What to Look For With Classical Records Pressings

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

I remember watching this video back when I was in my first year at university when I was a fairly novice collector. Now I have the quite the collection, mostly classical, including two White label Columbias. This is a brilliant introduction to the major labels. Also worth a mention, though, is Deutsche Grammophon. Certainly not an audiophile label, but the earliest tulip pressings generally sound very good and they fielded an amazing roster of performers. Especially rewarding are Karl Bohm's recordings of the Mozart symphonies, and Wilhelm Kempff's recordings of the Beethoven Piano Concertos.

[@statictraveller]

Thank you for your lovely comment. There are some great recordings on DG, certainly. I have a nice DVD box set of Bohm conducting Mozart symphonies. He really could do so much with the minutest flourishes. I will add a couple of links to videos from the last few months where I found some amazing classical records in charity shops- you may enjoy them. The first link is of a short video showing a rare and wonderful 1950s EMI guide to record releases. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4aYY6Slf7l-oMk Of course, if you have already seen them, then please ignore. Cheers. Alan kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWq1nKSpYrCLqJI kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYDdi599hspqnqM

[@Roamany-Jones]

As a Classical Music Record Collector of over 20 years it’s nice to see someone else with the same interest👍. I prefer to use the Mikrokosmos guide to classification rather than a basic ED1 ED2 etc. So ED1 will be English Dark Label 1st edition that way you can easily classify every record and international record far more accurately and provide more information with just the same 3 letters🇬🇧😁

[@statictraveller]

Thank you for the tip, Roland. You probably know David Hurwitz's excellent classical channel, but one you might not is Music On Record. Presented by a chap educated at Oxford and who has worked in the industry. Absolutely fantastic videos, records and knowledge. Cheers. Alan

[@Roamany-Jones]

@@statictraveller Using KZbin is still a bit new to me, don’t know either, but will be sure to check them out, thanks. 😉👍

[@saltech3444]

Hi there - this is great for classical record collectors. In the six months since I got into vinyl for the first time, I have found that antique shops here in Australia are still a goldmine for very, very cheap classical pressings. I so far have two ED1 Deccas (Britten's War Requiem and selections from Fledermaus) and a whole bunch of blue tulip DGs. I'm always amused to get good records for one or two dollars here, despite the vinyl "revival". It seems that nobody listens to classical music.

[@statictraveller]

Hi. Thanks. Yes, classical music is still an overlooked area of collecting. I see so many ridiculously overpriced pop and rock records in charity and antique shops, but classical can still be had for next to nothing. I have picked up some great stuff. The more I collect, the more interesting the classical records become. I just hope that it all remains something of a secret for a long time to come....

[@TheVinylGuru]

I love love love the decca monos. This is great. Great channel. On it now, babe!

[@statictraveller]

The Decca monos are wonderful! Thanks 😊

[@TheVinylGuru]

Static Traveller they really are. I just subbed you. YOU are wonderful.

[@statictraveller]

@@TheVinylGuru Well, thank you ☺️. I have shown everything from Beefheart to punk to classical. I will check your channel out. Alan

[@TheVinylGuru]

Static Traveller i just love it. Your variety is VERY my fever. I am all over too. I havent gotten around to being able to fully show that range yet though bc i just started my channel 2 weeks ago, but i will! X

[@Stuck_in_the_70s]

Long time record collector, but fairly new to collecting classical LPs so this is incredibly informative - many thanks indeed for making it. Some really beautiful records you’re showing there. My buddy gave me one or two tips so I have managed to pick up a few classic HMV, Columbia and Decca LPs which sound fantastic. I think my favourites I’ve bought so far are probably the Deutsche Grammophon Mozart boxsets (Karl Bohm). I’m not sure who owned them originally, but they are immaculate and have both the Programme and tickets to the relevant Operas from 1975/1976 - so pleased to have found those.

[@statictraveller]

Hi. It sounds like you have some gems with the Mozart sets. The world of classical recordings and pressings is absolutely huge, so being able to focus on some of the rarer, more desirable releases is always useful. I have found some very rare albums in charity shops over the last few months. Unlike pop and rock records, they're still out there. For the time being, at least....

