I recently purchased 3 Frank Sinatra vinly records from a collectibles store. I was woundering if anyone could give me some info on them. "Point Of No Return". The sleeve is in good condition, and the record looks as if it hasn`t been played more than a few times. It says : Capitol Records. A Capitol Re- issue. Sm-1676 This album is an abridged version of an album previously issued under the same title. The second one is "Somethin` Stupid" The sleeve is in poor condition, but the record is sealed in plastic, and looks as if it hasn`t ever been played. It says: Reprise Record, 1022. The last is "Cycles". The disc is in decent condition, as is the sleeve. It says: Reprise Records, 1027. Thanks for any, and all info! And sorry if this is in the wrong place, I just wasn`t sure where to post it. Thanks!

[Gonzalo Duque]

Hi Rolland,

The "Point of No Return" on Capitol is a phenomenal album, however the one you bought as you mentioned is an abridged version, meaning that it's missing some songs. The other albums are good as well, worth having, and all three have been issued on CD.

Do you have a turntable, did you buy them for the cover art, or just as a collectible?

The mods may deem to move this thread to the "Recordings" section.

Welcome to the forum!

[Gregory]

HI Rolland,

I think its great to see someone so young collecting vinyl. Gonzo asked some pretty good questions about those LP's. Great purchases on your part but is there specific information you want to know about them? Recording dates or backup musicians?.

I actually dont have a turntable yet. I am on the lookout for one in decent condition, for a resonable price. I bought them as collectibles, but if I get a record player, I an sure I will break them out once or twice! Nothing beats the scratch and fuzz of a vinyl record. Takes me back in time, if but for a few moments! I am interested in the recording/ release date, if you know them. I couldn`t seem to find them on the album. Thanks for your help and the welcome!

[daleNmd]

I recommend try to find a good turn table if you can. I have a theory about them.

If you find a cheap turn table it will play. But the speed of 33 1/3 rpm may not be accurate. The cheaper turntable may turn at 34 which would be enought to make the music change the key by half a step up. If the song is in the key of "C" it would sound like"D flat".

I don't have proof other than. Hearing records on a good turn table vs. a cheap one from say Montgmery Wards.

The only reason I have this theroy, because I've played the cd's and the records to see the differance.

And Plus I got a lot of Sinatra Lp's from the people two doors down. I was thrilled.

[Gonzalo Duque]

Rolland,

If you're serious about getting into vinyl then by all means you don't want a belt-driven version - get a direct drive turntable with a good, NEW cartridge. Scour eBay for one; Technics make great direct-drive turntables. I have one from 1977 (SL-1200) with an audiophile Shure cartridge (Mx97-E) and it's still going great. I picked up that cartridge back in 2000 and it has many many years of life left. Direct-drive turntables have speed adjusters to ensure the platter is spinning at the correct speed, 33 1/3 or 45.

Thanks! I was thinking of getting one of the newer models, but I really like the older stuff. I saw a very nice player the other day, and it was only $125 at Circut City. I like the vintage feel of the older ones though. It will be a few weeks before I go to get one though, this dratted cell phone bill takes a lovely chunk out of a 16 year olds budget. Not to mention paying for my laptop! I will keep an eye out though. Thanks!

[Gonzalo Duque]

Hey Rolland,

Yes, take your time, do your research and when you've got it narrowed down look on the 'Bay for a decent used one; they're always on there. Like I wrote, mine was made in 1977 and it was given to me by my dad before he retired down to Florida. I use it all the time and the thing just doesn't die!

Don't forget: direct-drive and NOT belt drive!

Direct- Drive, not belt drive. Gotcha! Thanks for your help. Do you know if the newer ones are direct drive? The ones that play cd`s, and lp`s? Thanks again!

[ARIES3032]

I have one that is from the 70's , but needs a needle. If you get day my way, and can get a needle it is yours. It is a stack one, so you can play many records. It will play for hours.

Thank you! If I get down that way, that would be lovely! Thanks

I rec'd some vinyl Sinatra as a gift from a friend, because she knew I was a fan. Sadly, they've been sitting in a stack, gathering dust for years. I always intended on framing them, but haven't gotten around to it.

I've always been told that vinyl has a "warmer" sound that CD, but I've never compared the two medias.

[ARIES3032]

they do, I have some from my "earlier " years collection and others I been collected as the years go by.

Hi... There is something about purchasing Frank Sinatra albums on vinyl...They are like lost treasures found again. Vinyl is the medium they were indended and recorded for. CD, now seems 'once removed.' FS was a pioneer he defined Amercian pop music and the medium he used was vinyl.. So enjoy!!!~

P.S. Hi everyone. I haven't been around for awhile. Good to be back. Hope you all are well.

Amen to that! Crystal clear mp3`s and cd`s will never compare to vinyl. Too bad I wasn`t around for the golden age of vinyl.

[Gerald]

Frank Sinatra's vinyl are unbeateble in audio. I have a large collection in cd but I will always keep my long plays and 45 rpm singles (because the singles here in Brazil were all 33 rpm). I agree completly that a direct drive turntable is better and will give you less trouble than a belt drive. The best direct drive turntables are Quartz Driven. This gurantee that you won't even need pitch control switches. The Technichs SL-1200 MK2 is a very good choice. Onother tip is to change the cables, that comes with the turntable by the factory, that coonects the turntable to the amplifier for a better one. Monster Cable are not too expensive and are a good choice.

Best Wishes,

Gerald

[Gerald]

Which brand is the cartridge of your turntable ? Shure have still a great choice of cartridges for all kind of records, even 78 rpm. It's interesting to have allok on their site www.shure.com ("phono" section) . Mono records from the 50's and early 60's, sound great with heavier tracking force like the M44E cartridge. More recent recording sound superb with more lightweight cartridge.

Love,

Jerry

[ARIES3032]

Thanks for the link, I will definitely look into it. One of my favorites is a LP they never put into a CD. Great music. Hope your Mom is going better as well as Mimi!

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Rolland Kirby

Thanks! I was thinking of getting one of the newer models, but I really like the older stuff. I saw a very nice player the other day, and it was only $125 at Circut City. I like the vintage feel of the older ones though. It will be a few weeks before I go to get one though, this dratted cell phone bill takes a lovely chunk out of a 16 year olds budget. Not to mention paying for my laptop! I will keep an eye out though. Thanks!

If I were on a budget, I would only consider vintage. What you're getting for $125 from Circuit City most likely isn't very good. Maybe look for something like an old Dual 1229 - it shouldn't cost a whole lot, and will be much better than the plastic stuff from Circuit City. Good to hear you'd consider something old...

Shure still has the M97 cartridge. Another to consider is the Audio Technica 440mla. It can be a little bright sounding if not loaded properly, but it has a Microline stylus, which helps a lot with proper tracking/tracing. There have been some reports of its stylus being harsh on styrene 45's though.

I totally disagree with writing off belt drive turntables entirely. Yes, the cheap belt drive stuff is not very good, but most of the world's best turntables for many years now have been belt drive.

Welcome!

[daleNmd]

Rolland,

Jerry is right. That is possiblly one of the Best turntables I've seen. My Friend has one.