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Mono vinyl, how do you know if really single channel mono or if stereo recorded to mono

I'm exploring the possibility of getting a mono cartridge. 

Please, I am not trying to start a debate about whether or not that is a good idea. I simply have a question about monophonic records.

How can you tell which records are truly mono and which are actually stereo with 2 identical channels to simulate mono?

I know that for all mono records before stereo there was only one channel cut laterally into the record .  When stereo came out some so called mono recordings were actually 2 channels just like a stereo record with both horizontal and vertical information but  L and R were the same so ended up as mono. I also know that a "true mono" cartridge only has output from the horizontal motion and that the stylus size is different than a stereo stylus, which means according to many aficionados of mono recordings,  in an ideal world you would want a cartridge optimized for mono to play true mono records

again, I do not want to debate the pros and cons of this, just want the facts about the records. If you want to debate something else please start another thread

thanks


herman

Showing 4 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,999 posts
 
One of those  "thinking too hard about it" questions that isn't clear.

Just enjoy your mono presses on your existing system. Have you even played a mono record on your existing setup? They will sound fine on whatever you have. If your nervosa is overtaking you, get a mono cartridge. 
tablejockey
3,999 posts
 
Enjoy it. Get some Beatles/Stones mono LP's if you're a fan. It's a breath of fresh air to hear those great songs coming from the center of your speakers instead of L&R.

I wish all my LP's were mono. Some mixes are just downright awful.
Even on Uber systems some stereo LP's are terrible.
tablejockey
3,999 posts
 
"Sorry, June Christy, not Julie Christy "

lewm-
You are referring to Julie London. I bring a  1955 mint  mono copy of "Julie is her name" to demos/shows. It's on the Liberty Label. Always catches the attention of anyone in the room. It is a fine example of a mono recording. 

This is my favorite rendition of "Laura". A perfect recording. Dixie McCall(Julie in the TV show "Emergency") is in the room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBnqZDdQ18Y

There is a 45 reissue available of this album, almost as good a clean original.

Everyone should have this album in their collection. Jazz heavyweights playing on the album.My favorite guitarist-Barney Kessel playing beautiful as always.
tablejockey
3,999 posts
 
Once I understood and heard what mono is all about, stereo just adds to the "its not real, it's a recording" reality.

Now and then, the mix in a stereo LP is believable.  I just don't get the thinking-putting vocals on one side? Vocals should be mixed to both channels so the speakers can do their work "imaging". I do think mono thru 2 speakers is more convincing.

If you want to be real obsessive- listen to how a rock drummer blows through his kit. It should pan right to left(that's how it is live" if you're facing the band) Only if the drummers  playing orientation is the opposite should it pan the other way(not common). Many recordings are backward in this regard. Listen to the hihat. It should be on the right speaker. I don't know if this is a "reverse phase" phonomenon situation or what? Certainly isn't my particular amp. I sometimes reverse leads on the table for this.

I've noticed this years ago, and anytime my drummer friend is over for a listen he immediately notices it. 
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