[@Stuck_in_the_70s]

@@statictraveller yeah I couldn’t be more pleased with them. Yes it’s something I find myself increasingly looking for and I have found some great classical albums at charity shops. A few acquaintances keep telling me to go to car boots so I guess I really should as you never know what you’ll find, but the desire to do so is not really there atm. Worst one was a couple of years back we had the opportunity to clear 8,000 classical LPs for free and we just had to hire a van and collect them most likely in a couple of trips, but due to lockdowns etc. we were unable to do so and now I think they’re long gone, sadly 😩

[@frankpan152]

Really enjoy your illustrations on the wonderful classical LPs. I want to have them all!

[@statictraveller]

They are objects of beauty. 👍

[@brucewayne6286]

very informative guide, thank you. I do not agree with the hype for stereo pressings though. The mono versions sound superb on a correct mono setup.

[@statictraveller]

Thank you. Yes, they can sound marvellous and in some cases, even better. I have heard people mention Beethoven's 3rd and 4th on Columbia in this regard. The hype around stereo pressings is partially about monetary value. They are generally worth considerably more than their mono counterparts. Some of the very early stereo pressings can sound absolutely astonishing, though. To my ear, very few records come quite so close to such dynamic range and power. Cheers, Alan

[@shenidan2023]

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience 👍 Found quite a few beautiful boxes sets in my local charity shops but there's always one side with a scratch 🙁 will be patient and keep on looking!!

[@statictraveller]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. Yes, it is ever so slightly infuriating! If they were rock albums, we wouldn't care. I am sure it won't be long before you find some great records. Classical is still a relatively unknown area of collecting, so there's still time until people cotton on.... I wish you all the best in the hunt.

[@deadquietvinyl]

Very-very good examples of early pressings to hunt after, Alan! Thanks! Cheers! 👌👍

[@statictraveller]

Cheers! These early classical records are wonderful. I get more excited finding them than the normal rock collectables these days.

[@deadquietvinyl]

@@statictraveller same here. Last year was more about classical music for me, too. Cheers!

[@deadquietvinyl]

@@statictraveller I’ve watched again the video as I have developed a “small” obsession for classical music on Decca. I know we’ve discussed a bit some time ago about their Japanese versions. Many of them were made in later pressings on London. There are certain Deccas from the generations you mentioned. Most probably imported ones. But the Columbia white labels really sound not great at all. I think because of the pressing issues mostly. They surface is really noisy or eliptical cart should be used. Not sure. What’s your experience with the old white label Columbias? The “unusual” first ones? You get lots of surface noise on the UK ones? Also? Have you got the chance to compare them with Japanese versions by any chance? I have many UK pressings which are really good and all but am also finding Japanese pressed.

[@statictraveller]

@@deadquietvinyl I have had two or three blue/silver Columbia 1st pressings which do not sound great, but generally they have been good. I think one of the problems is that they were very early stereo records from the 50s and played on early equipment before stylus and turntable technology was very advanced. Later 60s and red label pressings usually sound excellent and are high quality. I have not actually heard many Japanese pressings. They are not easy to come by.

[@deadquietvinyl]

@@statictraveller I had the same impression. But in my case they were having Japanese covers and assumed this was some faulty press at the time in Japan. Now I understand. Thanks a lot, Alan!

[@vintagemostwanted4557]

Great info! I’m a reseller and collector of different genres, & always pass up classical records. I will be looking out for these! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@statictraveller]

Cheers! There are still lots of gems out there amongst the classical stuff. I have picked up quite a few since making this video. I know others have since watching also. Happy hunting.

[@pov_music]

Went back to watch this one Al and its very informative and interesting stuff of course considering I'm now looking to 'get into' classical on vinyl. From the pre-Penge and Derrick era of the channel of course

[@statictraveller]

Those dark days...

[@nattyco]

Thanks. I've never understood the obsession with labels. Decca early stereo could be excellent but could also be very poor, Often the vinyl was poor quality and noisy. Through the sixties and seventies the vinyl improved so later pressings can sound better but I guess label chasers are not interested so much in the sound, or even in the performances. Some of those Mono 33CX's sound better than their much sought after stereo counterparts because stereo techniques were still in an early stage at EMI in the sixties, being well behind Decca in this respect. Philips produced some excellent sounding recordings but nobody collects them because the labels are all boringly similar!

