Tell us about your Beach Boys collection

[Freddie French-Pounce]

With regards to UK sound quality, I've always thought most of the 45's were pretty darn good myself (esp. Help Me, Rhonda), but there could be one or two examples where I get what you mean. As for Today!, I understand what you mean, but I always thought it was muddy as heck anyway - love the sound of the LP. Pet Sounds on the other hand...

Freddie, do you have any background info on Dennis Wilson's cowbell?

The guy who sold it to me (Ed Mann) has played alot with Frank Zappa, so he's in the right area. Basically he bought a 'lot' of percussion gear off Dennis in the late 70s I believe and has recently been selling a few bits as his percussion collection is way too large. This one was a big one, he reckoned from the late 60s, but no way to tell really. He also informs me all cowbells were painted Gold by the Boys back then. Basically, I has cobwebs and dead spiders with headaches in it. And smells strange.

Also, for the guy who asked, I got it from a mixture of Bootfairs, Record Fairs and the Internet  

[metal flake paint]

With regards to UK sound quality, I've always thought most of the 45's were pretty darn good myself (esp. Help Me, Rhonda), but there could be one or two examples where I get what you mean. As for Today!, I understand what you mean, but I always thought it was muddy as heck anyway - love the sound of the LP. Pet Sounds on the other hand...

Freddie, do you have any background info on Dennis Wilson's cowbell?

The guy who sold it to me (Ed Mann) has played alot with Frank Zappa, so he's in the right area. Basically he bought a 'lot' of percussion gear off Dennis in the late 70s I believe and has recently been selling a few bits as his percussion collection is way too large. This one was a big one, he reckoned from the late 60s, but no way to tell really. He also informs me all cowbells were painted Gold by the Boys back then. Basically, I has cobwebs and dead spiders with headaches in it. And smells strange.

Cheers!

[Freddie French-Pounce]

Also, I wouldn't mind seeing your solo collection

Only just saw this, I'm not back home for 2 weeks now. It's not particularly impressive but I'll post it anyway when I get back.

[metal flake paint]

Add some (sheet) music to your day 

A collection of US, Australian, UK, Dutch and Italian sheets:

[feelsflow]

Best use of floor space ever! LPs as promised:

Main Albums [All UK originals, Except Pet Sounds which I have but have left up at Uni this weekend so my stereo copy fills in the gaps here]
Surf's Up, Love You and KTSa all have their original inserts, Holland has the EP but no lyric insert [unless this doesn't exist?]


Compilation LPs [Mostly UK except Endless Summer, SOA, US Vol. 2 and GV [not MFP LP]. 10YOH has the insert, Endless Summer has the poster. :


Other LPs:
Mostly UK Copies, except the ones that aren't. Another 20 Golden Greats, but this is blue, Many Vol. 1's, all different issues, Some Mono/Stereo alternatives, Dupes [LDC/Party/SDSN], CATP/PS Two-Fer,  Gatefold US Concert, Interview Disc for KTSA [on my YT channel], French Wild Honey [with a voice saying 'ST2 28, 59 on side 2], Sunflower/Surf's Up caribou, German Surfer Girl, 1999 Stereo Pet Sounds LP [What a beauty!]


SMiLE Selection:
Original First Bootleg with Insert, Vigotone Couloured 3LP + Session Sheets, Stickered Plastic Cover and Poster, Red Vinyl SOT, Smile Sessions LP


I think that's it.... Not including solo of course!

