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Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
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  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz, Morton Gould- 2 track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
$175.00

Condition: Very Good
Description

RCA Victor’s early stereo-orthophonic issue of Copland’s Billy the Kid, performed by Morton Gould and His Orchestra. Recorded at 7½ IPS in true 2-track stereo, this reel has the wide, open sound these late-’50s Red Seal tapes are known for- clear winds, firm brass, and spacious hall ambience. A strong presentation of Copland’s Western ballet music, full of rhythmic drive and warm orchestral color.
Details

Album: Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite / Billy the Kid Waltz

Conductor: Morton Gould

Orchestra:

  • Morton Gould Orchestra

Label: RCA Victor

Year of Release: 1958

Duplicator: RCA Victor

Country: United States

Genre:

  • Classical

Reel: 7 1/2 IPS 7 inch Tape, 2 Track Tape

Condition Notes:

  • Box: Very good- light shelf ware
  • Sound Quality: Very Good
Track List

1. Billy the Kid – Ballet Suite
2. Billy the Kid Waltz
Tape Review

Tape Review & Listening Report

This is an excellent-sounding early RCA Victor two-track, fully play-tested from start to finish with no issues. Playback is smooth and stable with a nice, flat tape pack and consistent motion throughout. Sonically, it delivers exactly what you’d expect from a late-1950s RCA Victor “stereo-orthophonic” release: bold, full-bodied orchestral sound with strong presence, wide dynamics, and excellent clarity. The recording has real weight and warmth, with clean high frequencies and a solid, well-anchored low end that gives the orchestra scale and impact.

There are no dropouts, warble, or noticeable anomalies during playback. The tape runs evenly and confidently, reflecting the quality of RCA’s early two-track mastering and duplication. Overall, this is a robust, highly enjoyable listen that shows off the strengths of early stereo tape—rich, engaging, and musically satisfying from beginning to end.
The Half-Track Golden Age (and How We Got There)

Two-track stereo reels grew out of early post-war tape, when consumer releases were mostly mono (often with a “flip the reel” second side). Once in-line two-track (half-track) became standard, big tracks at 7.5 ips made great jazz and classical sound incredibly real. The industry eventually moved to 4-track because it was cheaper and offered more playing time- learn more here.

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