[78-L] That Early 20s Okeh sound

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I have read that engineer Charles Hibbard was the man responsible for the 
great sound of the acoustical OKehs.  If true, he's the same genius who set up 
the Original Dixieland Jazz Band for their first Victor session in February, 
1917, with such perfect results.  Hibbard deserves more recognition as a Hi Fi 
pioneer.   

Those OKeh acoustics are the last word in pre-electric quality, I agree.  
Even without special EQ, their live, colorful, clear sound just jumps out at you. 
 Edison Diamond Discs sometimes equal or surpass this, but not consistently.  
All the other acoustic brands need help. 

Has anyone thoughts about OKeh's odd, lengthy transition from acoustic to 
electric?  Victor and Columbia switched from acoustic to Western Electric almost 
overnight, ca. March, 1925.  At OKeh, the process took about nine months, an 
actual gestation, a gradual dissolve, lasting from about April of '26 to 
January of '27.  The evolution of OKeh sound in this period is fascinating.  Anybody 
got inside information?  -Brad Kay  <BR><BR><BR>**************<BR>Check out 
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