All I know is, before I started using elliptical needles (before elliptical stylus' were available for 78's, actually), many of the Decca 78's I've got from the 1940's had an irritating "fuzz" to them.
The early ones sure did - then their pressings slowly worsened as the 30's turned to the 40's.
The Decca Sunbursts were of relatively higher quality - got a couple of Earl Hines orchestra 1st pressings on Decca Sunburst labels (1934-1935) & they're out of this world!
I have this one too Mark. Bought it from a collector back in '67. I've always been impressed with 2 things that jump out at me.
1. Loose informal groove - very relaxed
2. On a technological level, now didn't many of those early American Deccas have a nice CRISP fidelity response. They must have been using those Western Electric ribbon mics too!
All I know is, before I started using elliptical needles (before elliptical stylus' were available for 78's, actually), many of the Decca 78's I've got from the 1940's had an irritating "fuzz" to them.
SwingMan1937 2 years ago
It seemed that the grooves were actually wider on some from the early 40's and a very wide diameter needle was needed.
JCJasion 2 years ago
The early ones sure did - then their pressings slowly worsened as the 30's turned to the 40's.
The Decca Sunbursts were of relatively higher quality - got a couple of Earl Hines orchestra 1st pressings on Decca Sunburst labels (1934-1935) & they're out of this world!
SwingMan1937 2 years ago
I have this one too Mark. Bought it from a collector back in '67. I've always been impressed with 2 things that jump out at me.
1. Loose informal groove - very relaxed
2. On a technological level, now didn't many of those early American Deccas have a nice CRISP fidelity response. They must have been using those Western Electric ribbon mics too!
JCJasion 2 years ago