[78-L] Matrix Numbers Question

[J. E. Knox]

Greetings from FixitLand!

CDB (78records at cdbpdx.com) wrote:

> Greetings.  I am still a little fuzzy about the matrix numbers on  
> records and the meaning of all the numbers and letters.  For  
> example, I have one record with CO48881-1A and another with  
> CO48881-1B.  Does the A and B mean different takes?

It *might.* Usually, a -1A and a -1B indication will refer to  
different masterings (or dubs) of the identical performance. But this  
is a 1953 Columbia number...and nearby Columbia mxs. CO 48875-1A and  
-1B are DIFFERENT takes. (Benny Goodman "What A Little Moonlight Can  
Do", 23 Feb. 1953) Your matrix, CO 48881, is "Come Back To Me" by  
Pete Hanley (OKeh 6980). I found your YouTube video of the white- 
label promo pressing; presume you also have the regular pressing. The  
only way to know for sure if you have two different takes is to  
transfer them both and "marry" the two into the left and right  
channels of one file, in sync. If you hear significant differences  
when played back, or you can't keep 'em synced up, you've got two  
different takes.

Take care,


Joe
--
"There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat."-- 
Wesley Bates