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Blue Note reissues

I became a serious vinyl convert less than a year ago and ever since have been buying records regularly to enlarge my collection. I listen almost exclusively to jazz and buy new reissues of jazz releases, most of them on Blue Note, but also Prestige, Riverside and Columbia.

To say that I am disappointed by the quality of the vinyl is an understatement. Virtually every record is warped, which I can live with, reluctantly. A bigger problem is the distortion that becomes more and more prevalent on reissues. It's a short buzzing sound, which sounds kind of like the sound of lost airwaves on the radio but higher in pitch. I know it's not my cart as I have records that sound perfect, and it's in the the same spot on faulty records so it must be a quality issue with transfer and manufacture.
I also own quite a few used original pressings or old reissues and none of them have a similar defect, which leads me to believe that it is a current problem with quality control. It is extremely frustrating as I've spent thousands of dollars on my rig and record cleaning machine only to spin warped records that sound distorted.

I know this topic has been discussed many times here on A-gon but I would actually like to do something about it. I know many designers and manufacturers read the forum, but it seems not record companies' reps as it's not getting any better. As a community of many thousands who pay a lot of money to indulge in our hobby and passion, I think we should be able to exert some level of pressure on companies like Blue Note to release products of high quality. I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Where I could, I emailed the record company, but Blue Note for example has not contact info at all. Also, I'm afraid single emails won't do much.
actusreus

Showing 5 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Well, good luck with your crusade against the pressings. I do sympathize but we've all be dealing with the reissues for years and many of us have given up on the majority of them. Vote with your dollar and don't give them any more business.

One series I can recommend is the Music Matters Blue Note reissues. I was an early subscriber and still continue to enjoy every release from them. They are more expensive at $50, but that is heavier vinyl and 45 rpm. It is really not such a bad price if you have tried to score quality, original jazz pressings. The jackets are of excellent quality and display some of the best photography I have ever seen on a record jacket. You won't find any of the major hits in this series but it is a collection of solid jazz from the Blue Note library.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Actusreus, I don't think that is the same reissue that Sibelius is talking about. What we are talking about with the Music Matters reissues are different than the $10 reissues (Mosaic?) that have been burning many of us for a long time now.

Here is a link.

Music Matters, Ltd.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Have you folks read Doug's method for determining what is irregular vinyl and what is mis-tracking? Simple and effective.

I have to say that I've been happy with the Music Matters Re-issues. I think I have heard a little of the overload Mothra posted on in one, maybe two of the recordings. This sounds almost like damage but the quality of the pressings with this series has been really good. The covers and pictures are excellent.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I think I have heard what your are talking about. Several of us were listening to KOB and thought this was mistracking. To make a long story short, we concluded in the end that the sax needed to be "de-juiced", if you catch my meaning. I think it is Coltrane.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
IIRC, the copy we were listening to was an original. It wasn't mine or I'd have it out playing again. Maybe it got cleaned up in the reissues?

BTW, I'm still impressed with my Music Matters reissues. They're pricey, but not so much when you consider the quality of the vinyl and the jackets and the photos.
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