[@statictraveller]

Yes, some early records can be noisy these days. I think this may, in part, be due to the early stylus technology as much as the vinyl. They were probably played on old radiograms. I agree that most original mono recordings were excellent. So many can be bought for peanuts compared to their stereo counterparts. Phillips don't seem to command that much interest. This might be due to the heavyweight conductors and performers and outstanding performances on EMI. Also, they have a huge proliferation of releases across Columbia and HMV. I am guessing they must have had the lions share of the market. I like finding the 1st press Columbia SAX records as those I have heard when compared to 2nd or 3rd pressings sound better to my ears, but I am no audiophile. Also, I admit to the sad fact that there is a certain pride in owning them. Sad, eh? Thanks for taking time to comment. Cheers, Alan.

[@progrocktommyscorner]

Nice pressings of those classical records. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I can find some of those records. I find a lot of RCA Red Label classical albums here in Texas. I will look for DECCA label. Have a great rest of the week. Take Care.

[@statictraveller]

Cheers Edward. The Decca records that were issued in the US mostly were the same pressings (same stampers etc, just exported) but on the London label. So, they sound great but are nowhere near as expensive. The Colombia stereo albums will be really difficult to find there.

[@ToneInGrooves]

Great to see someone else in the VC showing classical records! Enjoyed and appreciated this video. I have yet to find English Decca or Columbia records in the wild here in the US. Closest I've come is to find London records pressed in England. That Sibelius box set look super cool! One of my favorite composers. Thanks for sharing! Skol, Jeff

[@statictraveller]

Hi Jeff. Yes, not enough classical in the VC. These Decca and Columbia records will be very difficult to find in the US, just as your Living Stereo pressings are here. If you ever find any I showed, grab 'em. They are gold. Cheers for now. Alan

[@miketomlin6040]

I sell quite a few sought after Classical Lp's, mostly go to China. But these days, as far as I can tell, the market is not as strong. They are a pain as buyers want them NM often, or usually. UK Charity shops can be the place to get these $100 Lp's for a $1, especially in the 90's, not all that many looking or knowing what is what. Good video, what I always like about the early, often, valuable ones is the quality of the vinyl and covers, gorgeous creations, although often the music is a little dull.

[@statictraveller]

Hi Mike. I had wondered if you had given up KZbin. I hear you on the NM thing. I have sold the odd one and perfection seems to be the order of the day. Yes, some of the desirable ones can fall a bit flat musically; Mendelsohn's Scotch Symphony comes to mind. Good to hear you're still around. Alan

[@miketomlin6040]

@@statictraveller Given up? have I missed some of your entertaining and erudite shows? The problem for me, with the perfection, is when you post abroad and Chinois Neurotic from Shanghai gets miffed about a surface mark or irrelevant noise, vinyl is supposed to crackle a bit- that is its charm! - sending it back is a financial loss, for both often. Classical is like pop, jazz, ..most genres. 99% horrible, 0.9% tolerable and 0.1% lovely. Roughly. I've kept quite a few early pressings over the years not because of the music, but the covers or quality of the products. I like the stitched ones are they always German/ French? In the UK the place to hunt was Kensington, charity shops full of millionaires - or just dead ones- vinyls and quite a few classical bods in those pricey avenues.

[@statictraveller]

@@miketomlin6040 I don't think I have seen a comment from you on anyone's channels for a while. That's why I was wondering. I like your rough estimation. I'm sure most people would reverse the 99% and 0.1%, as everything seems to be 'killer' nowadays. I might have to take a trip over to West London when all the charity shops open again... thanks for the tip.

[@pandoraefretum]

thaks for speaking about classical LPs in detail

[@statictraveller]

Thank you. I don't show them in all my videos, but they pop up from time to time.

[@fnd111]

The mono records sound great if played with a proper monophonic cartridge. Still better with a mono/stereo switch on your preamp.

[@statictraveller]

Hi. You're right. They have a monumental quality.

[@DavidUKesb]

Those two Beethoven 6s with Klemperer on Columbia.....does the blue label early pressing sound different to the later red label? Thanks.

[@statictraveller]

There's slighty more heft and weight to the blue/silver label, but more brightness to the red. There's not a whole lot in it. In some ways, the mono has even more oomph than both!

[@DavidUKesb]

@@statictraveller Interesting. Many thanks. I have the box set of this Klemperer cycle, which is a much later reissue.

[@Localbandography]

Been striking out for the most part in the classical bins here. If I see anything interesting on Decca it is getting snatched up straight away. Dig the bag and label. Also I actually like those flimsy covers maybe because they seem foreign to me. Looking forward to getting out from behind these walls and striking out in those bins again. Great guide here Alan. Will come in handy.

[@statictraveller]

Cheers Dave. It's tough not getting to the charity shops right now.... Glad you found this interesting. Not everyone's idea of a fun watch, but there's some cool, valuable classical records out there.

