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Post by brinybay on Jan 26, 2010 16:03:41 GMT -6
I just recently bought and had repaired an acoustic phonograph. (See my intro thread). Now I'm wondering what the best way is to start a collection. So far, I've done three things:
I went through the collection that came with it, most of it was crap or not the type of music I was interested in.
Two other ways I've tried are buying a stack of misc. 78 rpms at an antique store for $1 ea. That was ok, there were a couple of interesting "keepers" in the bunch, but again, most of it was junk. I really don't mind buying them that way, but only now and then, it can get pricey after a while if most of them are not keepers.
The other method was I bought 2 or 3 at a phonograph record store. I limited it to only that many because they charged $6 each, and even then, only one side of one record I liked. That particular store didn't specialize in 78s anyway, they were more into the 33.3 rpm stuff.
If I had to choose one of the methods I've tried so far, I would go with the misc stacks. I kinda like surprises, you never know what you'll find, but as I said, it can get a little pricey.
As far as what I like and don't like, I've already learned that if it says "waltz" or is otherwise obviously classical music or strictly instrumental, forget it. I like some classical, but that's not the sound I had in mind when I bought my machine.
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DonIV
Three Spring Motor
Listening to Ray Noble collection
Posts: 169
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Post by DonIV on Jan 26, 2010 17:17:48 GMT -6
The Red Hot Jazz website is where I like to preview artists. There are many other sites out there that have 78s and cylinder music converted to digital format. As for buying you can go the auction route or attend a phonograph show and paw through thousands of records to find tunes you like. A lot of dance tunes are labeled "Fox Trot" on the record.
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Post by roaring20s on Jan 26, 2010 21:38:24 GMT -6
Hello brinybay. This is a great place to learn and observe.
You have a few good musical lessons already. Over the years (prior to the ease of the internet) I would pick records by the title. That did not always work. Then I would look at the meager descriptions. That did not always work. After a while I began to acquire enough discs to see a pattern. This added an extra level of confidence. I notice that much of what I was liking seemed to be on certain record labels. That did not always work. Laying down dollar after dollar gets old when it does not yield results.
The age we are currently in has made things easier. As Don has pointed out, you can hear segments, if not entire recordings on the internet. This slows down the wasted dollars. It increases the per record cost. The result is getting just what you like.
You seem to be in a good area for supply and have a collector organization nearby. That will help you too. Take it slow, there is no rush. The old timers are still learning.
James.
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Post by brinybay on Jan 27, 2010 5:19:43 GMT -6
I've got dozens of digital examples of vintage music. I compiled them a couple years ago when I was helping to organize a Roaring 20s party. Naturally, I picked the stuff that I liked, but there were no complaints. In fact, many people were amazed at the great tunes that were around then. It taught me who various artists were, what kind of music they played, and even specific tunes, e.g. Artie Shaw's version of "Sugar Foot Stomp" is awesome, as is Albert Ammons "Deep In the Heart of Texas Boogie" and "When You and I Were Young Maggie". I would link to them but I don't know if they're public domain.
So far the "keepers" I was referring to is an eclectic mix. A Freddy Martin foxtrot, a vintage bagpipe record, a vocal of "My Old Kentucky Home", and even a parody of that old Jack Webb cop show, Dragnet.
Today I went for a walk and stopped at a thrift store near me and came away with another stack of about 20 misc. 78 rpms. Only had time to check out a couple of them, first two were junk.
That brings me to a secondary question - What do y'all do with the junkers? Toss them? By "junkers" I mean the ones that are badly distorted and not playable. Even if it's music I don't really like, if it's in good condition with little or no distortion I put it in the "keeper" stack.
Here's the Freddy Martin tune. This is the type of music I'm looking for.
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Post by roaring20s on Jan 27, 2010 8:12:36 GMT -6
Your rejects are another's treasure. Never toss. Re-sell at pennies to the dollar. Donate to a local thrift store. These things have hung around for years and it should not end by a collectors hand.
The next question you should asking about is, what types of phonographs are best suited to play the types of records you like. Phonographs and records developed over time and this adds a new level of consideration in choosing a player.
This question is best asked in the Machine Talk section. There will be much comment about choosing the right machine(s). You may need two machines to suit your taste in music and taste in phonograph aesthetics.
James.
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Post by brinybay on Jan 27, 2010 15:08:12 GMT -6
Your rejects are another's treasure. Never toss. Re-sell at pennies to the dollar. Donate to a local thrift store. These things have hung around for years and it should not end by a collectors hand. James. To the Goodwill they go then. That's what I had in mind anyway.
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