Comments on: Longines Symphonette Society - who are they?

By: Havoc

Havoc — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:18:27 +0000

I’m not interested in buying or selling any of my Longines Symphonette records, (which is their complete library). I came to only seek more information about a record label that in my opinion was as the record label plainly states. “Very Finest” in pure virgin vinyl recordings found anywhere in the world. I find it hard to believe a record label with such quality has almost faded into history with so many unknowns. I do appreciate all the information and links you posted here.

Current information about LSRS is limited at best, heres what I know as fact. LSRS was owned by Longines Watch Company of America. LSRS started in New York, December 14, 1968 with the purchase of Capitol Records Direct Marketing Corporation. LSRS New York mailing address’s mention streets or squares that cant be found today. LSRS dabbled briefly in coins & electronics stamping there name on quality Portable radio’s & stereo equipment. LSRS used only the finest recording equipment at the time of production. LSRS recorded only the best songs that it could either by contract, release or public domain. LSRS used only the best composers & musician’s that basically would get no recognition in most cases. It would not be possible to ever do anything like that again. Its life & death equally mysterious.

I have spent most of my life in the music industry of one fashion or another. I currently invest a large part of my time ripping my entire vinyl collection (well over 1000 mint LP’s) to MP3. I use only the best technology to do this, including one of the finest Analog to Digital converters. Which I feel keeps as much of the ambiance that only capacitance deep grove vinyl can offer.

Don’t get me wrong music produced today sounds best on a good digital sub woofer based system. But the Black Gold of yesterday can truly only be heard the way it was produced, with a good analog stereo system.

My point, I have listened to all of the major & most of the minor record labels produced in America. In my opinion nothing sounds as good as the Longines Symphonette Recording Society LP’s. If your fortunate enough to come across a mint LSRS-LP. Invest in a good tube amp with a better Turntable, connect all this to some good 16u Base Reflex speakers minimum 12″ (No Dolby surround sound here, 16 ohm speakers will take care of themselves watts not a problem just make sure your Amp pushes at least 50 watts per channel). Turn it way up before distortion! Sit back by the fire with a glass of 1989 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. And get ready to experience sounds you thought not humanly possible. Whatever you spend to make this happen will be worth it.

Change is only good if it makes things better.

By: christine Castelli

christine Castelli — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:58:52 +0000

I have a five piece set that I am selling. It is still in the original box. It is in great shape. It says “The Longines Symphonic Recording Society” Gold Medal Presentation. A treasury of Westward Brass. If anyone is interested, please let me know.

By: Alexis

Alexis — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:44:30 +0000

Does anyone know anything about Longinne Synphonette, ”
Years to Remember” nostalgia kits? My uncle ( since passed ) gave them to me. There were no records inside. The packets contained campaign buttons, stamps, movie posters, etc all from a particular year. I have eight of them. would they be worth anything? I can’t seem to find any info on the internet.

Thanks

By: eugene & astrid cox

eugene & astrid cox — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:15:13 +0000

We recently aquired a longines symphonette recording society collection of Nat King Cole (Unforgettable) it is in mint condition, it is a six album collection bearing the golden seal of living sounds. Please can anyone direct us to a place inwhich we can find out the value of these collectables.

Thank You,
Eugene & Astrid

By: phil

phil — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:07:57 +0000

Album Number One of The World’s Most Honored Music played by The LONGINES SYMPHONETTE A group of the world’s finest musicians under the leadership of MACKLIN MARROW. John Corigliano, solo violin; Mishel Piastro, world famous violin; Zoltan Kurthy, solo viola. Eight selections from THE WORLD”S MOST HONORED MUSIC radio programms. Sponsored by the LONGINES-WITTNAUER WATCH CO. Issued in an album of 4 shellac 78 RPM records. There were at least 8 volumes of this kind.

By: allan

allan — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:41:47 +0000

i have a large collection of stereo recordings of allan dell’s sounds easy programmes.
i often wondered about the identity of the symphonette offerings. so thanks. in an associated vein, with no particular axe to grind:

what an intelligent and varied programme. his good taste and personal recollections
should be issued on cd. is there still an interest in nelson riddle, billy may, marty paich,neal hefti, et al arrangements which co-incided with availability of the finest studio analogue recording engineering? the bbc would no doubt be horrified at this idea; think of all the releases required! but so worthwhile.

ps what happened to the bbc recordings made of billy may’s national (last) tour of the uk. in a interview with parkinson it was explained that they would be edited for later roadcast?

another idea. the great lena horne made shows with the bbc(tv). any archived material? or was it live broadcasted only?

the bbc sits on archives like bbc2 jazz625 recording of errol garner, licences it to kultur in germany, who promptly marketed it in the usa (only) in dvd region 1 format. grrrr.

By: john

john — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:07:27 +0000

You guys were talking about the Longines Symphonette Society Records, well I have some in excellent condition.

Happy days are here again-6 record set
Tennessee Ernie Ford - a treasury of inspirational songs - 6 record set
Sentimental Journey - 6 record set
Mexicali Brass - 5 record set
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians- The sweetest music this side of heaven - 6 record set
Candelight melodies featuring guest artist Liberace- 4 record set
these are all 33 1/3 rpm records.
If interested contact me.

thanks

By: baron of beef

baron of beef — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:33:50 +0000

I just bought a Buck Owens Box set sealed for $3.95. Gotta luv the Salvation Army. Opened it and it’s wonderfull. It’s basically the studio records from Capital Records but produced by Eugene Lowell, Divisional Vice President for the Longines Symphonette Society. 5 lp set. No booklet in the package but extremely nice packaging. Hard box inside a hard outer cover. Sleeves have the plastic inner lining. It’s a great value at $20. I’ll scoop up any I find in the future.

By: Duane Becker

Duane Becker — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:03:18 +0000

I have some questions???

Where was the Longines Symphonette Society company based? I assume most of the recording was done in England?? Some of the box sets seem to be re-issues of Nat King Cole, Mann Singers…. and so on. I assume under contract with other record companies?

They have a USA address. Was this just a forwarding address or did they have a building in the USA. Looks like some of the lp’s have a picture of a building, I assume this to be in USA?

By: Duane Becker

Duane Becker — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:03:58 +0000

I am also very interested in the Longines Symphonette Society’s box sets of lps. I’ve got 14 box sets and 6 single lp’s. I collect them simply because they are cool!!! All of mine came from rummage or garage sales of used items that people are getting rid of. Out where I live in eastern Washington State, USA, people are throwing lps and these box sets away. Several of my sets have the original paper work and the Longines catalog. All of my lps are in very good to mint shape as well as the covers and boxes. Anymore info on this company and its recordings would be appreciated.