The Current Led Zeppelin Catalog Situation, Marketplace & My Strategy

[@njuham]

Just when I thought I was out of vinyl YT videos, Tim pulls me back in!

[@TheTigersfan20]

I own a Monarch RL-it has lots of slam. It’s possible that Monarch records are best - the lacquer was cut a little thicker than at other plants - but I wouldn’t give credence to it. I used to own a CP pressing I bought at a garage sale, all scratched up, but still played quite well, and sonically, it was the same. A BARGAIN copy for LZ II is the George Piros Press, done from 1972-1977. It is about 70% of the RL, just not as bass heavy - but lots of dynamics! Much, much better than the reissue with the gold sticker, and very affordable.

[@Universityofvinyl]

I recently found one of the GP's and totally agree!

[@JimVim]

@@Universityofvinyl First 3 LZ Red CDN Labels Thrift store under 10-CDN- LZ IV-2 copies 77 Press-Coda-NM-ITTOD VG all Thrift finds. CDN Red LZ 2 Grail find. Love Zep LP on a budget. Will never sell love OG Vinyl. Great Video.

[@dimebagdave77]

Valuable information.Zeppelin pressings are one of my favorite subjects.ver cool man, watched the whole thing👍

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thanks!

[@BarakaPDub]

Great video my friend and I like the depth you went into here. Congrats on your 'RL' score! I tell people the same thing about hitting up the antique shops. Another couple of tips I like to give people, if you see the RIAA Gold sticker on the jacket, you're pretty much out of the running. Supposedly, some RLs were slipped in those jackets but I think it's an extreme rarity. Another one I recommend, the 'RL' plates were sent to Germany so the early LZ II presses in Germany were 'RLs'. The German 'RLs' can be had for cheaper prices in a lot of cases. Love that you covered these there albums in particular. BTW - The new releases are not all that bad and some of them are far better than the represses that came out in the late '70s and 80s. Thanks for the shoutout too.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Cheers for the additional intel! Enjoy your Sunday.

[@bbutler5090]

I actually have a double RL with the gold medal on the cover. The SD number is the same. But I guess it’s always possible that sleeves get switched at some point.

[@bklynbass]

Great video and congrats on an amazing score… a few thoughts… In my opinion folks should give the Page reissues a listen for themselves before casting judgement. It’s true that’s it is disappointing that the The Jimmy Page remasters are cut from files but when I finally sat down to listen to it, to me sonically his reissue of Zep II is the closest thing I’ve heard to the Bob Ludwig. The bottom end and dynamics are there, the mids are properly dialed in and the top end is extended and refined… the only difference I’ve heard is that the Ludwig has a bit more top end but it’s subtle and not necessarily “better”. Granted I only have a digital transfer of the Ludwig cut but nothing else of the six or so versions I have comes close to it. There’s a lot of prejudice against the Page releases because of the digital component but the reality is that in today’s world, hi res digital, when done well, can sound very “analog” and it will sound even better when properly mastered for vinyl with good playback. The Page also smokes the 70s cut I have. For $20 I think it’s it’s a great deal. I Don’t have the classic but from the clips I’ve heard, that’s the one that is too bright/brittle sounding IMO. Check this comparison if you haven’t heard it yet… kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4WlmX6DgZ2HrLs

[@Universityofvinyl]

You make some great points and I may have “jumped” RE my Page assessments. Thanks for taking the time…

[@bklynbass]

@@Universityofvinyl yeah for the rest of us less fortunate ones it’s probably the best option!!!

[@cliffiestuurman4158]

First of all, I am ecstatic, that I have found your Vlog. I'm in Johannesburg, South Africa :-( Here we can only buy crap, or in the days of Record Stores, we coud buy 1st class Imported pressings. LZ II, is the very 1st album I ownd as a kid. My dad bought it for me. I don't have THAT particular pressing no more, but a friend gave me another copy some years later. I treasure it, merely for the memory of my dad. The reason for my writing is to commend you for the excellent presentation. I have largely gone over to digital, because I collect an array of music styles. Some very poor pressings are available here and if it is iconic albums, regardless of the condition, some pretty extravagent prices are asked. I am going to watch all your vlogs and have subscribed to receive new content as soon as I log into KZbin

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@jameskilcran3693]

OMG ...I just checked the Houses of the Holy and it’s the RL pressing. 1841 as well. Thanks for pointing out these different variations of the different issues. Just happened to be the copy I picked up because of how clean and nice it was.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Enjoy!

