[78-L] Robert Johnson records claimed to be recorded 20%

[Philip Carli]

If the persons checking the tests elsewhere weren't the original engineers, or didn't know Johnson's sound, who knows?  They may have simply passed and gone into production.  I and David Lennick mentioned several unbelievable things getting through on Brunswick on another thread; and those were glaring errors, not something that could be passed over in blissful ignorance like a different key if you don't know the original source.  I could see some third party saying "well, it's okay, let it through" and not knowing any better. That's why this is coming up again; so many variables to work through...

I'll still go along with the idea the discs are "right"; but I'm also interested in alternatives as there seems to be at least some considered opinion going along with them.  Scholarly curiosity.
________________________________________
From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com [78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] On Behalf Of Doug Pomeroy [audiofixer at verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 9:39 PM
To: 78-list
Subject: Re: [78-L] Robert Johnson records claimed to be recorded 20%

If the wax engravings were played back on the cutters on which they were
cut, then of course they would have sounded at the proper pitch,
regardless
of the actual speed.  The waxes could not be played back without being
destroyed,
so the only discs played at the original sessions would have been
those specifically
made as tests (and assuming Vocalion had the lightweight reproducing
stylus made
specifically for playing the soft wax, which is doubtful), but this
still means they
would NOT have noticed any speed error, relative to 78.26 rpm.

Still, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, playing the test pressings or the final
released discs
at 78.26 rpm would probably have noticed something a bit strange...

For some unknown reason I cannot download any of the slowed down mp3's,
so I can't hear for myself.  Anyone else having this problem?

> Speed variations do occur on recording equipment,
> possibly more so on remote locations, but not through entire
> sessions..SOMEBODY
> would have noticed when the tests were played back.
>
> dl

Doug Pomeroy
POMEROY AUDIO
Audio Restoration & Mastering Services
Transfers of metal parts, lacquers,
shellac and vinyl discs & tapes.
193 Baltic St
Brooklyn, NY 11201-6173
(718) 855-2650
audiofixer at verizon.net
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