Blue Note 45rpm reissue

I have to say in all fairness that I have found a couple of minor issues with my copy of Kenny Drew's Undercurrent. The 1st LP does have a slight dish warp and some distortion in the lead out groove, just a second or two after the music ends. Neither is enough of an issue to me to warrant a return. But I realize some folks might be more demanding so that's why I am posting it here.

At the same time, I think Undercurrent is the best I've heard so far as music content goes. Really a fun listen!

I just received my copies of December's releases so there is more for me to savor this weekend.

I feel lucky to have the opportunity to purchase such great re-issues at a decent price compared to the price gouged ones we see on e-pay. That being said, I ordered from both collections. Now the wait.

I praise anyone taking a chance to conduct re-issues of this caliber and provide it to us. Now, their should be more record labels coming on board issuing their old stock back to the masses.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life

Here is another point of view. I am very used to the Blue Note sound , beeing
collector of original pressings , mono and stereo. Reading about the rave around
those 45 RPM reissues, I bought Horace Parlan "Speakin my piece" and compared with the mono deep groove and the stereo New York USA reissue.
The 45 RPM sounds quiet, detailled, and respects all the frequencies, but the soundstadge is thinner, the feeling is dry and cold,and tiredly pronounced, like digital. The mono sounds full bodied, engaging ,warm ,huge soundstage, less detailed, but you want to listen for more lenghtly periods. The stereo is also warm , more consticted soundstage but also appealing. Having the 3 copies , if I have to choose I'd listen to the originals rather than music matters reissues. But I am lucky to have the choice, the prices are so high now. The Japanese King are less expensive and are very quiet and similar to the New York issues sonicaly.
This is for the sound. The vinyl work is of a lesser quality than the originals or japanese: slight warping, label not strictly in the middle,...
Art work is nice, nice pictures inner cover, but could add more info like mosaic did. For me 45 RPM is maybe a theoretical advance but in reality it is not better than 33 RPM . Plus the hassle to turn record every 10 min.
This is my observation. I prefer 33 rpm even cheap Blue note reissues.Sonicaly and on practical point of view.

Jloveys: Thanks for your opinion. I have the Mobley "Soul Station" on order and am interested in how it sounds as well as the quality of the vinyl.

For the most part, I am simply not up to paying the prices for Blue Note originals (especially on the titles that typically go for huge money) and taking a chance on whether the record has been abused or has groove damage. That being said, some of the New York, USA Blue Notes, or even Liberty Blue Notes I have, for that matter, sound very, very good providing they have not been ridden hard and put away wet.

I've also read very good things about the King Blue Notes and am toying with the idea of acquiring a few of them.

I'm very curious, and may post a question at the Steve Hoffman forums as to whether the new re-issues are analog all the way through or whether they are subject to the common quickie digital delay to save cutting heads right at the end, as this may explain the sound quality you are describing.

High quality originals, or even 2nd or 3rd issues are very often hard to beat.

Thanks for your input.

The Hoffman and Gray mastering process is all analog with no digital preview in the circuit.
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