Alice Coltrane, Ptah, the El Daoud and the Coltrane Home Studio (Part I) Alice Coltrane’s Ptah, the El Daoud, has an inner luminosity that transcends its performances and composition; it is the rare album that captures not just brief moments of … [Read More...]
Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records
Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records By Neil Antin Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records by Neil Antin applies processes and methodologies developed by the U.S. Navy for precision cleaning of critical systems—such as oxygen … [Read More...]
Gary Bartz and Maisha-Direct to Disc
Gary Bartz and Maisha-Direct to Disc Gary Bartz and Maisha eloquently answer the question about the direction of modern jazz today. Bartz is a heavyweight player whose credentials take us back to the … [Read More...]
Collocutor-Continuation
Collocutor-Continuation Collocutor’s Continuation is a modern jazz album in the same sense that King Crimson is a “rock group”—the elements are there but it’s put together in a way that makes the … [Read More...]
Nate Morgan-Retribution, Reparation
Nate Morgan- Retribution, Reparation Nate Morgan’s Retribution, Reparation follows his Journey Into Nigritia (covered here) and should be regarded in some ways a part of a continuum—Morgan was … [Read More...]
Pharoah Sanders Live at the East
Pharoah Sanders Live at the East Pharoah Sanders Live at the East was released after Sanders had already come into his own with the album Karma, released on Impulse in 1969. Sanders was well … [Read More...]
Azar Lawrence- Prayer for My Ancestors
Azar Lawrence- Prayer for My Ancestors Azar Lawrence, whose work as a sideman (including with McCoy Tyner after Coltrane’s death) is well recognized, has been enjoying a recent resurgence -two of his … [Read More...]
Two Rarities Reissued- Far Out and Stonewall
Two Rarities Reissued- Far Out and Stonewall You’ll be forgiven if neither of these albums-- Far Out and Stonewall-- was on your "pre-buy" list; both are somewhat obscure and highly collectible for … [Read More...]
Peace & Quiet
Peace & Quiet-self-titled Peace & Quiet is a period hard rock album that is not, as far as know, on anybody’s radar. It’s got great vocals, a guitar driven, heavy sound soaked with … [Read More...]
Almanac-Nock-Maupin-McBee-Marshall
Almanac- Nock-Maupin-McBee-Marshall Almanac, featuring Mike Nock, Bennie Maupin, Cecil McBee and Eddie Marshall is a stunning album that draws its power from the strength of its performers, … [Read More...]
Worldwide List of Phono Cartridge Retippers and Rebuilders
Worldwide List of Phono Cartridge Retippers and Rebuilders Compiled By Rob (with an introduction by Bill Hart) In connection with the publication of Mike Bodell’s study on stylus wear, I thought readers might find value in the attached list of phono cartridge retippers and rebuilders. These folks can repair most phono cartridges and bring them back to life. I do think it makes sense to consult the original cartridge manufacturer first for advice on stylus life and options for inspection.This may prove particularly important if there is any possible warranty coverage, since once a cartridge has been modified or retipped by a third party, the original manufacturer may be unwilling to perform any work on it, whether or not under warranty. Apart from the original cartridge manufacturer, there are many third-party resources for cartridge repair and retipping if you choose not to have the manufacturer do so or do not have a local dealer who is qualified to perform such an inspection. The list which follows was compiled by my friend Rob, a long-time audiophile with a considerable amount of experience buying, using and enjoying some of the great hi-fi gear made over the decades. Rob contributed this list to a forum I frequent and allowed me to reprint it here.[1] Among the questions you might consider, apart from location, turn-around time and expertise, are whether the shop will do an inspection to determine whether a stylus needs to be replaced (including an estimate of time for inspection alone) and whether they are capable of replacing the stylus without replacing the cantilever. Motor assembly and suspension work may also be within their domain but I’d check first. There may be others and readers are welcome to add them via comments (and I’ll try to update the list accordingly). My thanks to Rob, who is always gracious and ever so knowledgeable. Here’s the “list”: Expert Stylus Repair (Wyndham Hodgson) are UK … [Read More...]
The Finish Line for Your Phonograph Stylus…
The Finish Line for Your Phonograph Stylus… By Mike Bodell, May 23, 2019 Based on an informal survey of friends who predominately play vinyl records, I believe the most neglected part of their audio system is the stylus on their phonograph cartridge. The stylus is a key component in an audio system and is subjected to the most wear. Yet when I asked folks in my network how many hours of play their cartridges have seen, they could not tell me with any accuracy; all ventured educated guesses. I’ve been there too. Given the value of records today, particularly rare and collectible jazz records, it is astonishing that more care is not given to understanding the condition of the diamond stylus. That recognition led to this article, where I will examine the critical issue of stylus wear as it pertains to useful life and the potential for damage to records. In his 1954 booklet The Wear and Care of Records and Styli (Climax Pub. Co., New York, pp.56), babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015017575856;view=1up;seq=5 (courtesy of HathiTrust), Harold Weiler states that research shows the majority of listeners were damaging their valuable record collection through continued use of worn styli. He goes on to suggest that listeners were introducing considerable distortion into otherwise excellent audio systems. He writes, “It was a revelation to discover that even those who had acquired expensive fidelity reproducing equipment, were not entirely aware of the important part played by the stylus in record reproduction and record wear.” Honestly, little has changed. My research on stylus wear was driven in a large part by a desire to better care for records in my own collection, i.e., to do no harm with a worn stylus. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that no consensus exists within the vinylphile community, nor even among manufacturers of phono cartridges on how many hours of play wears a modern natural diamond stylus to the point where it should to be … [Read More...]