix

"Black Mountain Side" on side two has been printed slightly too high, almost overlaying "Your Time Is Gonna Come"

It is believed only 50 vinyls of this type were ever printed.

This record is in VG to VG+ condition overall. As expected for its age, there is indication that this record has been played. However, it has been stored and enjoyed with great care. Please see the full track-by-track rating below 

Cleaning Method 

The disk has been professionally cleaned using “Project VC-S3” and examined under LED lighting. After a personal playthrough and note-taking, the ratings given below are in-line with a professional opinion from: Goldstar Records, Aberdeen, UK, AB11 6UL. 

Sleeve Rating 

Overall Sleeve = Very Good (VG) 

Spine is VG, with labels readable. Very minor wear and some fainting of the ink. Grey border is VG. The outer edges of the sleeve show signs of wear. 

Front cover has some creasing, with small stains and mm-blotches. Back cover shows some mm-marks and minor stains, as well as creasing along edges and corners. I believe many of the stains can be removed with careful cleaning; I was apprehensive of doing this myself in fear of damaging the laminate. 

Original inner sleeve shows moderate creasing and age-induced staining. There is original type-written text on the bottom right, as well as a hand-written code. There is 1-2cm of laminate ‘lift-up’ at the sleeve opening. 

Disk Rating

SIDE ONE = Very Good+ (VG+)

(a) Visual: VG+

Bright, clean label with minimal spindle marks. Some hairline marks upon the disk. No deep scratches.

(b) Sound: VG+

1. Good Times Bad Times: VG+

Minor crackles during quieter moments. Does not distract from strong audio.

2. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You: VG

Minor crackles during quieter sections. Distinct separation of crystal-clear vocals and instrumentals from the natural background noise.

3. You Shook Me: VG+ / Near Mint (NM)

Rare background crackles. Strong audio and stereo layering.

4. Dazed and Confused: NM 

Near-absent of background noise, crystal clear. You will be dazed! 

SIDE TWO = Very Good (VG)

(a) Visual: VG 

Bright, clean label with minimal spindle marks under LED light. Hairline marks and minor scuffs upon outer half of disk. 

(b) Sound: VG+ 

5. Your Time is Gonna Come: Good (G)

Crackles during quieter moments. Two small pops: ~6 secs, and ~50 secs. Vocals are clear, improves on 2nd half.

6. Black Mountain Side: VG+

Minor crackles during quieter moments. Crystal clear percussion and acoustic layering.

7. Communication Breakdown: VG

Very minor crackles, and a small pop ~80 seconds in. Neither distract from the audio.

8. I Can’t Quit You Baby: VG+

Very minor crackles. Depth of sound is superb throughout, with some particularly clean/NM sections.

9. How Many More Times: NM

Near perfect run-in and almost no crackles throughout. Crystal clear audio quality. Despite the name, this track has not been played many times!

______

Our sincere apologies, but no returns accepted due to the item value and fragility. It will be packaged with great care; we only wish for it to have a good home and to be well protected during as little transit as possible.