[@qwertyuio8965]

Great video Tim! I've been mulling over the mid-00's Classic Records pressing of Led Zep I. Any intel on that, or comparable hifi pressings of the first album you'd recommend if not?

[@Universityofvinyl]

The early 70's Atlantic repress mastered by George Piros is highly regarded if you can find a clean one. AT GP in the deadwax. Monarch pressings are best

[@audiotomb]

NIce treaty on the LZ scenario Tim Just subscribed to your channel Love your Steely Dan take I had all the 70s originals, got back into vinyl early on - 2004 You could pick up the Classics when they can out in 2005 for $35 I bought all the Peter Gabriel, Gabriel Genesis, The Who and some LZ These were available for over 3 years You can thank Michael Hobson for getting the license and mastering these AAA They sound so natural, I didn’t buy all of them but did the year they started going $ - when you could buy them for around $100 I have an RL II, Germany first press iii and all the others thru Presence I bought the Page 2014 releases - including III thru PG on Super Deluxe These have eq that is just way off. And the bonus discs are mostly remixes - not much new material Chad Kasem is the one who coined the phrase “Buy now, or cry later” He owns the Classic Records lp platings Chad has made a comment about new remasters that are coming out that are “mess your diaper” releases UHQR LZ? If you would like to try out the RL II for a lot less money There is a German release which has RL on the A side Standard 1st release on side 2 I have an RL with a slightly noisy side one WLL and the German RL mint to cover it When you hear the WLL mid section Plant Page call and response Bonham’s tambla playing is alive The riff back in at the ending is explosive Bonhams’ drumming is incredibly lively on the PG classic release Hope you stumble on some of these in the wild

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thanks for subscribing - how is the Gabriel Security classic sound? It’s a personal favorite of mine

[@audiotomb]

I have two versions The 33 1/3 rpm and paid $170 for the Clarity 45 rpm (overkill pressed on 4lps only one side). Rhythm of the Heat is hauntingly spooky on both, San Jacinto is so uplifting)

[@jeffreylind3739]

Hey Tim, another great, informative video, and spot on regarding LZ catalog. You covered all the bases. Groups like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc. often require a deeper dive in order to find the best, and for many, the most affordable options, and this often includes discussions around specific pressing plants and engineering masters. Short of the ultra-expensive audiophile releases, my opinion (yup, another one of those) has always been that, for the most part, while there are some sonic differences in sound quality, the original pressings/releases sound the best, and are what I purchase. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and use it religiously. A clean record makes a huge difference. On a side note, I recently acquired the first 5 LZ releases on pre-recorded reel to reel tape. LZ I & LZ II are at 3.3/4 IPS and LZ III, IV, and Houses of the Holy are all 7 1/2 IPS. The LZ II, while even at a slower tape speed, has incredible sound, probably close to the RL/SS vinyl. Reel tape has no restrictions on things like compression/frequency. LZ IV absolutely blew me away, and was by far the most incredible sounding copy of this album I have ever heard. I have no doubt you have plenty of subject matter, but any thoughts about comparing other pressings such as Japanese, UK or German? I don't mean specifically with regard to LZ, but just overall. Again, thanks for your great videos. Look forward to your next one!

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thanks again Jeffrey, for the record, my German Beatles white album sounds amazing

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

HOW I WISHE RL CUT ZEP 1 AS WELL.

[@jamescoulter7052]

What about the led zeppelin albums that released back when the records were made? I keep on trying to get my parents records cause they just sit and collect dust but I know that most of my dad's zeppelin is the O.G. pressings. However I know that I probably won't get the zeppelin away from him before he passes away but in the situation no matter how much we butt heads I would much rather have as much time as I can get with my dad over getting some slabs of vinyl and cardboard. However dad did say once I help him get all of the records converted over to digital files and on his computer that I can bring the records home with me.

[@BubblesBubbles]

Do it. Time well-spent. Use the Audacity freeware to rip - unless someone can recommend better software.

[@johncalvo8420]

Actually, the current "digital" Zeppelin pressings sound a lot better than many 70's reissues, so if you don't have a lot of money to get a decent first pressing, the current ones are very good sounding and an alternativr, I've done the comparison already. I use to own a horrible sounding late 70's zeppellin II and the current reissue blows it away, same thing with most of the catalog.

