Speaker's Corner Coltrane "Impressions" sound quality?

[1stpress]

How is the sound quality on the Speaker's Corner version of Coltrane's "Impressions" (notwithstanding the significant flaws inherent to the master tapes)? Does anyone know who mastered it?

Also, is there is a decent vinyl remaster of Coltrane's "Live at Birdland" out there?

Any recommedations will be greatly appreciated.

[kh1958]

The original first/second pressings on impulse sound great. Why not get one of those instead?

[1stpress]

To expensive given that I want at least a NM copy. That would sink me well over $100.00 each even in stereo. If it were Elvin Jones or Eddie Harris I'd hunt down a first pressing, but with guys like Coltrane, it's to darn pricey. I don't mind a modern pressing as long as it's well mastered from original tapes. Sometimes they even sound better!

Edited September 5, 2013 by 1stpress

[Clunky]

How about an HMV pressing from

UK. I got mine recently. In fact a whole bunch of Trane HMVs for £10. Sound excellent even if they were from tapes copied and shipped to these shores .

[paul secor]

Don't have Impressions, but I have several other Impulde Speakers Corner issues - Benny Carter, Oliver Nelson, Art Blakey - and the sound and is fine on those. As it should be, considering the price.

[tomatamot]

How about an HMV pressing from

UK. I got mine recently. In fact a whole bunch of Trane HMVs for £10. Sound excellent even if they were from tapes copied and shipped to these shores .

:tup :tup

[porcy62]

I second Paul. Usually Speakers Corner records are among the best, if not the best ones, reissues I have, unless one go for more expensive 45 rpm stuff. Super quiet vinyl, detailed and balanced sound, not harsh nor dull.

[kh1958]

To expensive given that I want at least a NM copy. That would sink me well over $100.00 each even in stereo. If it were Elvin Jones or Eddie Harris I'd hunt down a first pressing, but with guys like Coltrane, it's to darn pricey. I don't mind a modern pressing as long as it's well mastered from original tapes. Sometimes they even sound better!

Stereo Impulses usually sound better than mono ones. I don't know, I think with a little patience you could get a very nice copy off of ebay for alot less, particularly if you buy a red/black pressing (I can't hear any difference).

[hvbias]

I am pretty happy with the few Speakers Corner reissues I have. Very quiet vinyl pressings as well.