The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was rather surprised today when I played Moonlight and Roses and realized I had two copies. The first one seemed odd, the volume was muted and the sound of the instruments rather lackluster. I was checking my diaphragms so I thought at first maybe the volume produced from it was too weak.. But when I realized I had a second record of the same piece I put it on.. I couldn't believe what a difference there was. The second was forceful and had very good bass that thumped out loudly. the vocals were very real and projected nicely.. I checked to be sure, same record number, same orchestra and same singers. Only the scratched numbers and letters at the bottom were different. I know edison was known for varying volumes but I never thought such a huge difference could be possible as these two show.

Larry

It's more likely that the first copy you played was pressed from a worn out stamper at the end of it's life. I've seen many like this.

Sean

Its really a shame because the record is quite nice when you have the good copy.. I guess many edison disc are like this. I know people have often said they stamping was a big problem but I was really surprised at how much sound they lost!

Larry

larryh wrote:Only the scratched numbers and letters at the bottom were different.

Those pressings might have been made from different recorded takes. I think there were usually three takes. I have a few duplicate titles of all three takes and can hear variations in performance, but not in volume. I wonder if one wax master might have been softer than the others?