The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Dear all,

I'm building a database of my 78 rpm collection. Do you have some recommendations (or an example) on which entries I should consider? I've noticed that most records have a reference on the label, but then there is also another reference carved in the empty shellac area itself, and sometimes they do not match. Where can I obtain more info on the meaning of these numbers? Thank you in advance.

Kind regards,
António

Most record databases I've seen have included the following:

Record Label (Brand Name of Record)
Catalog Number (The number that appears printed on the label)
Artist
Selection or Tune's Title
Matrix Number (This may be etched in the shellac surface -- SEE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_numbers )
Take Number (NOTE -- Take numbers can usually be found on Victor 78-rpm discs on the record surface area just outside the record label, in the nine o’clock position. First takes are usually not indicated; there is no number in that area when a record derives from take 1. -- SEE: http://victor.library.ucsb.edu/index.ph ... il/76#Take)
Recording Date (This site may be handy, depending on what records you have -- http://www.78discography.com/)
Composer

HTH,
DS

David Spanovich wrote:Most record databases I've seen have included the following:

Record Label (Brand Name of Record)
Catalog Number (The number that appears printed on the label)
Artist
Selection or Tune's Title
Matrix Number (This may be etched in the shellac surface -- SEE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_numbers )
Take Number (NOTE -- Take numbers can usually be found on Victor 78-rpm discs on the record surface area just outside the record label, in the nine o’clock position. First takes are usually not indicated; there is no number in that area when a record derives from take 1. -- SEE: http://victor.library.ucsb.edu/index.ph ... il/76#Take)
Recording Date (This site may be handy, depending on what records you have -- http://www.78discography.com/)
Composer

HTH,
DS

Thanks!