[@homerjones3291]

After finding a digital remaster of LZ2 that I like, I’m going to have to go find the versions I like. LZ is/was one of my favorite bands so it drives me nuts when I hear a version that doesn’t even even measure up to the low quality ones I remember from years back on less-than audiophile systems.

[@audiotomb]

Not compared to early 70s versions

[@festersuncle6298]

Zeppelin III 1975 reissue is tops in my ears.....I think it's a RL too.

[@spencehayashi2772]

Great video and really informative. You got me checking my LZ albums and my LZ 4 album is exactly as you described. It is a George Peckham mastered copy with Porky and Pecko Duck along with the PR. It sounds great sonically and i prefer it to the Jimmy Page re-master that i bought several years ago. My copy of Houses of the Holy is a Robert Ludwig-Sterling pressing and sounds good but it is not in near mint condition like LZ4. Nonetheless i still love listening to those great lps. They had a tremendous run of work that stands up with the very best if music in their heyday. Really enjoy your work and look forward to more from your channel.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Great to hear, thanks much

[@tomvincent7167]

Very informative video. I have LZ 1, 2 (2 copies), 3, 4, HH, & PG, all original US pressings purchased when originally released. No plastic protective sleeve on the 2nd LZII album? What turntable/cartridge are you using, electronics & speakers?

[@Universityofvinyl]

Love it. I need LZ 1….

[@festersuncle6298]

Zeppelin II RL has passed thru my hands twice. My player VG+ copy was traded back to the store I paid $16 for it at. That same store owner called me with a NM copy about a year ago for the "friend" price of $100. I told him sell it for mkt price, you'll get more. ...I regret it, but it's not the end of the world. A sleeper copy is the Dennis King (Atlantic DK) good sound. Canadian Red labels are nice too. MFSL is detailed and sweet sounding as well.

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

Just before Retirement I sold my 1,100 albums some sealed from 60s/ 70s 80s & also all my baseball cards 70s yrs.. For a 10k Hi end 2 channel system goldenear triton 2s floorsatanding speakers & integrated power amp -Nad with 400 cd jukebox B&w sub..Good show wish you the best

[@Universityofvinyl]

Hi Rick, sounds like an amazing system!

[@bbutler5090]

I have all LZ studio releases on CR, except ITTOD. They’re great, primarily because they’re clean and well cared for. But while my original releases (purchased used in the 80s) are of poorer quality (pops, clicks, surface noise) the music sounds better than the CRs. Your goal (IMO) should be clean (VG+ or better) early pressings over the CRs. (I just bought an early pressing of LZIII for $100. It blows away the CR, which goes for over $200.) The 2014 reissues suck. Sorry Mr. Page. You’re still my favorite.

[@homerjones3291]

I’ll have to dive back into my old LZ copies. Didn’t buy them when they first came out (I was 10 years old in 1971), but got into LZ in junior high. I bring up the albums on Qobuz and I just can’t stand to listen to them for long, even now that I have the best system I’ve ever had.

[@homerjones3291]

I should say that I’ve just listened to a remastered version of LZ2 and it sounded pretty good to me (the one with the album cover in negative). I was originally referring to TSRTS and a PG release; both had little dynamics or low bass and weren’t engaging at all. Guess I’ll have to go through the various versions/remasters to find ones I like.

[@yowodup6094]

I know this sounds like it would only be in my wildest dreams, but I wish they had the Hot cut RL available for the Hi Fi fanatic's and the compressed version for the people who have cheap systems and have a big sticker on each shrink wrap saying "HOT MIX" or "compressed version" with also having a description of what to look out for.

[@runt6062]

Always learning great job keep it up thanks

[@justinmolinari229]

I almost got a German LZ II vinyl it supposed was side A: BL hot cut and side B: someone else. Odd right?

[@Universityofvinyl]

Yes, there are versions with only 1-side RL..

[@bbutler5090]

I can’t swear to it, but I think I read somewhere that the pressings with RL only on one side are sonically no different than the double RLs. I think Ludwig himself has said so. Check Steve Hoffman forum. Good luck.

[@audiotomb]

For somebody to hear the RL this is ideal and a reasonable way to hear the explosiveness of this cut

[@fg4246]

Hey Tim, quick question. For ZOSO Porky pressings, would you say it matters as to where it was printed (i.e. US vs UK)?

