Led Zeppelin II RL (Robert Ludwig) double sided mastering (Monarch pressed)

$

150

NOTE: IGNORE EBAY SHIPPING QUOTE.  Free shipping to the USA or Canada for Buy It Now.  Otherwise, shipping will be actual cost paid by the buyer.  Please message for quote.  PLEASE WAIT FOR INVOICE UPON AUCTION END.  I am located in Canada and eBay is "forcing" shipping fees on me!  I will get an actual quote from my local postal station.  And as I said...free shipping for USA or Canada for Buy It Now.  Canadian buyers can use ETM instead of PayPal if interested, or cash for local pickup if in Toronto.
If you're viewing this auction, then you probably already know what a "LZ II RL" is. For those have you that don't...here's the short, condensed story.

This is an original first pressing of Led Zeppelin II, also known as the "Hot Mix". It was mastered by Robert Ludwig, cut "hot" without any compression that resulted in a very dynamic and lively sound than any other pressings that have been mastered since. This pressing was so "hot" that it was pulled early after the release since many people complained about the record skipping, thinking the record was defective. That was not the case, the average turntable and needle setup of the day (1969) simply couldn't handle the mix.

So...the pressings were pulled off the shelves and remastered and re-pressed several times in the ensuing 43 years. This is considered a highly sought after pressing by enthusiasts and quite rare. In addition, it's notoriously hard to find in VG+ to NM condition.  For those of you looking to buy a copy, you know how much they're fetching lately!  And not to mention people are paying these prices for a visual grade only!  This listing includes a FULL PLAY GRADE.  You can be confident that you are getting EXACTLY what you pay for!

I have owned 4 copies of this record, and this is my second best copy. For most people it will more than do, only the most discerning ears (and deep pockets) will look for a better copy.

The jacket is a gatefold and is graded VG. There is very little fading in the brown colour and the inner gatefold looks perfect with rich colors. There is a 1 inch split in the top portion that houses the record. The back is perfect. The spine is in great condition and everything is very easily read. The front cover however has the remains of tape or sticker, and a few unidentified spots. If it wasn't for the tape residue and spots, it would easily be a VG+.

The inner sleeve is original. It has splits (3-4 inches) on each side, but otherwise in great shape with vibrant colors and no rips.

The LP is graded a conservative VG. Visually it's very close to a VG+, but for a diagnal surface scuff that runs almost 2 inchs. "Looks" aside, I've completely play graded the entire LP below. The LP was pressed at Monarch, which back in the 60/70s was considered the top pressing plant in the USA. This LP was pressed in about 6 plants, I've own copies to 3 of them and Monarch wins hands down. The LP is heavy and thick and has the look and feel of a 180g record. The labels look great and here is the matrix info:

catalog: 8263
side A: ST-A-691671-MO CC RL SS LW A13933 (2) W AT
side B: ST-A-691672-MO CC LW RL SS A13933-X (2) W AT

And now the play grade! Rest assured I'm being very conservative in all aspects. Overall an amazing listen. The sound is like a runaway freight train at times. I've owned non RL LZII pressings and they're night and day. This album does play with the occassional surface noise, but nothing too obstrusive and never comes close to taking away anything from the music. The music is powerful, loud and dynamic.

Playgrade is with a vintage Sansui SR-212 turntable, Shure m97x cartridge and Jico SAS stylus.

A1 Whole Lotta Love
Amazing bass on this one, 8 very faint tics in the middle of the song and light crackle during the outro.
A 4.5 out of 5

A2 What Is And What Should Never Be
Light surface noise at the beginning but never over powering. 6-7 tics near the middle of the song
A 3 out of 5

A3 The Lemon Song
Stunning base and vocals. Very slight surface noise for a few seconds mid song, and about 10 tics later on.
A 3.5 out of 5

A4 Thank You
Very slight crackle mid song. 10 very light tics, only audible because of the quiet "fake fade out" at the end.
A 3.5 out of 5

B1 Heartbreaker
Absolutely quiet intro. Great sonics and dynamics...cymbals, bass, guitar, vocals! Awesome! Perfect.
A 5 out of 5

B2 Living Loving Maid
Sounds awesome and is perfect.
A 5 out of 5

B3 Ramble On
Faint tics at the beginning and a crackle during the outro. Mid song there is a pop. Not a jump. Not a skip. More info about this pop: As I said before, I have several copies of this LP, I get this pop on all my copies. It is not damage or defect...it is the "hot mix" and cartridge combination. I played this LP on my buddy's Rega P9 with Benz Mirco cartridge the pop mysteriously disappears.
A 3 out of 5, if not for the pop easily a 4.5 out of 5.

B4 Moby Dick
Amazing sounding drums. A very quiet song at times which bring out about 10 or so light tics.
A 3.5 out of 5.

B5 Bring It On Home
Loud. Dynamic. Sonically amazing. Perfect.
A 5 out of 5

So there you have it, a full play grade.  Please ask me any questions you may have.   Everything will be perfectly packaged to avoid damage. The LP is housed in a mofi sleeve, outside the jacket, and has been vaccumed cleaned.