| Bienvenue!
"For those of you who don't speak English, | howdy folks means...howdy folks."
I'm sure they were enlightened! 
Updated 03/21/99
|
PLEASE EMAIL ME
if you have HQ/lo gen jazz, bluegrass/acoustic music.
TRY ME FOR A TRADE, I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO. (02/09/00) Please be patient though; tapes are generally on the back burner. Speaking of burners, will you make me CD's? I don't have the means. Thanks, kurt.
If you are an inexperienced trader, I'll do my best to help ya. You need to hear these tapes more than I do. Keep in mind, this is an analog trading page. No tapes for sale. If anyone has reason to believe that any of these recordings are posted against the artists' wishes, please notify me and I will remove them.
EQUIPMENT/PROCEDURE:
MAXELL xlii/ii-S
if it's the most amazing recording you've heard, lets use xlii-S
NO dolby, NO highspeed....blahblahblah.
I record from an NAD 602 single deck > Marantz SD-52r single deck.
Both are well maintained, as yours should be.
UNPACK the tapes by ffwding and rewinding fully before dubbing.
I'm quick and easy, just like everything in America.
TURNAROUND: less than a week. (sometimes 2 days)
I don't usually make jcards. However, I've been told that my handwriting is impeccable :)
I write on post-its or print up separate pages.
I don't send cases or cards for trades of 4 or more.
It's not an issue of saving postage;
they fit in the bag better that way.
I rubber band them and wrap them in bubble wrap or retired padded baggage.
Don't worry about debris getting in the tape; I wouldn't do that to you.
GRADING is the hardest thing about trading.
Therefore, all of these grades are subject to change. I'm always in the process of refining my grades. I re-evaluate each time I listen!
I guarantee my A's. 
means that the tape is one of my all-time faves.
Performance eclipses sound quality on some of these.
Far from ecstatic? I'll compensate w/ bonus tape(s).
I don't give A+. As far as I'm concerned the only A+ is being there!! (mmm...Baaarrrton Haaall)
I always grade down a step or two from what I really want to say;
This way you are guaranteed satisfaction. Plus, it gives a lot more
credibility to higher grades. Quite frequently I give 'B+' or 'B'
to someone else's 'A+'. Face it, 'B' is a fine grade!
Of course, I usually ditch anything below a 'B-'.
I just don't have the time or capacity for those tapes.
B
Any high quality, readily listenable tape deserves this grade.
This is generally where I start my grading. There will probably be some hiss, perhaps the levels aren't right, the crowd is a little annoying, or the sound is a little bit muddy.
Any lower grades indicate increasing amounts of hiss, more obtrusive
audience chatter, or distant sounding recordings.
B+
Most traders will be quite happy. The sound has gone from listenable to enjoyable! There might be some hiss or a little bit of crowd noise on an audience tape. By no means should you shy away from these tapes.
A-
These tapes are VERY good! Very little hiss or crowd noise. Great clarity and dynamic sound quality.
A!
Warning: these can be dangerous! The listener may experience light-headedness and heart palpitations. Proceed with caution.
General Grading Info
I take a holistic approach to grading. Of course I'm looking for pristine sound, but I seriously consider the setlist, quality of performance, the intactness of the recording (is it complete?), and all relevant information: date, venue, time, source, and generation. Any additional comments and trivia are a bonus.
Audience Recordings
These rarely get an 'A' unless I can't even tell that they're auds. I seek to eliminate crowd distraction while capturing good venue sound. Some venues are bad; and some nights the sound just ain't right! Mike information is ideal; not a strict requirement.
Soundboard Recordings
Ahhh, the mother of all creation... Soundboard does not mean 'A'. Even with older tapes, I look for good levels, no hiss, and a perfectly balanced mix.
Have fun!! Don't forget to actually *listen* to the music. It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspect. :(
