Shout out for Better Records

Maria: he was a crack alto sax man who died in 2004. He started playing in 1943 in NYC with Glen Miller, came West with Nelson Riddle and Sinatra, played on many seminal Jazz albums in the 1950's, then transferred over to live TV in the 1960's, and was active until the day he died at 78. You can probably put two and two together. Because I have his last name, I prefer to remain anonymous.

PS: none of his three sons inherited his gift. I have had a very successful event and staging career to stay close to live music. Like you, I have love to dig. Don't buy the hype--it is very hard to find great recordings with vinyl. Best to trust your ears and make friends. My album collection averages $4 per record and I have many West Coast store owners who know my tastes and set aside nice product.

Viridian, I agree that Tom makes it sound as if he has the market cornered on the best-sounding pressings of a title. I sometimes wonder if he is treating records in some way to enhance their sonics. It just seems strange that he finds these great-sounding copies of records that have absolutely wretched sonics, but I have proof that he has done so. I remember going to several used record stores and buying a bunch of Heart Dreamboat Annie LP's. One of them, which appreared to be an original pressing based on writings in the trail-out, had bass extension and dynamics not found on other copies. Later I found a white label promo with the same stamper numbers and was surprised to find it sounded rather ordinary. Who knows why one record sounds better than another? Another thing that irks me about Tom is that he pushed DCC big-time until he had a falling-out with Steve Hoffman, and now of course, DCC is sonic garbage and killed by his hot stampers. Still, all in all, I have been impressed with most of the hot stampers.

One interesting thing that can't be denied...people are buying them. I just recieved their latest list of "hot stampers" and all the most expensive ones...gone. Sold out. Does that speak to something. Possibly.

Bongo..thanks for encouragement and revealing a little of yourself.

Once again, my simple-minded thread beginning has uncovered a wealth of information from you all who know far more than I. I really appreciate Bongo, Maria, and Viridian's comments re. "Hot Stampers". Even if I did have the money, my middle class roots wouldn't allow me to spend 400 on a record, Hot Stamper or not! I agree with Bongo--some of my best sounding records were 5-10 dollar lucky finds. A pass through the Nitty Gritty and you've got a gem! I'll stand by my original statement, though, that Better Records is good for just basic records, and they have good customer service.