Re: [ARSCLIST] 101 strings collection up for grabs LA area

[stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Miller" <lyaa071@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> On Fri, 23 Dec 2005, Eric Goldberg wrote:
>
> > I don't believe that there are 1,500 different 101 Strings titles.
> > Maybe 150,  making this collection of duplicates large enough to
> > solve all your holiday gift giving problems, for those friends that
> > you no longer want.
>
> Ok, I will confess, I collect them. How could such a thing happen? During
> my college days I found one in a second hand store for 25 cents. I suppose
> I could claim some sort of pretentious jibberish about it being some sort
> of academic research, but I found it became an interest I carried with me.
> Some of the records did indeed feature some significant musicians, Nelson
> Riddle, Les Baxter, et al.
>
> While I know little of the history, I believe the founder was another
> Miller, no relationship to me. I read somewhere a quote from him, "I am
> not in the music business, I'm in the plastics business..." or something
> like that.
>
> The original label, I believe,  was Somerset. Some of the releases were
> under other labels like Oscar. I have encountered pressings from Mexico,
> England, etc.
>
> I should add that I called the number provided and made them an offer
> for the discs.
>
> As far as I know the catalog was bought out and the label continued under
the
> name Alshire. I have approximately 300 releases which include titles on
> Alshire, Somerset and Oscar. When I called I found out that the owner had
> passed away. I spoke with his son. It seems they continued in business by
> selling licenses to other companies. The collection contains 2 or 3 copies
> of every disc they (I am assuming Alshire) issued. There could be as many
> as 200 distinct issues, plus boxed sets, and according to his son, all of
> those discs issued under license. He estimated anywhere from 1,500 to
> 3,000 discs. They are in the process of shutting down the business.
>
> For me, they represent a bit the of history of American Music. Latanza in
> his book "Elevator Music" makes mention of them.
>
> I suggested that the family consider donating the files of the company to
> an archive. If I end up getting the discs, they will eventually end up in
> an archive...assuming I can ever find an archive interested in my
> collection...I have already rewritten my will once...and yes, I have lots
> more than 101 strings...
>
> By the way, I also collect 101 strings wanna be releases...102 Strings,
> 1,000,000 strings, 1001 Strings, etc.
>
> So right in there with about 7,000 reels and 3,000 cassettes, 500 or so 16
inch
> discs of broadcasts of classical music one can find my 101 strings
> collection.
>
> As I reflect on what seems to be the continuing decline of interest in
> classical music, I sense my 101 strings records might end up being the
> "gold" in my collection. As I think about it...not that I collect to
> impress anyone...if I told someone I have things like a 1930s  NBC
Symphony
> broadcast of the music of Johh Hausserman...who will care, but at least
with
> 101 strings, you can get some name recognition.
>
Well, lemme see...if you have 400 different recordings of 101 Strings,
that makes a total of exactly 40,400 strings...

There must be some strings attached?
:-)
(apologies to those academics who find themselves less than
amused by my frivolous use of cyberspace...)

Steven C. Barr