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Can You Tell Me How Master Tapes Are/Were Usually Handled Back in "the Day"?
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 14, 2018
A reader asks:

I was wondering if you could tell me how the master tapes are/were usually handled back in the day? The reason I ask is because there are several master tapes floating around on the internet and people are offering reel to reel copies of them for sale (photo from back in "the day")

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Questions For the Editor?
Michael Fremer  |  Feb 18, 2015
The best way to ask questions and get answers is to send in an email to MFremer@analogplanet.com.

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Is It Safe to Play Clean But Worn and Crackly 45s?
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 23, 2012
I have several old 45's that I would love to listen to. I'm wondering if I clean them really well, and there are no deep scratches, if they will hurt your stylus to play them.
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"Steep Tonearm?" Here's Why
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 22, 2012
An Analogplanet reader asked about his "steep tonearm" after trying unsuccessfully trying to set the SRA to 92 degrees on his Soundsmith Boheme cartridge.

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Steep Tonearm?
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 20, 2012
The reason I a contacting you today is because of the recent article on using a USB microscope to set SRA.... I am using a Soundsmith Boheme cartridge that has a contact line stylus. When using the lupe, I can get a clear view of my stylus. I have tried to adjust my arm to get the 92 degree angle but the rear of the tonearm is raised up quite a bit.

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"360 Sound" vs. "360 Sound"
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 02, 2012
Hey Mikey- I have a question you might post and answer since it's general interest, I think. In your recent Freewheelin' Bob Dylan review you mentioned the white and black label Stereo 360 records from Columbia, and you mention that the black label indicates Columbia's all-tube cutting chain.

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Static Cling!
Michael Fremer  |  Aug 01, 2012
Love the website. I can't stay off of it! I have an "Ask Mikey' question:

"What do you use to control static pops and clicks on your records?"

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Being a "Persistent Nutjob" Pays Off!
Michael Fremer  |  Jul 06, 2012
Dear Mr Fremer, I curse you, Sir! You are the devil. Not only have you converted me to appreciate the many virtues of vinyl playback.... But you have also quite remarkably managed to make me question my own sanity!

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Out With the Old in With the New?
Michael Fremer  |  Jun 29, 2012
Dear Michael,

I grew up in the golden age of high-fi and began my hardware journey with a Fisher X202B amplifier, AR2a speakers, and an Empire 398 turntable followed by the addition of a McIntosh MR-67 tuner. Of course, I've been a subscriber to High Fidelity, Stereo Review, their successors, The Absolute Sound and Stereophile going back to the 60's.

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DMM or Lacquer? Which is Better?
Michael Fremer  |  Jun 20, 2012
Dear Mikey: "I was wondering what your opinion of DMM is, I search the analogplanet archives and couldn't see anything one way or another.
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"Ask Mikey" Fires Up With Questions About USB Microscopes, the Quality of Ron McMaster's Lacquer Cutting, Etc.
Michael Fremer  |  Jun 15, 2012
What is the name of the USB microscope you use? Brand and resolution?
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Identifying Defective Tom Waits Reissues
Michael Fremer  |  May 16, 2012
I wonder if you can help me. I've ordered the updated versions of the Rhino Tom Waits titles from Music Direct - those cut by Chris Bellman from the original analogue reels.
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Mercury Living Presence Six LP box?
Michael Fremer  |  May 15, 2012
Ortofon cutting system #320 at UMG's Berliner facility in Hanover, Germany.

Recently UMG reissued the Mercury Living Presence Box Set, which consists of 6 LPs. Many websites including elusivedisc.com stated the LPs were pressed in Germany by Optimal. I have pre-order one set at Amazon.com before its release in the US market, the doubt part is the box set I received is pasted with small sticker indicating that it was “Made in Czech Republic”. Another doubt issue, since UMG have a ultimate pressing facility in Hanover, why they pressed this set title at Optimal ?

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