So I was out thrifting today and hit a pretty cool score in Lancaster at Amvets.
First off, I did not buy the two accordions they had for sale. I would have liked to, but no, I resisted. For those who might be interested, the working one was a black Frontalini for $200.
What I scored today though was a box of old 78s. I haggled them to give me the whole box for $6. Artists include Hal Kemp, Harry James, Horace Heidt, Kay Kyser, The Sportsmen, Roger Williams, The Mariners, Reinald Werrenrath, Eddy Duchin, a broken Perry Como, The Merry Macs, Anton Karas performing a Zither solo from an Orson Welles film called The Third Man, Woody Herman, John McCormack. Lots of the first three guys.
I had no idea if they were in playable shape or not, I've never bought used 78s. I tested a few out on my turntable and they sound pretty good. Ordered a replacement stylus for my cartridge tonight that will play the 78s better.
The prize of the collection seems to be the single sided John McCormack, a 1920 pressing of Your Eyes Have Told Me So.
Not bad. I could really see myself getting in to 78s. There's a lot of music out there that I don't know from the 78 era.