Hi Freddie,  Question on the Smile Brother Label boot.  By first issue, do you mean that was the first Smile boot ever released?  Never really thought about it, neat if it's so.  Back in the 70's/80's boots were sold openly in trader record shops, but without the internet, it was all rather "no other information known"...  The date on that insert is 4 July 1983, yours too?  There were three on offer that day I bought mine in Berkeley, CA, Smile, Landlocked (which I also bought), and one called USA(which I passed on).  The only other Brother label release that I know of was Adult/Child, the real thrill of a find of all of them, that IIRC I bought about 1984.  The back cover notes reference "In the tradition of the acclaimed Landlocked LP..." So it must have come out sometime after the first three.  Yours is the first time I have seen one in the possession of anyone else. To my knowledge, I don't think they were ever pressed again.  Just the once.  You got yours in the UK?  Quite the find, as I guess you got this recently.   By the time cd boots came on the scene, I passed on most, because they cost more than I thought they were worth.  Now I regret not buying the Get The Boot ones, after hearing them on YouTube.  The Adult/Child cd boot is different than mine (which has 17 tracks).  My Landlocked has 17 tracks as well.  'Fraid I don't live in the I-Phone world, or I'd include some pics of some of my stuff.  I have collected since I was a kid.  Some of my 1st pressings include Smiley Smile (still in it's original shrink wrap), in fact a whole set of 1st pressings of most of (didn't get started until 1964) their records -Stack-o-Tracks (Gate-fold with booklet, with my pencil notes ), one of the UK pressings (for mintness' sake).  If you have not seen the S-o-T UK vinyl, it is a single sleeve with no booklet. I have some of my favorites on Japan Vinyl - 45's (mostly UK stuff, but some USA...note: kids didn't take care of there 45's in the 60's...so they are dust.)  In memory of childhood, I had all the Vee-Jay, assorted 63/64 Beatles records too, nah - dust too.  I have thousands of just vinyl records.  My hands would get tired listing all the stuff around here.  I have not listed even one cd, dvd yet. Most all of it, though, I must be one of the few here who did not get into last years re-union of a band that has not existed, could not exist since 6 February 1998. (let me sneak that in here quietly, so as  not too many of you will notice )  Have all of the box sets I could get my hands on...including one that listed one Andrew Doe (in Peter Reum's booklet/title page note by Roy Gudge), The Capitol Years, World Records Box, 1980.  I bought that in 1980.  Looking back, as I certainly didn't know who he was then, might be the first time he was listed in a sleeve note.  But, you would have to check with Andrew on that, as I am most surely not an expert on The Beach Boys.  And no, I'm not including my address so one of you can come by with a truck!           Oh, and I'll check later, and get back to you...I don't remember for sure, but I don't think the Holland EP came with a lyric insert.  It's getting Late here, and my records are down the hall.                                     EDIT:  Freddie,  My original Holland USA, bought January 1973 has a lyric sheet that includes all tracks except SOS and the EP.  If Smile Holland has a special lyric sheet for the EP it is unique to his UK or Netherlands release.  Mine did of course have the pic sleeve.  Later/early 80's, I did get a UK copy, mostly to check if it sounded better.  I got it from a trader shop, and was mint, but as many UK releases, was not sealed.  It must be a second/later pressing, and does not have the lyric sheet, and the EP is in a plain white sleeve.  While rummaging through the vinyl, I did find something to play... Wait, I think I see it in there,   the BB/Brian Wilson Rarities 1981 Australia (Purple Capitol label) - the one with What'd I Say (live in Sydney), and the Dennis & Rumbo Lady and Sound of Free 45 mixes.  This thing is so neat.  The notes are by Glenn A Baker (winner of BBC Rock Brain of the Universe/compiler extraordinaire). Another name I was surprised to find was Warren Barnett, one of my favorite mastering cats, who helped found Raven Records in 1979.  He did the Best mastering ever of Bobbie Gentry's whole catalogue.  Baker raided Capitols vaults, finding lots of tracks recorded in Europe, on singles, and such, that this long time fan, had never even heard.  If you like Bobbie, these are the ones to get.  He made Captain Beyond sound better than the original vinyl (if you buy that one, be careful to get the second printing, as the first had a mastering mistake they did fix and send to the fans - unlike the mess I am having getting my MIC disc 3 replaced).  And has done the first five Al Kooper records.  Raven Rocks. I'll try to take the time later to add some of my CDs and DVDs.   It's lunch.

[donald]

Add some (sheet) music to your day 

A collection of US, Australian, UK, Dutch and Italian sheets:














Is that your personal collection?

[bgas]

Add some (sheet) music to your day 

A collection of US, Australian, UK, Dutch and Italian sheets:

Nice stuff.  What's Italian?  The Blue WIBN? 

[metal flake paint]

Donald: Sure is my own collection. The first one I purchased (The Warmth of the Sun) was in March 1990 from Rockaway Records, AZ.

bgas: Correct!

[bgas]

Donald: Sure is my own collection. The first one I purchased (The Warmth of the Sun) was in March 1990 from Rockaway Records, AZ.

bgas: Correct!

Now when you get USA Surfin'  and Johnny B. Goode That'll be really sweet!!  ( or is that my pipe dream?)

[metal flake paint]

Donald: Sure is my own collection. The first one I purchased (The Warmth of the Sun) was in March 1990 from Rockaway Records, AZ.

bgas: Correct!

Now when you get USA Surfin'  and Johnny B. Goode That'll be really sweet!!  ( or is that my pipe dream?)

Yep, still searching for the sheet music to Surfin', as shown here:

http://youtu.be/1ITsxbE5jf4?t=9m28s

According to Lee Dempsey, also available are sheets for Help Me Ronda and The Wanderer (Dempsey, 1992, pp. 29-30).


