Wang Wang Blues on Edison, Mal Hallett & Orch. test pressing

[Valecnik]

This one never made it to cylinder until 2012 when released by the Berlin Phonograph Works, http://www.berlinphonographworks.com

It is certainly one of the most progressive jazz fox trot numbers ever recorded at the Edison studios, recorded in October 1929, only one known testpressing to exist at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agKtNe_OfmU[/youtubehd]

[EdiBrunsVic]

Thank you for sharing this great record!

[wjw]

That reproducer is wonderful. Would like to read what you have done to it. thanks

[Valecnik]

That reproducer is wonderful. Would like to read what you have done to it. thanks

Get ready for a long winded answer! The reproducer was rebuilt by Steve Medved. He cleaned it, made sure all parts moved freely, installed new gaskets, new stylus from Expert installed in the original bar and tested. The diaphragm, on this one is original. He does excellent work.

I also have the same reproducer, restored by Steve in the same manner except with a new, Bogantz diaphragm. As to which one sounds better, both give excellent results. Generally, the original diaphragms give better low ends, very slightly more depth to the sound but a not quite as loud. The new diaphragm is noticeably louder and gives you more highs.

For these late electrical recordings, I tend to prefer the original diaphragm because there's more than enough volume anyway and like the sligtly more breadth. For recording I normally also use the original diaphragm because there's more than enough volume. Fox max, volume, "showing off" a machine, dubbed cylinders and a lot of the earlier ones, I think the new diaphragm gives better results. These observations are generalizations. Many might disagree based on personal preference or sensitivities of thier own ear.

If you listened to either one separately, you'd be more than pleased. The only way to tell the difference is to listen to the same record first with one reproducer and then immediately after, listen to the same record with the other.

If you’re thinking of recording, you also need to optimize the equipment and setup. I use a good, but moderately priced HD camera and a separate top mounted shotgun microphone. In a relatively small room, like we have I set the recording capture at 90 degrees. You can choose between 60, 90 and 180. The camera and mic are set about 8- 10 feet away from the machine and not moved during the recording. For optimal recording it’s also best that the kids are in school and the dog is sleeping. 

[wjw]

Thanks for reply. I see Steve almost yearly at Orlando show. He certainly is the authority on Edison repros!

It's nice to have two reproducers, "improved" and original. I use a Bogantz diaphragm in my Diamond Disc machine and am very happy about it. Have two other repro's w/ original diaphragms, but usually end up listening to the "improved" one.

By the way, I appreciate your recordings on YouTube and anyone else's that uses a remote mike. Makes all the difference.


Enjoy.