From: Patent Tactics, George Brock-Nannestad
Hello Paul and Margaret,
the records are most likely 10" records, and 13" boxes that would appear to be
too big, would provide space for very efficient padding.
The original sleeves are only important if it is thought that they might
provide relevant information later, such as paper type. Otherwise it is merely
essential to scan them and discard them. The records themselves contain both
the intended recorded information and ancillary information, and there may
certainly be developed methods in the future that are much better than
present-day methods for extraction of the information.
The safest cleaning agent is a wetting agent in purified water, and soft
brushing along the grooves, protecting the labels from getting wet, and rinse
with purified water. Do not let the record remain wet -- dry with fluff-free
cotton and circulate air. Persistent mildewy patches would dissolve in an
ultrasound bath. However, the corrosion caused by the mildew will remain as
noisy etched spots. Although the Laser Turntable recommends cleaning, the
non-touch principle means that the records can be played without cleaning,
albeit providing a noisy signal that may need processing. But there are no
problems with stylus choice or wear. The Laser Turntable can be adjusted,
simulating different stylii, on the fly. A Laser Turntable is a completely
different beast from an Audio Technica turntable, and the signal would need
digitization.
Do take care in handling these records. Some even popular records from China
are becoming very expensive indeed in the collectors' market, and they may be
difficult to replace.
You have mentioned 4 records -- is that what you call "several"?
Best wishes,
George
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From: "Paul T. Jackson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: 78s from China
Date sent: Fri, 22 Jun 2018 13:26:39 -0700
> Yes, you should change the sleeves; copy the text information for later
> retrieval (scan into a file.) There are archival sleeve available online.
>
> Some of the USB turntables are set to capture the sound digitally, and
> CDs could be burned for use by professors from the digital files produced.
>
> Storage: wood boxes of 13"x13" can be made. they will carry about 25
> discs. Boxes can be stacked an moved when needed. The weight will be
> about that of a cement block.
>
> Cleaning recordings: for a few 78s, I've used just some plain water, and
> really bad moldy records, I've used 99% isopropyl alcohol. Some in ARSC
> say this damages the disc eventually (changes chemicals) but if you have
> the scanned back up it may not matter too much. More serious is breakage.
>
> On 6/22/2018 8:26 AM, Margaret Ericson wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > Our library was recently gifted several 78s from China, ca 1940s. We are
> > going to keep them as our Asian Studies faculty want the library to
> > preserve and make them accessible, but we do not have a 78 collection or
> > public playback that can accommodate 78s, but we do have an Audio Technica
> > LO 120 USB turntable with 78 capability in our digital productions center
> > for digital preservation.
> >
> > One is a complete 3 disc set, Chee Lai: songs of New China (Keynote), in
> > original container with graphics and a booklet by Madame Sun Yat-Sen. The
> > discs look in very good condition, but the paper container and booklet
> > (which has historic information) have a strong mildew odor.
> >
> > Another is only in a paper sleeve, which is imprinted with Chinese text
> and
> > many graphic illustrations, and the address of record company in Shanghai
> > (in English). The paper is musty/mildew smelling, with some folds and
> > creases but generally in good condition. The disc label is imprinted with
> > Chinese text save for the record label name, number and location. Odeon
> > Peiping 78r A 24094.
> >
> > Is there anyway to mitigate the mildew situation, or is the best course of
> > action, to remove the discs, put them in new sleeves, and encapsulate
> (box?
> > plastic sleeve or envelope) the record cover, notes, paper material?
> >
> > Any general guidance you can provide as to whether/how to rehouse the
> > discs, sources for proper archival sleeves, etc. Would you attempt to
> clean
> > the recordings? I assume they are shellac discs. What info could you offer
> > in terms of information about using the Audio Technica LP 120 turntable to
> > digitize this....recommendation of stylus, e.g.
> >
> > Respond privately to:
> >
> > Margaret Ericson, Arts Librarian, Colby College Libraries
> > 207-859-5662
> > [log in to unmask]
>
> --
>
> Paul T. Jackson
>
> *Trescott**Research*
>
> Steilacoom, WA 98388
>
> www.trescottresearch.com <http://www.trescottresearch.com>
>
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