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Retipper Redux

Retipping phono cartridges seems to be even more popular today than when I published a list of retippers several years ago. It may be that the cost of better moving coil cartridges has gotten astronomical, that some great cartridges are no longer made or that enthusiasts are generally more value conscious even at the pricier end of the spectrum. I've always thought there was value in retipping, as long as it doesn't alter the fundamental character of the cartridge. My list, linked above, is somewhat out of date. At some point, I will update it. In the meantime, a few additions: Le Son - Shanghai, China Worldwide send-in service https://www.leson.org/moving-coil-cartridge-retipping/ This outfit, which wrote to me, does inspections, claims quick turn around time, and has a dedicated process for Denon 103 upgrades. (Long time readers will know that I use one such Franken-Denon … [Read More...]

An Interview-Back Notes

The interview with Cecil McBee has been a long time coming. He is not an outspoken individual but one who found expression in his music. And wonderful it is; he found the hidden lines in compositions that created unexpected melodies that never detracted from the main theme- while staying in his “lane” he created something unexpected in so many recordings. I’m honored to be able to publish this interview, which I did in April of 2025. Mr. McBee was gracious, soft spoken and articulate. At the same time, he seemed somewhat surprised that his body of work (which is considerable) is as highly prized today as it is. I offer this as an unvarnished take from a long conversation with the man, who I feel blessed to have encountered directly and unabridged. Any mistakes are mine. I feel honored to have encountered the man, first hand, in his own words. I hope you find the same joy in reading … [Read More...]

Incoming- Mrs. Henry Keep on Rising

Mrs. Henry Keep on Rising A 21st century rock opera? Recorded to tape? And mastered at Bernie Grundman’s shop? I’ve started to explore this box (3 LPs, 2 CDs and a substantial book) in more depth and plan on interviewing the producer in an upcoming piece. … [Read More...]

Power to the People-Back Up Generator

Shortly after the Texas "big freeze" in February 2021, I contacted various vendors of back up generators. Some did not bother to respond, a few came out, ostensibly to give me a quote and I never heard from them again. One vendor did send me a blank form with a very high total price, without completing the cost analysis for running gas lines, electrical wiring and the other things that are "adds" to the cost of the generator itself. I kicked this around for a while-- given the heat in Central Texas during the summer--110F for days on end, we got constant warnings last summer (2023) to reduce power consumption, lest we suffer rolling blackouts. And then there's the fact that Austin really isn't "built" for freezing temperatures. Black ice with no road crews, downed power lines, and demand that teeters off the edge of power failure catastrophe. I do not want to go into the power grid … [Read More...]

Incoming-Know what I mean?

Cannonball Adderley's "Know what I mean? is a warhorse, to be sure,but one that deserves its reputation. I was prompted to explore a few different pressings as a result of a thread on the Hoffman forum: https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/do-you-have-cannonball-adderley-bill-evans-know-what-i-mean-the-best-sounding-vintage-jazz-lp.1175660/ I used to shop these OJCs as bargains back in the day when Tower Records was thriving. They were a solid entry point into some very good sounding jazz--some of it "straight ahead" but well made, taken from analog masters for the most part and did I say cheap? Back in the day, these were bargain records when they were released, and until the more recent surge in prices of older LPs, could be readily found for little money. The recent Craft reissue cut by Kevin Gray has brought renewed attention to the record. I thought it might be fun to do a … [Read More...]