[78-L] Frequently Asked (or otherwise clueless) Questions

[Rod Brown]

>
> Professors,


I'm wondering if there is an on-line site to visit with basic beginners'
questions about collecting 78s. I ask because I often feel like asking my
little elementary queries of 78-L list members is too like asking Mr.
Hawking to help me with my long division homework. As much as I hesitate to
flatter anyone to that degree, asking questions can be a little
intimidating for this newbie.

Since I doubt there is such an on-line resource, I guess I should be asking
about what a 78 Collector's basic library should include. I know lots of
money can be spent on books, but what titles would any of you nominate for
a basic collector?

This past weekend, I was trying to choose some 78s to take home out of a
batch of about 1,500 of them. I was never more acutely aware of how little
I know about this whole complex endeavor (I can't call it merely a
'hobby'). I'd have loved to know even a little more than I do, to help me
make decent decisions.

In any case, I added what might be the oldest record in my small
collection. That's a Monarch Record with a black label. Mainspring Press
seems to describe this as the "straight-line" design. The number (both on
the label and in the matrix) is 1799. The music is a sextette called "Tell
Me Pretty Maiden" from "Floradora." The label is recessed. Nothing at all
on the back of this one. I haven't seen much on the 'net about the Monarch
name and why, when, or for how long it was used.

The record has a deep dimple exactly on the last groove, that seems as
though it might have been put there intentionally, as an alarm: clunk,
clunk, clunk means "The record is over; please remove the tone arm." Or is
this more likely a pressing accident, or later damage?

Guess I'll timorously hit 'send.' Thanks for any wisdom you have the time
to share.

Rod