[@Universityofvinyl]

Same mastering plates/lacquers so it probably doesn’t matter. Unless you can find a Porky US Monarch pressing…

[@francescotenti193]

How does the Original Master Recording MoFi version from the early 80's, I believe, fit into this? Congrats on your videos, a true breath of fresh air.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thank you. I haven’t heard the MoFi but here is an excellent thread with some opinions: forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/led-zeppelin-ii-on-lp-classic-vs-mfsl.155675/

[@nicksallnow-smith7585]

As someone who bought the first two albums in my first term at University in 1969 (in the UK) I was very interested in this video. Over the years I have owned almost every iteration vinyl and digital of every album, as Jimmy went backwards and forwards with numerous reissues remasterings and pressings. The early CDs were absolutely dreadful. But I didn't find any reference here to the best vinyl issues that I still own. In 2014, Jimmy organised a box set of each album, consisting of two vinyl albums and two CDs. (And a hard back book of photos and memorabilia.) The second disc consisted of outtakes, backing tracks, and trial runs of the finally released tracks. Not essential but often quite interesting. The mastering on these is credited to John Davis at Metropolis. In my experience they are amongst the best pressings I have heard, but with the crucial exception of the Classic Records 45 rpm box set from about 2006. This was a real "box" containing every track Zeppelin produced but only pressed on one side of the heavy 200 gram vinyl. Recorded at 45 rpm, this meant that usually they were only two tracks on each disk. In some cases only one. In My Time of Dying takes up the entire side at 45rpm. This set is so heavy it's actually quite hard to lift with one hand. But the quality of reproduction blows away anything you've heard before, including all of the pressings referenced in this video. Strangely there was no written collateral with this box of discs. The first disc of each album was inserted in a reproduction of the original album sleeve. There was no other collateral. In the runout grooves however, the name Bernie Grundman is etched. I assume therefore that he remastered them. I know it was a limited edition set when first produced. I live in Hong Kong and I heard from the distributor that six sets were ordered in this city alone. I doubt if any of these are available for sale, since once you've heard them you would never want to let them go. Apologies for the length of this post. But this is important stuff!

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thank you for your insight!

[@jeremyfoster8366]

I actually have 5 RL's......I have 2 Monarchs, 2 Presswells and a CP. My best copy is a VG+ Presswell the other 4 are in the VG to VG- range. As you alluded to its all about the condition. I also have a Mobile Fidelity cut and my copy of that is a solid NM. It's a tremendous sounding press as well to my ears. I don't have a classic records cut and honestly I just can't see it being any better than the RL and Mofi I have. As far as classic records go, I do have a III, Untitled, Physical Graffiti, Presence and In Through the Outdoor Bernie Grundman cuts. I really enjoy them and to my ears the III, Presence and Physical Graffiti really stand out.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Hey Jeremy, congrats, sounds like you have a "deep bench" when it comes to LZ!!! Thanks for commenting and watching. -Tim

[@memyselfmyvinyl894]

Good info. I'll be looking for those in hopes to find a diamond in the rough.

[@Universityofvinyl]

I love the thrill of the chase…

[@skylinedrifter7589]

I am several months late in adding a comment or two...first, nice video as usual and do not listen to the people who feel a need to criticize this or that....be yourself. Second, can you verify that the cover on your RL SS LZ II is the soft matte printed cover that should be present on the early press runs? I only ask because on my screen the browns looked a tad darker than I would expect with that cover and also it seems flatter looking than the matte cover but it could just be a result of the video. Thanks!

[@Universityofvinyl]

Well, I double checked and mine is definitely more of the "rough" matte cover and looks to be period correct to me. Thanks for watching!

[@skylinedrifter7589]

@@Universityofvinyl wow that IS in pristine condition then...you may never again have such good fortune with regard to that level of rock LP grail hunting...

[@markwissman2452]

I picked up a VG++/VG++ RL copy of Houses at my local Half Price Books and Records a couple of months ago for $24.99 and it sounds fantastic. I have another RL copy that looks mint but sounds like I'm sitting by a campfire. What causes all of the surface noise? I've cleaned it several times

[@mercuryscat2703]

In my experience it’s usually either been played with a worn stylus which has damaged the grooves deep down or else it’s been treated with a cleaning solution which sometimes will come off again with a bath in an ultrasonic cleaning machine .