References

Edgil, R. K., Mast, P. E., & Dempsey, L. (1992). Collector's perspective: Sheet music. Endless Summer Quarterly, 6(2-3), 29-52.

[Moz from Oz]

While my collection isn't as extensive as a lot here, I'm not a completist, I'm Adding a personal touch to mine. Getting the Brother logo with the script Beach Boys writing as a tattoo on Friday. I will upload a pic next week along with my very large advertising banner from the Melbourne C50 gig last year and some other goodies.

[Freddie French-Pounce]

Question on the Smile Brother Label boot.  By first issue, do you mean that was the first Smile boot ever released?   The date on that insert is 4 July 1983, yours too?  You got yours in the UK?  Quite the find, as I guess you got this recently.  

I'm not near my collection right now sadly, but that date sounds about right [year definitely does]. I managed to pick this up at a UK record fair a couple of months ago for either £10 or £12, my memory eludes me. Suffice to say I was elated!

'Fraid I don't live in the I-Phone world, or I'd include some pics of some of my stuff.

I didn't use a phone, just me camera 

If you have not seen the S-o-T UK vinyl, it is a single sleeve with no booklet.

Top left of 3rd photo - it's there, hiding away. I'd love a US copy, but figured unless I see one at a record fair/store, I ain't gettin' it w/o the booklet.

The Capitol Years, World Records Box, 1980.  

Saw this once at a record fair for £10 and didn't get it! I've regretted it ever since!

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[silodweller]

I can display my meager collection with a couple of pics

here's one....

ahhh...  my beloved "good vibrations" box set...   

[silodweller]

South Africa has been good for me. During our holiday I was able to extend my collection a bit...   (18,5 kilograms of vinyl in my suitcase... I'm surprised my wife let me get away with this ...    )



Almost everything is S.A. vinyl. I'm especially happy with the Surfin' 'Round The World LP. Left row is all Flames reissues or compilations on 16 2/3 (!!) RPM (containing Flames as well). The 20 Golden Greats (2nd row) is a Rhodesian pressing. And the Keef Heartly Band LP cover was reason enough to buy it. Got me some 45 variations I didn't have yet (including Friends / Cherry Cherry Coupe). Unique cover variations of the Shut Down Vol. II and Live In London LP. And the 20/20 variations are quite cool too!

Hi there,
Whereabouts did you visit in South Africa?  I live in Cape Town.  That is a great collection you've got there.

[smile-holland]

Hi there,
Whereabouts did you visit in South Africa?  I live in Cape Town.  That is a great collection you've got there.

Lot's of places: most of my family-in-law lives in Pretoria. The main reason going there were 2 weddings (2 brothers-in-law got married). And we also did a 5000km roundtrip while we were there. We went to Cape Town first and visited Kimberley and Karoo NP on our way. In Cape Town I visited Revolution Records, Mabu Vinyl, and Die Blautrommel. O, and I forgot to take a good look at the collection of LP's there, but at the Hout Bay harbour there's a weekly crafts market with at least 1 guy selling records.
After that we travelled to Mossel Bay first, then die Swartberge / Prince Albert, Tankwa Karoo NP, Namaqualand NP, Augrabies NP, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and back to Pretoria. From there - apart from our family visits and some short trips outside the town, I visited a few friends who are also record dealers. Got some great stuff overthere. Plus I did my regular rounds at several swop shops. And I went to Collector's Treasury in Jo'burg - twice. Not the easiest place to find something worthy, but if you take the time, there's always a couple of "treasures" to be found.

[bgas]

Donald: Sure is my own collection. The first one I purchased (The Warmth of the Sun) was in March 1990 from Rockaway Records, AZ.

bgas: Correct!

Now when you get USA Surfin'  and Johnny B. Goode That'll be really sweet!!  ( or is that my pipe dream?)

Yep, still searching for the sheet music to Surfin', as shown here:

http://youtu.be/1ITsxbE5jf4?t=9m28s

According to Lee Dempsey, also available are sheets for Help Me Ronda and The Wanderer (Dempsey, 1992, pp. 29-30).


References

Edgil, R. K., Mast, P. E., & Dempsey, L. (1992). Collector's perspective: Sheet music. Endless Summer Quarterly, 6(2-3), 29-52.

Ahh, I see it now. you're using an ancient history reference...  you're missing quite a lot of info there. If I was a writer....  
anyway, I've tried not to duplicate any of the sheets you already posted (other than the 70's SUSA  and BA which I'm posting for the different color schemes )  
There are not any other USA BBs sheets than the ones you( and  I) have posted at least that I'm aware of.  

