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----- Original Message ----- From: "rodbrown" <[log in to unmask]> > Hi all, > > I'm timidly un-lurking for a moment because I have a question for > which I'm sure the ARSClist subscribership would have a broad range > of useful, informed opinions. > > I've recently become reacquainted with an LP I really enjoyed as a > kid: "An Adventure In High Fidelity", subtitled "A 'New Orthophonic' > High Fidelity Recording." This is an RCA Victor boxed set, LM-1802. I > find I still enjoy hearing this old record. > > It purports to present great-sounding (monaural) classical and > semi-classical music, but also offers some very entertaining pop > instrumentals. It's an interesting listen, full of ear-catching, > exotic sounds, highs and lows, softs and louds. It tries to be all > things to a broad range of listeners, and doesn't fail too badly, > seems to me. > > I'm sure there must be any number of similar efforts committed to > vinyl by various companies who sought to interest the public in a > particular label, or a brand of equipment, or a supposed technical > breakthrough. Was this record a better-than-average example of a > genre? Would any of you care to mention any fond recollections on > this type of recording? Any recommendations? > Well, I can only comment on/in my own area of expertise...that being "one level earlier" in technical terms (shellac 78rpm discs...!). And there WERE a number of "demonstration records" issued from the beginning of that format onward. I have heard, and seen, "demonstration records" made by Berliner c.1900, to be played for potential machine buyers (don't own copies, though...!). Columbia issued at least three different such discs (with a fourth version for Canada only...!)...Victor issued several different records in their D- series...I have similar discs on the Perfect, Bell and Gennett labels...and Philco issued two c.1930 discs intended to sell their radio-phonograph sets, along with a set of several c.1940 "demo discs" of the same sort, which feature Columbia artists and are on the Columbia label. I also own a Hit-Of-The-Week disc featuring a "Medley Of Canadian Songs," which may have been used for promotion here in Canada (and bears a rubber-stamped "Sample" legend as well). And...Victor DID issue a "promo record" for their first 33-1/3 "Program Transcription" line...with a "DL-" number. Steven C. Barr