[@AttackFromDownunda]

Nice Job.Explained very clearly the difference between the various versions.Got a lot from this video. Thanks. i have a japanese press of Led Zeppelin II that i rate quite a bit.Prefer it to the Jimmy Page remastered Led Zeppelin compilation ( L.Z Remastered 3 L.P set ).

[@AttackFromDownunda]

Hi,Tim. Noticed on my copy of L.Z " In through the out door", the dead wax has " STRAWBERRY " on it ( ST-55-794345-J ). Does that mean anything to you?.

[@SonicFlare]

Cheers!!! 101 degrees. Ugh. More records. Hahahaha

[@vinylbeast]

For vinyl I recommend looking for clean originals. Which can be tough to find, I know. But they are better than the Page remasters by far imo. The original Barry Diament mastered cd's are fantastic as an alternative, if you do cd's.

[@Universityofvinyl]

I see mention of those Diament CDs frequently! Cheers, Tim

[@HatsuneMikuCanada]

I need to get myself a RL Led Zeppelin 2

[@markwissman2452]

Don't we all? I've been looking everywhere in the wild for the last 2 years with no luck

[@JimMorrisonslizard]

Why is an original pressing initialized as OG? Shouldn’t it be OP?

[@Universityofvinyl]

Slang….

[@vcp93]

I see a Tesla Power Wall and Starlink in your future. 😉👍

[@joncarpenter984]

Music on vinyl pressings are audiophile quality approved records. But they are digital pressings. That being said the Jimmy Page reissues are the same thing. I have 1-4 Jimmys digital records I paid 60 dollars for all four. I agree with others on these records. For the money they can’t be beat period…

[@zackamania6534]

Only snobs will crap on the 2014 reissues. They sound great. I’ve got the originals. I’ve got the LZ 2 mofi (I don’t have the RL HOT cut) and I’ve got a great German Physical Graffiti pressing. The 2014s are just fine. It’s such a snobbery, “already haves” put down of the 2014s that the proletariat can easily buy… they’re fine

[@dgross2009]

I may try one of the new digital remasters but as a digital purchase not vinyl. Usually the vinyl doesn't sound as good as the digital file unless it is a limited high quality pressing

[@savoirfaire3469]

This guy seems to be a bit out of touch. It's great that you found (if his description is accurate) a $1000+ record for $30 but that is escentually like winning the record lottery. The idea that your going to find one on ebay for $20 is insane. Yes you can identify these pressing from the ebay pictures and yes every now and then the seller doesn't know what they have but there are about 15 people watching the auction who know how to spot it as well. Needless to say the selling price does not end up anywhere near the single digits.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Good points

[@junacebedo888]

Recording engineers 'tinkers' the expression of the musicians or the artist that's why I hate them. I am a somewhat a 'mastering engineer' myself using Audacity app manipulating lousy youtube (music) covers. I usually normalize the volume of overpowering vocals with a whispering instrument accompaniment

[@mymixture965]

I have one Classic Record, a Blue Note and all I can say is that it sucks, it is not better than a regular reissue and as I have the same record from King/Japan, the japanese pressing kills the Classic. I am a pro musician all my live, just to let you know I know what I talk about.

[@Liebermann2012]

Some audiophiles HATES the japanese pressings, it sucks they say.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thanks for weighing in, interesting

[@mymixture965]

@@Liebermann2012 I know, all I c an say is that my Japanese Blue Notes sound as good or better than the Tone Poets and the 80´s and Classic series. I do not trust Audiophiles I have to add, as a musician I trust my ears. Maybe just me, maybe I am alone here.

[@bbutler5090]

Japanese pressings of Blue Note releases are known to be excellent. I have Japanese pressing of Blue Train and it may be the best sounding record I own.

[@mymixture965]

@@bbutler5090 Right, specially the "King" pressings sound amazing, for me the best modern version of these old titles. As I can not afford originals I go with japanese Blue Notes, I have 300+ of them, no disappointment so far. First I only bought early Toshiba and King pressings, but lately I got some Toshibas from the early 90´s and they sound as good as the ones from the 80´s.....and I give these tips only because I am close to complete with the Blue Note label :-)

[@batuksri]

You speak too slowly. This subject was covered by In Groove in way much less than 44 minutes.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Oh well......🤷‍♂️

[@pseudoty]

Some of us like it slow if you don’t go to settings, playback 1.5X. Also try and be a nicer person.

[@mmmbbq]

So speed up the video, you ungrateful bastard. lol, jk.