The Surfin is believed to be a mock-up or a fake; possibly a one-off.  No Sheet dealer  or collector that I've spoken to has ever seen one ( and I've checked ALOT)
 
Johnny B.Goode( that I mentioned) is shown on an Arc Music songbook cover; ARC music claimed at one time to have ONE copy in their master file. But that's before they were sold to some MEGA publisher; so it's anyones guess if they even kept all that stuff( or if they really have/had one at all)  

[mikeddonn]

Cool collections!

I bought the Sea of Tunes "Smile" black vinyl at a record fair from a well known trader ( from his own collection).  He had the other "Smile" boots too.  But they weren't cheap!). I slithered for a while as I own the Smile Sessions Box plus the 180g vinyl Smile on it's own plus... Anyway, when I got it home it wouldn't spin on the turntable.  It's too big, not the standard size for a vinyl lp!  I've never known this to happen before.  Anyone else had the same problem?

[bgas]

Cool collections!

I bought the Sea of Tunes "Smile" at a record fair from a well known trader ( from his own collection).  He had the other "Smile" boots too.  But they weren't cheap!). I slithered for a while as I own the Smile Sessions Box plus the 180g vinyl Smile on it's own plus... Anyway, when I got it home it wouldn't spin on the turntable.  It's too big, not the standard size for a vinyl lp!  I've never known this to happen before.  Anyone else had the same problem?

never heard of this; you're saying the diameter of the LP is larger than other LPs?  did it come in a cover, and is that larger also? 

[mikeddonn]

I've looked at it more closely just now.  The problem seems to be an extra 4mm of vinyl.  Not all the way round, almost as though it was an uneven cut of vinyl.  As if when it was cut into the circular shape some of the vinyl which should have been cut away wasn't.  So when i play it 'sticks' as it rubs the raised sides of my turntable!

[Mikie]

Weight/thickness, Bgas.  Some of the vinyl out there is 180g to 200g. Average recent Beach Boys/solo vinyl releases are 180g. If you have a turntable with a belt drive, the platter may need cleaning and/or the belt may need replacing. If you have a direct drive, a little maintainance (cleaning and lubrication) should do the trick to play these heavier weight records. Could be that very inexpensive turntables don't have the motor oomph to drive the platter and vinyl.

[Mikie]

Ah, OK, there's a circumference issue. Don't think I've ever heard of that problem before! What kind of turntable is that where you don't have adequate clearance???

[mikeddonn]

I don't know how to post an image so hopefully the link will work!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aiwa-PX-860-turntable-record-player-/190930479702?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item2c7457ea56

Notice the raised part in the top left of the picture.  This is where the vinyl 'rubs' and sticks.  The diameter is slightly more than 12" in some parts as the circumference is uneven!

[metal flake paint]

Thanks for the info and pics, bgas!

[silodweller]

Hi there,
Whereabouts did you visit in South Africa?  I live in Cape Town.  That is a great collection you've got there.

Lot's of places: most of my family-in-law lives in Pretoria. The main reason going there were 2 weddings (2 brothers-in-law got married). And we also did a 5000km roundtrip while we were there. We went to Cape Town first and visited Kimberley and Karoo NP on our way. In Cape Town I visited Revolution Records, Mabu Vinyl, and Die Blautrommel. O, and I forgot to take a good look at the collection of LP's there, but at the Hout Bay harbour there's a weekly crafts market with at least 1 guy selling records.
After that we travelled to Mossel Bay first, then die Swartberge / Prince Albert, Tankwa Karoo NP, Namaqualand NP, Augrabies NP, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and back to Pretoria. From there - apart from our family visits and some short trips outside the town, I visited a few friends who are also record dealers. Got some great stuff overthere. Plus I did my regular rounds at several swop shops. And I went to Collector's Treasury in Jo'burg - twice. Not the easiest place to find something worthy, but if you take the time, there's always a couple of "treasures" to be found.

Wow, you certainly did the rounds!  That's great to hear.  I've visited those stores in Cape Town too.  Very nice.  Anyway, glad to hear you had an enjoyable time over here.

[Alan Smith]

I don't know how to post an image so hopefully the link will work!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aiwa-PX-860-turntable-record-player-/190930479702?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item2c7457ea56

Notice the raised part in the top left of the picture.  This is where the vinyl 'rubs' and sticks.  The diameter is slightly more than 12" in some parts as the circumference is uneven!

As Mikie said, this turntable doesn't have adequate clearance - the raised bit on the left is to cater for the top of the belt drive motor.  It's better and usually hidden away beneath the plinth.

This is a compact unit, designed to save space for the consumer and prod costs for AIWA, and thus doesn't  cater for the variation in your copy.

If you really want to get the best out of your vinyl, you can get good entry level kit items for a little more coin - it's worth it; I've learnt the hard way.