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THE ALMOST COMPLETE 78 RPM RECORD DATING GUIDE

by Steven C Barr (Author)
First Edition 1979 by Self Published - Staple bound 57 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 came out in 1979, with a second edition in 1980; copies are by now likely to be dog-eared from years of use. 

The Guide opens with six pages of introductory text. The next 51 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 guide to label designs with line drawn illustrations, comments on early electrical recordings, and a matrix identification chart. 

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. 

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.  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

First Edition 1979 by Self Published - Staple bound 57 pages. Book in very clean condition. Interior clean, no markings, odor or animal hairs. Minor creases on covers, light rubbing on back cover, a spine label has been added with clear tape. 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

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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