this page first published by John Wright, 4 Jan 1998
last update 8 Mar 2001
vintage@jabw.demon.co.uk
Note:I'm still using an ageing DEXXA 4800 Scanner for scanning 78rpm labels. The model was available Dec 1997. I've seen better results obtained with currently available scanners from Hewlett Packard.
When I got my first scanner I experimented with family photos with the kids, everything went well and we got good results. When it came to scanning 78rpm labels there were some problems which required lots of trials, tests and just playing around with photo software. I got some good results and these were first seen on my Al Bowlly page.
I have made scans of many labels from Al Bowlly records which illustrate results I have obtained.
Bowlly labelsmore Bowlly labels
I could improve on the results but they are good enough I think. I would appreciate any advice if I am not using the tools as well as I could. It seems that the scnned image is always too big and when I reduce it to a 3" diameter circle the resolutin has gone and the text has to be 'painted' back in, sometimes with poor results.
If you have problems scanning or are planning to buy a scanner I offer the information below to assist.
Briefly, to scan 78rpm labels I use:
Scanning procedure:
Note: The 78rpm disc can be placed on the glass screen, but because the screen is only 8.5" wide 10" or 12" discs cannot lie totally flat. The disc should be placed centrally, so that an inch or so exends from both sides of the scan glass. To avoid any dark area, slight pressure on the disc label area during scanning will help. Another solution suggested was to place a small sheet of glass between the disc and the screen but I've always found this to give a poorer image.
Most 78rpm labels are dull, e.g HMV, Decca, Columbia, Victor, so if your scanner can't correct automatically you need to set the brightness much higher than for a family photo.
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