Duke Ellington: The Mooche

[RAK402]

Played on Brunswick Panatrope Portable:

http://youtu.be/y6atXp4n4kw

[Henry]

Sounds good! thanks for posting.

That's a good example of what was called the "jungle sound" back in the day. Probably wouldn't call it that today.

Otherwise, formally it's a 12-bar blues.

[Joe_DS]

That sounds pretty good -- a nice, well rounded mid range. I hear a bit of upper end distortion, but am not sure if it's the microphone or sound box chatter. If it's coming from the sound box, make sure that there is no side-play in the movement of the needle bar; a frequent cause. The needle bar should move freely, in and out, so it allows the diaphragm to plunge slightly with the vibration of the record groove. If there is "side play" you'll feel a bit of shake as you move the needle bar gently, back and forth, in the direction of the two pivot screws, as shown below.

SidePlay.jpg (31.95 KiB) Viewed 1788 times

Joe

[RAK402]

Thank you both for the comments, gentlemen!

Joe,

Thank you also for the detailed information regarding the sound bar-I will check it tomorrow when I have the machine out again.

I have a problem, in that my ear is uneducated. I got my first acoustic machine (a Silvertone Portable) about six weeks ago, and was amazed at how good it sounded (having nothing to compare it to). The Panatrope definitely sounds better, but I don't know where to look to improve things, what to listen for, etc., so I appreciate your pointing me in the correct direction.

I did also seal the reproducer to the tone arm with Goop (after I made the recording), as it tended to work itself loose after playing a couple of records (something else I learned on this forum).

For comparison purposes, this is the Silvertone (unfortunately a different, much louder record):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUYfCQP ... 3A&index=4

To me, the Silvertone sounds a bit harsher and has a bit more distortion.

[Joe_DS]

The Silvertone definitely sounds like the sound box could use some TLC. Because of the size of the horn, it will not be able to pump out much, in terms of overall tone, but it should not blast or buzz. If the diaphragm gaskets have been changed, I'd say that the needle-bar fulcrum could probably stand adjustment--possibly it's too loose, allowing side play; or too tight, restricting the needle-bar's movement.

I'd say, after you get it sounding the way you want it to, that using soft tone needles would probably be your best bet, especially for later production 78s which sound pretty loud when played on any acoustic phonograph.

Joe

[RAK402]

Joe,

I examined the reproducer on the Panatrope today, looking for the end-play that you mentioned.

You really knew where to look-there was quite a bit of slop in it. I adjusted one the small screws in the sound bar a very small amount-just enough to remove the play, but not so much that it restricted the hinging movement. I am being very careful as the reproducer casting appears to be pot metal, which someone epoxied back together at some time before I acquired the machine (they seem to have done a pretty good job of it).

The sound improved quite a bit. I played the same record again and the distortion diminished.

I appreciate the advice as I am still trying to learn about all this (spent yesterday and today getting an Edison Home finally running).

I am attempting to order gaskets for the Silvertone.

Thank you for the advice, sir!

[Torjazzer]

I have a nice original copy of The Mooche on Okeh. I was wondering why my copy has the blue label and some have the black label.

[Harold Aherne]

I have a nice original copy of The Mooche on Okeh. I was wondering why my copy has the blue label and some have the black label.

Here's some information on Blue OKehs:
http://www.vjm.biz/new_page_21.htm

-HA

[Torjazzer]

I have a nice original copy of The Mooche on Okeh. I was wondering why my copy has the blue label and some have the black label.

Here's some information on Blue OKehs:
http://www.vjm.biz/new_page_21.htm

-HA

Thank you very much for this. Very informative article.