THE ALMOST COMPLETE 78 RPM RECORD DATING GUIDE Steven Barr - Gennett Paramount

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THE ALMOST COMPLETE 78 RPM RECORD DATING GUIDE

by Steven C Barr (Author)
Revised and expanded Edition 1992 by Yesterday Once Again - comb binding 177 pages
Reviewed by Tim Brooks

One of the handiest books on the 78 rpm researcher’s shelf, Steven Barr’s Almost Complete 78 RPM Record Dating Guide, has recently been reissued in a much expanded and improved new edition.  The original came out in 1979, with a second edition in 1980; copies are by now likely to be dog-eared from years of use.  The 1980 edition’s 51 pages have grown to 177, with a much improved spiral-bound format for easy use (lays open flat).

The Guide opens with ten pages of introductory text, and a six-page thumbnail history of the recording industry in the U.S., Canada and Britain.  The next 140 pages comprise the heart of the book, containing dating charts and explanatory text for hundreds of labels issued in these three countries between 1900 and 1942.  At the back are a variety of appendices, including an 18-page guide to label designs (all text, no illustrations), comments on early electrical recordings, labels which leased matrices to other labels, discographical resources and an annotated bibliography.  Although this new edition is better organized than its predecessors, it still suffers from “scattered-information-syndrome.”  For example, in the case of Columbia a helpful two-page history of the label is found on pp. 12-13, dating charts on pp. 25-31, descriptions of label types on p.150, an explanation of the “W” (electrical) symbol on p.166, and a listing of matrix series appearing on other labels on pp. 170-171.  Additionally, labels are not presented in alphabetical order but rather in one of eight sections organized by era, “major” vs. “minor” labels, etc.  Perhaps the author would consider for a future edition rearranging his listings into one big alphabetical list, A-Z, with all information on each label grouped together in one place.  As it is, he at least gives us a prominent, detailed index which indicates where to look for all the pieces.  The reader will use it constantly.

The scope of coverage of this new Guide is awe-inspiring.  It includes all principal catalog series (with release dates) and matrix series (with recording dates) for hundreds of labels issued in the three countries mentioned.  These include popular, classical, country, folk and race music series; in fact the only series generally excluded generally are those for export, foreign-language material and minor or limited-run series.  In the case of Victor, for example, the Guide contains charts for approximately 19 popular and 17 Red Seal catalog series.

The book’s ostensible cut-off year is 1942.  The author says he does not want to get involved with the thousands of post-war labels, although he does chart a small selection of those he considers important.  Additionally, the Guide follows major numerical series of its listed labels beyond 1942.  For example, Victor’s principal pop catalog series of the 1940s, the 20-1500’s, is followed to 1959, a helpful feature.  For detailed coverage of the post war period the author refers us to William Daniels’ fine book The American 45 and 78 RPM Record Dating Guide (Greenwood, 1985), to which we would add Galen Gart’s valuable ARLD: The American Record Label Directory and Dating Guide, 1940-1959 (Big Nickel Publications, 1989).

In most cases the charts give the number reached by January and June of each year, so that release and recording dates can be approximated to the nearest half-year.  Of course most labels did not issue or record in strict numerical sequence, as the author explains, so the dates are only approximate.  However you should rarely be off by more than a few months.  The choice of “June” is a bit peculiar.  If these are supposed to represent the first of each month, wouldn’t the half-way point in the year be July 1st?


The Guide is clearly laid out, very reasonably priced, and tremendously valuable as a first place to check for approximate release and recording dates of pre-World War II recordings.  Even if you have the needed discographies in your field, odd issues can often be identified and the search for more precise data narrowed considerably by reference to it.  It is highly recommended.

CONDITION VERY GOOD

Revised and expanded Edition 1992 by Yesterday Once Again - comb binding 177 pages. Book in very clean condition. Interior clean, no markings, odor or animal hairs. Dark rubs on back cover ABOUT US: 15 years of experience in online selling with high customer satisfaction . BUY WITH CONFIDENCE - If you don't like the item, just return it in the way you received it and we will gladly return the purchase price. 1.5

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Shipping: All items will be packed safely in a sturdy package for safe shipping.
We ship internationally and offer combined shipping for multiple purchases.

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Once payment is received, we ship your item on the next business day.