[@TheZeekgeek1]

I recently started using a headset microphone which helped people hear me better, I recommend it

[@statictraveller]

Yes, this being streamed on my laptop doesn't sound as good. Not having 1000 subs means I can't use my mobile, which sounds perfect on my regular videos

[@TheZeekgeek1]

Static Traveller you should have 1000

[@rabarebra]

Hi again. You said you digged out your stylus and turntable's from the 70's just a year ago. It is quite an collection you have in the background. What is the story behind the collection?

[@statictraveller]

My collection has been picked up over the years like everyone else's, I suppose. I have stories attached to different albums and can remember where I bought most of them. Perhaps, I will discuss this in a future video, as it would take too long to write about it all. But, thanks for asking.

[@rabarebra]

@@statictraveller It just baffled me a bit when we talked a bit about equipment. You said you had the stylus running since the 70's, but digged it out last year.

[@rabarebra]

@@statictraveller It is the same with me actually. I still have the vinyls I bought as a kid, so almost the story behind each vinyl, I may still remember the rain coming in my face when bicycling to get that particular album. It is this I find fascinating when using new stylus and equipment, of how much better these albums sounds today vs the equipment I had back then. Also I don't find the reissues/repress sounding better, most of the time worse. Sometimes I get surprised when finding an old record (good condition and at a cheap price), though, and after a cleaning, how great they actually sound. Lots of things to talk about here. I'm not very much on the page of Michael'45 or Fremer. There just so much unnecessary belony going on. Not to talk about those pressing plants, mastering engineers, record producers who laughs all the way to the bank these days.

[@statictraveller]

@@rabarebra The stylus was an unused one made in the 70s, which I started using last year.

[@statictraveller]

@@rabarebra I think represses generally sound worse. The vinyl today is not pressed anywhere near as well and the vinyl itself seems to be made of a lesser quality composite. The whole audiophile thing is a big con, really. Like all things in life where something is marketed as 'exclusive' people will fall into the trap of feeling they need it. Add in the elitism of somehow knowing more than other people in your purchasing and it's a surefire winner for the manufacturers.

[@ComicRhema]

Hey Alan. I finally got around to finishing this one. Needed to digest this one slowly. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this one. A lot of historical content. Good to see you doing well. God bless. Do you have a few favorite performances?

[@statictraveller]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. I actually don't have any favourite performances as such. I highly rate Shostakovich's 4th, 5th and 10th symphonies. Various conductors have done a good job. Mahler's Resurrection Symphony is a fine work conducted by Bernstein. Really, there are too many great performances of great works in the classical world. I just dip my toe in here and there. Arvo Part's 8 minute piece Spiegel im Spiegel performed by Martin Roscoe and Tamsin Little is beautiful and if you don't know it, I recommend checking it out.

[@TheZeekgeek1]

Great information Alan

[@dragonfly9138]

Hi Alan, thanks for the great information in the video. I recently got a RCA Victor Living Stereo series record but the version of it is really confusing. I have gone through my little classical record label "dictionary" and the discog release pages and couldn't find anything similar. May I PM you the pictures to ask for your advice? Thanks again.

[@statictraveller]

I recommend you contact poetryonplastic. His name is Michael, he is a classical musician who plays in an orchestra and knows much more about RCA than I do. I focus more on the UK Decca and Columbia. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for your enquiry. Alan

[@dragonfly9138]

@@statictraveller Thank you so much for the recommendation. I will try to contact him.

[@L.E.55472]

Morning Alan☕️👋🏻, I love the info, I enjoy some classical music and have a small collection, but know very little about the label and mastering etc......ok I’m signing off so I can pay closer attention.....take care- Lis

[@statictraveller]

Thanks Lis- Classical music prior to the 20th century rarely gets a look in in the VC. This video will be ignored by most people too. So I appreciate you stopping by. Be well. Alan

[@L.E.55472]

Static Traveller I enjoyed it greatly, I am playing some from my small collection now... And could you tell me does it make a difference in sound if the album says digital recording over analog? I’m really not sure..thanks again Alan

[@statictraveller]

