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Mono Cartridge Stylus

So a while back there was a thread about mono cartridges like the Miyajima. There was some confusion about stylus size and what should be used for mono re-pressings versus the original mono pressings.

So Miyajima claims that their 0.7 stylus is optimal for modern mono re-pressings and that their 1.0 stylus is for those earlier mono pressings that began in 1950. Columbia introduced the Microgroove pressing in 1948. The Microgroove pressing offers 300-400 grooves per inch and AI claims that the correct stylus for these pressings is 0.7. I will say that I don't believe Miyajima to be entirely wrong, as there were labels that still used wider grooves however, I believe nearly all of the major labels eventually adopted the Microgroove band width thus making it the norm by the early to mid 1950's.

goofyfoot
billstevenson
628 posts
 

Somewhat apropos to this conversation, I just unearthed from a large collection of records that I have taken custody of, a copy of "Play Bach: The Original Jazz Interpretations of the Music of Johann Sebastian Bach" by the Jacques Loussier Trio.  This one is volume 3, so maybe there is more in store.  I am listening to it as I key this note.  It is quite good, very much in the vein of MJQ.  According to the liner notes this guy made Bach music in a jazz context into a career.  It is very well done.  It is on London, PS 289 if you are interested.  With respect to Chick Corea, I think I have all of his records.  My favorite without question is the one he did with Bela Fleck.

lewm
13,773 posts
 

I have all 3 of those “Play Bach” LPs. They were great fun but I haven’t had a listen in decades. I should pull one out for a spin.

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,455 posts
 

I'd favor listening to PDQ Bach. I saw the professor live at CCM many years ago.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,285 posts
 

 

@dogberry: I currently have a Decca 4RC sitting at the London/Decca office in England, waiting for me to choose between the original stock size conical stylus and the line contact that London offers. Having them rebuild it as a mono model has also been swirling around in my brain. I already have two stereo London’s, but the Decca 4RC has a different motor structure and cartridge body construction (and therefore sound character) than later Deccas (and of course Londons), which I anxiously await hearing.

 

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