Greetings from the United Kingdom

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:11 pm

Hello all you people.
We are bringing a slice of the UK with us to Burning Man in the shape of our souls. Its our first time and we are wondering all the normal things about how to find a camp etc. as we have been refused RVs, but that will all work out in time no doubt.

I am bringing a wind up grammophone in a suitcase with some fats waller, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, so if you hear some good time jazz and a man with a crystal ring and top hat dancing round it, come and say hi.

In the meantime any tips about camps are welcomly received.

See y'all soon

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:44 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:46 am

anyone who totes around 78 rpms and quotes Marianne Faithful, is a friend of mine...

welcome home.

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:37 am

Hola!

That's ace.

In fact, if you know anyone going from the US who collects or owns 78s, get them to bring em along, I will only be able to bring a handful as they weigh a tonne, and British Airways won't take me if i've got more than about 10 in my hand luggage.

R

Post by **Sham** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:41 pm

Here in the states we have a very cool thing called MP3 players. It's just like an old victrola only more modern. Instead of 78 records, it's just a digital blip! It should be much easier to to pack than a 40 pound record player!

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:19 pm

Yeah but i bet when you play it it doesnt sound like fats waller is sitting 3 metres away from you playing a concert for your own private enjoyment. Plus i don't reckon you can get half the music on cd that i have. Plus, i don't think that it is nearly as much fun. Be honest now, MP3 is boring!!!

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:47 pm

[quote="Shambala"]Here in the states we have a very cool thing called MP3 players. It's just like an old victrola only more modern. Instead of 78 records, it's just a digital blip! It should be much easier to to pack than a 40 pound record player![/quote]

The other thing I adore about this message is that you dump on the grammophone for being dated, and then use lbs as a measurement!!! Join in the decimal age America, its surprisingly easy!! 8)

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:01 pm

InnocentWhenYouDream wrote:
Shambala wrote:Here in the states we have a very cool thing called MP3 players. It's just like an old victrola only more modern. Instead of 78 records, it's just a digital blip! It should be much easier to to pack than a 40 pound record player!
The other thing I adore about this message is that you dump on the grammophone for being dated, and then use lbs as a measurement!!! Join in the decimal age America, its surprisingly easy!!

That may be true, but we be using the same system we always have, apparently it works for us. And I dare say the grammophone has been passe for audiophiles for ages. We used to have a victrola when I was younger. Had to crank it up by hand to play it. It may have been cutting age tech back in the day, but give me modern tech anyday.

Careful bout snarking on us to much, to soon young padawan, after all, Burning Man is in our country

better brush up on your pounds and miles

Oh, and btw, welcome home

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:39 pm

I hope the dust doesn't eat it!

Sensei · Post by **Sensei** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:53 pm

Once upon a time I came across this woman out on the open playa who had this ancient wind-up Victrola and she was crankin' out the Louis Armstrong 78's while making her marionette puppet dance.

I love the oontz-oontz-oontz, but that was some of the best music I've ever heard on the playa.

Bring it!

penguin · Post by **penguin** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:04 pm

InnocentWhenYouDream wrote:
Shambala wrote:Here in the states we have a very cool thing called MP3 players. It's just like an old victrola only more modern. Instead of 78 records, it's just a digital blip! It should be much easier to to pack than a 40 pound record player!
The other thing I adore about this message is that you dump on the grammophone for being dated, and then use lbs as a measurement!!! Join in the decimal age America, its surprisingly easy!!

OIC, Shambala should have said "a 4 decapound record player"

Personally I much prefer analog to digital for the sound, but digital wins hands down for convienence (I remember the day that WRIU (my college's radio station) tossed probably 5,000 45's in the dumpster

at that time we were glad to see them go (and that was pre-CD days) -- what I wouldn't do now to have them all again (scratches and all)

Oh yeah, Welcome to eplaya!

(before I forget again)

Post by **Sham** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 6:16 pm

Several years ago, while waiting get through the dusty entrance of Burning Man, I was listening to BM radio and heard Louis Armstrong singing Wonderful World. I kicked off my shoes and sang along with as much gusto as I could. At that point, I knew it was going to be a great week. The playa always seems to provide me exactly what I need.

