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

[Cary Ginell]

Since Rod came up with the Monarch disc, I would recommend he buy Michael Sherman and Kurt Nauck's "New Collector's Guide to Victor Records." Aside from being the best book I've ever read on a single label, it balances a rich history with the diversity and pictorial splendor of the company that made Rod's Monarch. It's much better for beginners and is a heck of a lot cheaper than any of the dry Rust or Lord discographies. Them's my two cents. 

Cary Ginell

On Jan 25, 2012, at 3:19 AM, "Kristjan Saag" <saag at telia.com> wrote:

> 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
>> _______________________________________________
>> 78-L mailing list
>> 78-L at klickitat.78online.com
>> http://klickitat.78online.com/mailman/listinfo/78-l
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> 78-L mailing list
> 78-L at klickitat.78online.com
> http://klickitat.78online.com/mailman/listinfo/78-l