@@L.E.55472 It really depends on the ear of the beholder in some cases. Digital recording was a big thing in the world of classical music and the records are usually pressed so well that they sound great. Some were definite improvements on previous releases, for example: Deutsche Grammafon records in the 80s. The Original Decca and Columbia albums are still seen as a benchmark in analog recordings, even though they are around 60 years old. In all truth, it is almost impossible not to find a well recorded and pressed classical album by any of these labels mentioned. Also CBS and Philips were good and all are cheap. Nowadays the classical music buffs like SACDs for exceptional, clear sound, which are of course, digital. It's the age old thing really: if it sounds good to you, then that's what matters. 👍

[@L.E.55472]

Static Traveller thank you Alan this is quite helpful I have a few Philips, Deutsch Grammophon but I’m missing a few of the others you mentioned I must be honest I stopped looking for them at the record stores or the Antique Mall I visit, so I will keep all your info in mind next time I’m out looking(that may be awhile) cheers have a great weekend

[@Gynnemo]

Very nice and informative video. Any advice on what to look for when collecting renaissance music on vinyl? I am mostly seeing the labels "Archiv Produktion " and "L'Oiseau-Lyre ‎" in ymarea. Thank you!

[@statictraveller]

Hi. Thank you for your kind comment. I am sorry to say, I cannot really give you advice on renaissance music. I am no expert on those labels either. However, I would say that you cannot go wrong in buying anything on the labels you mention, as they always tend to be very high quality. Harmonia Mundi are also very fine in terms of production and pressing quality. I would suggest just having fun exploring!

[@Gynnemo]

@@statictraveller Thank you!

[@poetryonplastic]

Somebody speaking my language! Very impressive SAX Columbias and early Deccas, I wish we could find those anywhere here in the states. I know the RCAs are easier to find here, but rarely are they in decent shape, us Americans were not kind to our records.

[@statictraveller]

Hi! So good of you to drop by. A lot of good classical records can still be found even in charity shops here, though they tend to be mono pressings. But I have made direct comparisons between Decca and Columbia stereo and mono recordings and there is not much in it at times. (Except for the cost!) The clarity and power can be astonishing. The quality of the production was second to none in the first place which helped and the pressing engineers were superb. It is always a bit disappointing to find a gem and then see it has marks or scratches on it. I have found that although there will be no hope of selling it, (as the classical market is all NM or nothing), the actual effect on play can be minimal. Maybe the deep grooves repel the effects? Anyway, thanks again for dropping in and I wish you continued success in your musical endeavors and the development of your art.

[@EdwardT9]

London fess. Same pressings, different label. In many cases (all?) pressed in the UK. No where near as valuable as Decca SxL but still good.

[@DavidUKesb]

Do you source your records from various dealers knowing exactly what you are looking for or is it simply a matter of searching car boot sales and charity shops? Thanks

[@statictraveller]

Hi David. Nearly every record I show on my channel comes from charity shops. I haven't been to a car boot sale in 20 years.

[@DavidUKesb]

@@statictraveller Many thanks for the reply. I can understand why budget labels are not collectable, but does this mean the sound quality is inferior and if so why would that be the case?

[@statictraveller]

@@DavidUKesb Generally, classical albums on any label will sound good. The Decca subsidiary Argo and the Decca Eclipse series, for example are easily the equal of the main label and even have earlier records with the same masters released in a budget package. Recordings in the 60s used a different recording process which gave more warmth and fullness to the sound. There is generally a reduction in sound quality when records are pressed over and over and like taping, the clarity gets worse with multiple recordings. This is one of the reasons why using original master tapes is important in new releases, to get as close to the original sound source as possible. I highly recommend checking out a channel only recently stumbled upon, called Music On Record. An expert in all things classical: intelligent, informative and the most knowledgeable on all these things. He has not made many videos yet, but all are excellent. He also addresses recording processes, pressings and original recordings. kzbin.info/door/YdHxR29xBwHh8LgpJQQwpAvideos

[@Thevinylscavenger]

Hi Alan, I was under the impression from a guy years ago that the digital late 70s early 80s sponsored by dirty tobacco companies throwing money at them was the way to go no? At least now I have a bit more idea and hopefully sometime soon manage to get out and find what you have shown as they most certainly do turn up. I've about 2 whole expedit cubes of classical and related, I can guarantee a response video will be alot less than your views.....

[@statictraveller]

Those digital albums are musically great, but not near the value of the early Columbia and Decca. It would be interesting to see some of your classical LPs. Even if I am the only guy who to do so. 👍

[@jjislaw1]

Interesting overview.

[@VinylRundown]

VC needs mire classical info! Thanks!

[@statictraveller]

Too right! Cheers. 👍