[78-L] That Early 20s Okeh sound

[simmonssomer]

Here's some more info on  that early Okeh Sound
www.vmj.biz/new_page_4.htm

Al Simmons


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <SUPRBATONE at aol.com>
To: <78-l at klickitat.78online.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 1:03 AM
Subject: Re: [78-L] That Early 20s Okeh sound


>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  >