Comments on: Rare Jazz Vinyl and A Question about Reissues

By: Seiko

Seiko — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:59:52 +0000

I would agree with Clifford Allen – Japanese reissues, including the Toshibas, are the best fit for our TT’s. But don’t overlook others outside of BN’s…many great copies are affordable prices are available.

Great question and loved to read everyone’s feedback.

Ciao!

By: Ceedee

Ceedee — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 14:15:26 +0000

I’d agree with Dmitri (and others) who say a mono cartridge is a good place to start. “Garbage in,garbage out” was never more true than when applied to the listening experience-hardware and software included. As for lps,I like mono Liberty’s, Japanese King and white label OJC’s for the budget conscious. BTW,one of the best sounding reissues I’ve heard is the Monk/Trane two-fer from the 24000(?)series. “Trinkle,Tinkle”,indeed.

By: Jay Keuper

Jay Keuper — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:48:29 +0000

A “budget-conscious audiophile (wannabe), hard-bop-lover.” What a great description of myself! I’ve been going solid Tone Poet and have yet to be disappointed. I have several Music Matters but abandoned that route as the prices climbed. I’ve read nothing but good things about the BN 80 series and plan to do grab some of those as well.

Finally, if I’m lucky enough to find something older I want that is sealed, I always break it. Feels like a time machine.

By: WebWax

WebWax — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 01:21:30 +0000

An update to my previous post: I finally had a chance to listen to a few of the BN 80th reissues and I have to say I’m impressed! I grabbed the Juta Hipp/Zoot Sims and it sounds fantastic. It’s done in mono to boot! I will gladly have this to hold me over until I’m fortunate enough to come across an original. The other two releases are in stereo (Basara and Open Sesame) and are equally impressive. Kevin Gray is has done the mastering, like the tone poet series, and the pressings are done by German based Optimal. The Sound is fantastic.

I for one welcome these reissues. They present the music the way it should be heard (a high quality production) and it’s at a price point that allows a larger audience to enjoy this great music. The world needs more jazz!

By: Kristian

Kristian — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 07:33:33 +0000

I would also recommend Classic Records mono reissues, done with deep groove. They sound amazing when played with mono cartridge

By: JasonH5

JasonH5 — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 20:29:06 +0000

hence why collecting blue note records is expensive. not only the records, but the equipment necessary to enjoy the full gamut of the music.

By: cellery

cellery — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 06:05:49 +0000

One thing to realise with Blue Note stereo Liberties and ‘fake stereo’ (from a rechanneled mono master) is that not all of them are properly labelled. Some which say ‘rechanneled’ on the cover are actually proper stereo (mastered from RVG’s original two track recording, though not by RVG) and some which just say ‘stereo’ are actually rechanneled. Londonjazzcollector provides a handy overview: https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/record-labels-guide/labelography-2/blue-note-mono-stereo-and-pseudo-stereo/

By: Dimitri

Dimitri — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:46:43 +0000

Daryl

Honestly, there are so many variables to consider; ( ie tube vs solid state equipment, interconnections, speaker wire, mono cartridges, stereo cartridges, speakers etc.). l don’t think there’s a definitive answer to your question, not without taking into account the above mentioned variables. As an example, l played original 1st edition Blue Note mono pressings with a stereo cartridge for years. Then l purchased a second tone arm, board and a mono cartridge. My table supports two arms and two cartridges (mono & stereo). The difference when l play my 1st edition Blue Note mono records with my mono cartridge can only be described as mind blowing!!! IMO playing 1st edition Blue Note mono records with a stereo cartridge is simply not ideal. Which brings me back to my original suggestion. My advice would be to consider your system as you contemplate what would sound best on your system. It’s easy for me to tell you what sounds best on my system. The “next best thing” to first editions is a trail & error, up close, and personal listening experience with late issues, re-issues and imports as you search for your ideal sound on your own system.

By: Woody

Woody — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 19:39:51 +0000

Daryl – If you’re looking for Mono Prestige titles keep your eyes open for white label Promo two-fer 24000 series. Put out during the Green label time frame many of these are the last Mono analog mastered and RVG stamped. For example, comparing an original 50th(Prestige PRLP 7079), NJ(second)(Prestige PRLP 7079), and a promo P-24050 of Sonny Rollins Saxophone Colossus there wasn’t too much to quible about. But if you like Sax Colossus do not buy the PR 7326 Gold Label. I’ve listened to several NM copies and it’s obvious they’re pressed using the cheap recycled vinyl that Prestige used on their Status budget series. It’s really hard to find any Status pressing that isn’t noisy.

By: Daryl

Daryl — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 03:01:32 +0000

Much appreciation to all on the reissue feedback. I’ve got some hunting for Japanese pressings ahead!