[78-L] Life in the Fast Lane

[David Lennick]

Taylor Bowie wrote:
>> One important point about the Deccas is that unless they're Los Angeles
>> recordings, they need to be sped up by around 3 percent.
>>
>> dl
> 
> 
> 
> Interesting...I have twiddled the speed on the Deccas from time to time. 
> They were running slow,  and I wondered if I was playing them "half-fast."
> 
> Jeez,  "around" 3%.  I'm such a non-techy I hardly know where to start. 
> Reminds me of the gag on one of the Bob & Ray sketches where the radio 
> announcer is droning on and says "We'll have the correct time for you in 
> about ten minutes,  but first these words from..."
> 
> Oh...what about the Deccas from San Francisco, i.e. the four sides by 
> Williams-Walsh and their Hotel Mark Hopkins Orchestra,  noted by Rust as 
> recorded in SF  "c. January 1935."  Are those "up to speed" or not?
> 
> 
> Taylor
> 
> _____________________________

Depends on whether they were recorded on LA's equipment or where. LA recordings 
are pretty close to correct speed. New York and Chicago Deccas are usually 
close to a half tone low, which is where a pitchpipe or tone generator or 
keyboard will come in handy.

Say kids, what time is it?

Bluebottle: What time is it Eccles?

Eccles: Err, just a minute. I've got it written down here on a piece of paper. 
A nice man wrote the time down for me this morning.

Bluebottle: Then why do you carry it around with you, Eccles?

Eccles: Well, if anybody asks me the time, I can show it to them.

Bluebottle: Wait a minute Eccles, my good man...

Eccles: What is it fellow?

Bluebottle: It's writted on this bit of paper, what is eight o'clock, is writted.

Eccles: I know that my good fellow. That's right. When I asked the fella to 
write it down, it was eight o'clock.

Bluebottle: Well then, supposing when somebody asks you the time, it isn't 
eight o'clock?

Eccles: Then I don't show it to them.

Bluebottle: Well how do you know when it's eight o'clock?

Eccles: I've got it written down on a piece of paper!

dl