As far as the grammaphone and the weight, just keep in mind all the supplies that you have to bring. I travel 3000 miles by plane to get there and remove all extra packaging and tags from everything to keep the weight down. The airlines allow 50lbs. per bag (not sure what that is metric) and I usually have to remove extra things I think I won't need (like underwear and such). I also can ship things to the hotel that I stay in my first night in Reno if I need to bring an extra box or two. They are always accomodating if you're a guest.

I am sure you will feel at home and welcome on the playa. It's time to start packing, it's only 6+ months away!

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:53 am

"And I dare say the grammophone has been passe for audiophiles for ages"
Oh dear me no.......

Well thanks guys, I look forward to having a heated debate in six month's time.......

I think we can all agree that our little electronic friends are far more convenient, but I stand by assertion that the wind up is more fun. I think i'll bring it anyway, I like the idea.

See you all soon. I can hardly bear to wait much longer.

Rory

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:26 am

i'll see if i can throw some of my massive collection of 78's on the truck heading west.

i like dinah shore and the george shearing quartet, but i have alot of danny kaye, bing crosby, etc etc from the 40's.

but i do agree, having spent countless hours converting old songs to mp3, that the ease of toting 100 songs versus 100 10" 78 rpms + player (which WILL get fucked up on the playa....listen to me, it WILL get fucked up...so if you like your victrola, dont bring it) may be a consideration.

your choice, but, one more time....your victrola WILL GET FUCKED UP, of this i am certain.

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:59 am

Don't worry, i'm bringing one I found in an antique shop for Â£25.
The other ones are staying home.....

If you really do bring some records, be sure to let me know, and we'll meet somewhere in the dust.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:42 am

I still use vinyl (of course) as music is strictly an analog format.
But I wouldn't take any good discs within miles of the playa.
If you want to stick to analog out there, I suggest a hifi video deck.
The audio tracks are modulated fm, but still analog and high quality.

Did you hear about the dust?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:54 am

Was it Verdi they were playing on the boat in Fitzcarraldo?

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:24 am

Excuse my ignorance but does a hifi video deck play 78s? If so I have never heard of it. It is not so much that I want to stick to analog, I want to play my 78s.

Anyway, I have inadvertently started the same thread in two different boards now, so i hope I don't get the sack from the eplaya.

See you all soon.

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:32 am

I can merge the threads if things get too strange. You're good.

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:35 am

InnocentWhenYouDream wrote:Excuse my ignorance but does a hifi video deck play 78s? If so I have never heard of it. It is not so much that I want to stick to analog, I want to play my 78s.

Anyway, I have inadvertently started the same thread in two different boards now, so i hope I don't get the sack from the eplaya.

See you all soon.

This is how we rolll

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:39 am

gyre wrote:I still use vinyl (of course) as music is strictly an analog format.
But I wouldn't take any good discs within miles of the playa.
If you want to stick to analog out there, I suggest a hifi video deck.
The audio tracks are modulated fm, but still analog and high quality.

Did you hear about the dust?

I'm sorry but am I missing something. I don't think anyone can tell the differance between the format of music. You might have more clarity or noise depending, but really that is a function of the media. I just don't understand how the waveform has become the sound?? so please enlighten me.. tanks

InnocentWhenYouDream · Post by **InnocentWhenYouDream** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:28 am

The media have taken over my ears!!! Another worry to add to the list.

Yikes.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:19 am

wedeliver wrote:so please enlighten me.. tanks

Somebody say tanks? how's this music?

[youtube][/youtube]

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:38 pm

InnocentWhenYouDream wrote:Excuse my ignorance but does a hifi video deck play 78s? If so I have never heard of it. It is not so much that I want to stick to analog, I want to play my 78s.

They may call it something else in UK, but it refers to the method of recording of audio on a vcr.
Basic units have only a mono track (though there were once some stereo) laid directly on the tape with a stationary head like a reel to reel.
This is very robust but lower quality.
It would work at full speed.

Hifi audio tracks are laid down by the rotating heads like the video tracks, but are still analog on non-digital video formats like VHS, SVHS, Superbeta, and this would apply to older PAL recorders too.
It is a cheap way to record very high quality analog audio.
There are even devices to lay audio down on the video tracks too.

