Thanks and yes I'm very fortunate to have a clean unworn pressing. I've attached another photo so you can get a better idea of how clean it really is.Wolfe wrote:Yes, that is a nice, clean example. I don't own any myself.
Ward Marston notes that the recording machine wasn't functioning correctly for all the Caruso Zonophone sides. Apparently the pitch needs to be brought down gradually as the records play. Of course, it seems that's a not so uncommon problem with those old weight driven lathes.
The gradual change in pitch on the original pressing isn't noticeable at first but a good ear can hear a slight difference when starting the record from the very beginning and then placing the needle near the end. The fact that Ward was able to correct this anomaly when transferring the Zonofono group is one of the many reasons I treasure the Naxos Caruso edition. They are the only transfers I listen to outside of my original pressings.