George Piros cut of Led Zeppelin I, is it worth it? Comparing it to a UK Red Plum & Classic Records
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
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After a Led Zeppelin I comparison video that I did in which I was in high appraisal of both the UK Red Plum and the Bernie Grundman masteres Classic Records pressing, I got a lot of responses telling me to the George Piros cut. Some articles online even call it the equivalent of the legendary Robert Ludwig hot mix of Led Zeppelin II. Is the myth true? In this video I compare the George Piros cut to a Red Plum and the Classic Records pressing
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Finding a George Piros on both sides of LZ 1 is not an easy find. I've come across many that only have his mastering on one side. So kudos on such a great find. Its a great pressing, as are most of his Atlantic Pressings. The GP Led Zeppelin pressings are hands down the best value for money when looking for vintage, analogue pressings of the LZ catalog.
Excellent video topic! I have several Piros Zep I’s and I agree that they are raunchy, rude, glorious pressings indeed. Piros is underrated. His version of Zep 2 is no slouch either. It’s not quite the Ludwig but it’s quite excellent in its own right. Back to Zep I….there are minor differences in the Piros pressings from various years too. Some of the fresher cuts from say 72-75 are regarded as better than later pressings of his work for this album…although I haven’t done the comparison personally because I don’t have a piros pressing later than 75. I can tell you that I have about four different versions and they all smoke! The 72 and 74 monarch stand out slightly more perhaps but they are all superb.
Interesting! What is different about the Monarch?
@@top5records796 Monarch of LA pressed records for quite a few labels. Atco / Atlantic was a major customer of them. Monarchs usually have a perceptible air and 'presence' to them that is audible when compared to an equivelant Presswell or Columbia contact pressings. A big difference? Well it is audible on most decent sound systems, but any good Piros of this album is worth getting. They are not rare.
@@top5records796 The 1974 Monarch pressing is the king of Led Zeppelin I on vinyl, the power, balance and clarity are stunning.
Why this particular Monarch beats all the other Piros pressings from the 70's is probably down to the stampers and quality of vinyl used at Monarch compared to Presswell and other plants at that time, Monarch pressings are often considered superior.
I've compared it to the 72 and 73 Presswell Piros pressings and their is a big difference imo.
Also worth hunting down are Piros 1977 pressings of II and III, II is the closet to the RL original and III rivals the UK Plum A5/B5
For one thing my monarch pressings for this record are in better condition. I have to mention that first. I took notes on them somewhere so u could remember the site differences. I’ll have to go look but they sound phenomenal. I have a Presswell Piros and a RI piros as well. Both are great. The Presswell needs recognition too….it might be even better! Loud, rude, dynamic! Also, I think the earlier reissues might be slightly better perhaps because they were fresher tapes?
WOW : one of my top ten records ever ! ...i have had more than 20 different versions in the last 45 years... 😁 To cut a long story short : UK 1st Plum pressing was one of the best i have had, didn't need any upgrade, until.... i got (15 years ago) the Classic Records 200g for less than 90$... The UK Plum is powerful, with "Balls", but quite "crude" and uneven..., the Classic is REALLY good, but, it is too "bright": if you have a highly transparent and neutral hi-fi system you can hear it ( listen to the cymbals on "How Many More Times" at high volume). Now: the Piros : (i assume we are speaking about the same : 1974 Monarch pressing , ST-A-681461CC-REPL AT/GP △18257(2) PR ): the Sound literally explodes from the speakers, phenomenal. Bass is so powerful.... (...maybe even too much... ??). I still have the Piros; i have sold my UK Plum and the Classic years ago.... NOW : i still was not satisfied 100%.... i love this album and i want the "best" sounding version, doesn't matter how much $$$ ! Next level : Better-records HOT STAMPER !!!! (WE MAY AGREE OR NOT AGREE WITH THIS BUSINEES , i wanted to give a try a make myself an opinion) i have purchased one (300 $, 8 or 9 years ago)and, holy cow : yes this THE ONE TO HAVE : The biggest, most immediate staging in the largest acoustic space, Tight, note-like, rich, full-bodied bass, with the correct amount of weight down low; Natural tonality in the midrange - with all the instruments having the correct timbre; Transparency and resolution, critical to hearing into the three-dimensional studio space. The overall sound is warm, rich, sweet, and very analog, with tons of energy. I don't know the year it was issued (1980 ?? ca.) , Germany, ATL 40 031, STRAWBERRY (G) R/S Alsdorf 40031 A2x on side A; STRAWBERRY (G) R/S Alsdorf 40031 B3 GB on side B . (basically a german pressing with UK mastering for the british market (?) GB is hand etched on side B) A4 misspelled on center labels as “Dazaed And Confused”.
B1 misspelled on center labels as “You Time Is Gonna Come”.
B2 misspelled on center labels as “Black Mountains Side”. .........GOOD LUCK finding a NM copy !!! cheers from switzerland, luca
I agree with your comparison. The Piros cut is excellent!
Happy to hear that!
I have the 77 Piros cut and it’s very good! In my opinion Zep needs the mids and bottom more than the high end to really impact you. Paid $40 a year ago for an excellent condition.
Bargain!
Question for you….i have five piros pressings of Zep I…all of which sounds awesome. I see the 77 in great condition in a record store the other day for 30 bucks and I was thinking about grabbing it but I remembered hearing somewhere (and it might be bullshit) that the later reissue wasn’t as good as the earlier ones? Have you compared? Also, on the one at the store it only had Piros initials on side one of the dead wax. Is that the case with yours also? If so, does the other side sound equally as good? Thanks.
@@Donjasoni I have not compared it to anything but the recent reissue. And it’s miles better than the digital version!! I’m pretty picky about my sound, and I think you’ll be satisfied, especially for that price (if it’s a clean copy)
Maybe it’s time to unseal my Classic LZ1 pressing to compare with the GP cut…😏
Piros re-cut the LZ1 lacquer around early 1973 if I recall correctly. It adds some compression which helps give it that robust sound. The Piros cut of Crosby Stills & Nash 'couch' album - especially a Monarch LA pressing - is likewise the best pressing to get of that album. Again, a balanced, robust mastering with a very silky, smooth top end unlike most cuttings which saturated a bit on the harmonies and vocals.
I think it was 72. I have a very early piros reissue of it. Sounds great!