Usually if a vcr is true stereo these days, it will be hifi, but that is the technical term for it here.

PAL will play here for audio but not usually video.
Beware of possible voltage issues.
A portable deck would be perfect.

I understand wanting to bring your original discs, but I think it is a bad idea.
I have an extensive collection of 78s and I wouldn't do it myself.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:56 pm

wedeliver wrote:
gyre wrote:I still use vinyl (of course) as music is strictly an analog format.
But I wouldn't take any good discs within miles of the playa.
If you want to stick to analog out there, I suggest a hifi video deck.
The audio tracks are modulated fm, but still analog and high quality.

Did you hear about the dust?
I'm sorry but am I missing something. I don't think anyone can tell the differance between the format of music. You might have more clarity or noise depending, but really that is a function of the media. I just don't understand how the waveform has become the sound?? so please enlighten me.. tanks

It is audible to anyone familiar with both.
While video easily converts to digital, audio is a continuous waveform and must be forced into a stairstep pattern for conversion and then back.
CD formats are way too slow and primitive to do this without lots of digital artifacts.
Higher frequency digital formats are better, but the CD format was crap when they designed it and is now insanely obsolete.

In double blind tests with classical musicians unfamiliar with digital equipment, they were always able to discern digital from analog.
They were also able to distinguish european from japanese equipment and could tell the low quality D-A converters from the more expensive ones.
They had difficulty telling the higher end units from each other, except for the differences in the origin of the equipment.

I clearly hear the differences myself.

Now when you start getting into the much higher scan rates used by some recording equipment, it gets harder to spot, but all music is analog and has to be processed twice to be digital.
A $100 vcr with a $1 tape will out perform a $1000 CD player.
Vinyl simply carries vastly more data than a CD.
It isn't even a close comparison.

And our ears are geared to hear exactly the kind of artifacts digital conversion leaves.

There is even a tube device that forces digital playback into an analog waveform because the tube can't reproduce digital patterns.
A simple idea, but the reviews are all good.

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:19 pm

Just bring a harmonica and blow your own blues...my two cents.

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:30 pm

Oldguy wrote:Just bring a harmonica and blow your own blues...my two cents.

If I could reach it I WOULD! (I would never leave the house again)

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:33 pm

gyre wrote:
wedeliver wrote:
gyre wrote:I still use vinyl (of course) as music is strictly an analog format.
But I wouldn't take any good discs within miles of the playa.
If you want to stick to analog out there, I suggest a hifi video deck.
The audio tracks are modulated fm, but still analog and high quality.

Did you hear about the dust?
I'm sorry but am I missing something. I don't think anyone can tell the differance between the format of music. You might have more clarity or noise depending, but really that is a function of the media. I just don't understand how the waveform has become the sound?? so please enlighten me.. tanks
It is audible to anyone familiar with both.
While video easily converts to digital, audio is a continuous waveform and must be forced into a stairstep pattern for conversion and then back.
CD formats are way too slow and primitive to do this without lots of digital artifacts.
Higher frequency digital formats are better, but the CD format was crap when they designed it and is now insanely obsolete.

In double blind tests with classical musicians unfamiliar with digital equipment, they were always able to discern digital from analog.
They were also able to distinguish european from japanese equipment and could tell the low quality D-A converters from the more expensive ones.
They had difficulty telling the higher end units from each other, except for the differences in the origin of the equipment.

I clearly hear the differences myself.

Now when you start getting into the much higher scan rates used by some recording equipment, it gets harder to spot, but all music is analog and has to be processed twice to be digital.
A $100 vcr with a $1 tape will out perform a $1000 CD player.
Vinyl simply carries vastly more data than a CD.
It isn't even a close comparison.

And our ears are geared to hear exactly the kind of artifacts digital conversion leaves.

There is even a tube device that forces digital playback into an analog waveform because the tube can't reproduce digital patterns.
A simple idea, but the reviews are all good.

I think it might also be a function of your/mine ears. I just have never been able to discern the difference, I have pretty good equipment and with eyes closed I can't tell how the music is processed. But I think there is a high end that I miss completly. Fucking bombs to close to my ears.