レッド・ツェッペリン* – Led Zeppelin II = レッド・ツェッペリン II

Hi all,

I saw some beautiful and expensive Mint sealed copies listed here. Just want to warn you about my story...

A friend of mine picked-up for me a so called "Mint sealed" copy of a Japanese press in Paris () from a store which is listing here and many others "Mint sealed" nice records.

My friend is not a collector/expert and despite the shrink had been opened and the record checked, he didn't see the very light hairlines and spindle marks difficult to see at day light.

The record is more or less NM all around and an insert was missing. It costed me probably twice the price I should have been paying for. It's not bad grading, it's simply robbery.

So, be careful, famous old records still sealed are pretty rare on the market. Only real collectors and very serious stores like some I'm in touch with in Japan and the US can be trusted. And unfortunately more and more robbers like that shop in Paris are re-sealing records to make more money faster. I gave it a try. Too bad for me. A second try is not necessary, just don't buy anything from that guy.

Go here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404482325823?itmmeta=01HVHVM6STCQ8Q560XT2JPE6ZY&hash=item5e2d067d3f:g:5goAAOSwDoFk~DqY

Their replicas are top quality and securely shipped. I've purchased quite a few to replace missing OBI's. Good luck!

Had this pressing in my collection for a while, until recently picking up a VG+ presswell RL. It’s night and day. This pressing is the closest you’re going to get but it lacks everything you want in a Zeppelin record, the meat. Beautifully quiet though.

I found a near mint copy with insert and poster and I think it sounds great. The bass on Heartbreaker is fantastic. In fact, no problem with the level of bass on this pressing. Beautiful thick matte sleeve that feels great to the touch and my copy looks brand new. Plays beautifully and the quiet parts can be enjoyed without any surface noise. I own the 2014 LP reissue, a German one sided RL as well as an incredible 77 Piros pressing, so along with this Japanese press I’m good for Zep II. It must be said if you can get your hands on a clean Piros press, grab it.

Mind blowing listening experience. Prior to listening to this I didn't care much for the quieter sections of Whole Lotta Love but hearing it from this pressing changed my mind instantly. Then hearing the guitar solo come back following that section had me GIGGLING. There was a bit of static towards the end of both sides but eh, its an old record, I'll just clean it again. Plus one of the coolest OBI strips of all time.

I have a ‘69 UK 2nd press on red/maroon labels and a CAN 1st press on red Atlantic and have to say this ‘76 Japanese reissue sounds just as good which says a lot considering the quality of the other two mentioned above.

Update:
I have added a RL SS Monarch copy to my collection and to no surprise, it is no longer a contest.
Updated ranking for my collection
‘69 US RL SS Monarch copy
‘69 UK 2nd press red/maroon label
‘76 Japanese reissue
‘69 CAN on Red Atlantic label

I was hesitant to pick up this pressing due to the mixed reviews, but all my worries were assuaged as soon as I dropped the needle on Whole Lotta Love. People (often rightly) complain about Japanese records' lack of bass, but this one definitely doesn't have that problem. On top of that, the vinyl is *dead* silent and every single instrument is crystal clear. The jacket is also thick and sturdy with a nice matte finish. I don't have an RL pressing to compare, but the overall quality of this P-10101A is good enough that I don't feel an urgent need to get the RL. If you see one of these for a reasonable price, grab it!

I have found this pressing to be vastly improved listening experience (in of dynamics and bass) with a 6mm rubber Technics mat, compared against a Technics felt slip mat. I feel like more s should note the choice of mat in their reviews as it can make such a substantial difference.

I've listened to a lot of pressings of this album in the last 4 decades or so. I currently own a plum UK 'Wreck' , a US RL , the JP 2014 deluxe box and Japanese and UK CDs. Acquired this pressing recently and it made me realise how sonically adventurous the band were so early in their career. The 'noises' section in Whole Lotta Love grabs the baton from the Beatles Revolution 9 and throws it into the middle of a smash hit single. Best is the detail and separation of the instruments that give new life to the recording. Grab one if you can find it for a decent price

Currently one of my favourite records that I own. The bass absolutely kick ass and all instruments are as clear as day. Great imaging through especially during the ambient noise section of Whole Lotta Love. The drums have a lot of snap and power too. Overall just an awesome press of an awesome record.