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

[Kristjan Saag]

Hello, Rod,
Books, of course, depend on what type of music you're interested in.
For jazz: Brian Rust's "Jazz Records 1897-1942" is a must. New printing 
just sold out, but available on CD-rom.
For post -42 issues: Jepsen's "Jazz Records" (11 volumes, covering 
1942-1962 or later - different for different volumes). Out of print, 
available only from second hand dealers.
Or, for all jazz (1896 to present): Tom Lord's "Jazz Discography", 
published in 26 volumes plus addendas, but out of print as well. This 
one, though, is available online and on CD-rom and continually updated.
For US Dance Bands: Brian Rust's "American Dance Band Discography 
1915-1942". New issue available.
For (mostly) US entertainment artists: Rust's "The Complete 
Entertainment Discography" (mid 1890's-1942). Out of print.
For British Dance  Band's: Rust & Forbes' "British Dance Bands On 
Records 1911-1945". Out of print.
That would be a good start for an American collector.
Roger Kinkle's four-volume "Complete Encyclopedia Of Popular Music And 
Jazz 1900-1950" (four volumes with biographies, some record label number 
lists, a year-to-year (1900-1950) overview of Broadway musicals, popular 
songs, important recordings etc is handy in many occasions, and still 
the best encyclopedia I know of of 78 era artists. Out of print for 
years, but available from second hand dealers.
More book titles here:
https://www117.safesecureweb.com/78rpm/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=4e6838a029b2c39fc9bbf8683782ba5b&Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=NRC&Category_Code=200
Kristjan



On 2012-01-25 11:04, Rod Brown wrote:
>>
>> 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
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