The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I would probably go with #1, but like you said, they all have their pros and cons. I like over all #1 best.

Andreas

martinola wrote:These are the three best decals/transfers that I have been able to find over the last ten years. One of them is Gregg's. I respect the folks who made each of these. It takes many hours of work and much money to make something like this. Each has its points and each has its failings. So my question is which one of these would you pick for your machine? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards,
Martin

Okay, I think I too would have to go with #1. On my computer's display -- which I'll concede is not the best -- it appears to be the most faithful to the original (and I'm looking at an original on a Standard that's beside me as I write this). But as someone noted earlier in the thread, what sets Gregg's decals apart from others is not simply their fidelity to the originals, but the physical attributes of the decals themselves. A thick water-slide decal -- regardless of how accurate it is -- will look like a reproduction when it's sitting on the surface of a finish, with its cut lines evident when viewed obliquely -- instead of gently sinking into the finish, with its cut lines hidden.

Once applied I believe that these will all be seamless with mico sol/ micro set plus layers of shellac on top. In fact #3 is actually a varnish transfer with no water slide attributes at all. In my opinion #3 has the best gold background (it should), it's a pity that the drawing and ink color isn't more accurate. Really, I'm trying to decide which one has the most pleasing balance of good attributes versus bad ones.

It's all very subjective. I was looking for a three-sided coin to flip. I figured that it would be easier to ask you folks. Thanks again.

Martin