Post by jk on Dec 26, 2021 23:09:31 GMT
Back at the long-defunct Capitol BB MB, one of the regular posters came across an old surfermoon page dating from early 2002. That page has since gone missing. Thankfully, that poster copied part of it (apparently there was much, much more!), which I reproduce below. Of course, it may be merely of historical interest twenty years on. TCK, if you regard this post as unethical, please delete it!
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Poster A:
I am attempting to determine the relative rarity (and value) of the various versions of the record "Surfin'" b/w "Luau" manufactured circa 1961.
According to Stephen McParland in his book "Our Favourite Recording Sessions," there were three distinctly separate pressings/matrix designations, and FIVE distinctly separate labels:
MATRIX:
1. CD-TS-1 ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2 ("Luau");
2. CD-TS-1-R ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2-R ("Luau");
3. CD-TS-1R ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2R ("Luau").
NOTE: The Candix matrix designations indicate:
CD=Candix Records
TS=The Surfers (the name Candix originally intended to give to the Pendletones)
1=side of the record
R=reissue
LABELS:
1. "Candix 331" (matched with matrix #1)
2. "X 301" (matched with matrix #2)
3. "Candix 301" (matched with matrix #2)
4. "Candix 301" (matched with matrix #3)
5. "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" (matched with matrix #3).
1. "Candix 331" was the first pressing (first version). There was apparently a problem with the pressing plant getting paid.
2. "X 301" was one of two things: EITHER a Hite Morgan label, created after Murry Wilson naively gave the master to Candix (resulting in the manufacture of Candix 331), OR an attempt by the Dix brothers (the owners of Candix) to hide the identity of the label from the first pressing plant;
3. "Candix 301" was (apparently) the one and only time Candix reissued a previously-used catalogue number, probably to keep the same number as the one used on the previously-manufactured "X 301." A number of sources show the release date of "Candix 301" to be Friday, December 8, 1961. So then "X 301" (and probably "Candix 331" as well) MUST have been manufactured (and released) PRIOR to December 8th?
4. Collectors books show "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" to be the version released nationally, while Stephen McParland speculates that "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Records" was for release in the L. A. area, to show the local radio stations and record companies that Herb Newman's money was now behind the record. So which was it?
In my collector's records books, the value of the various versions are ranked as follows:
1. "X 301" (most rare/most valuable)
2. "Candix 301"
3. "Candix 331"
4. "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" least rare)
NOTE: There is no distinction made between "Candix 301" with matrix #2, and "Candix 301" with matrix #3).
Here are some questions:
1. Since "Candix 331" was the "original" pressing of the record, how many copies would Candix have normally ordered?
2. If "Candix 301" (with matrix #2) was "officially" released on December 8, 1961, then "X 301" and (probably) "Candix 331" had already been released. So was "X 301" released in November, and "Candix 331' in November (or maybe even October)? Or were none of the records "formally released" until the record was provided to KFWB on December 8?
3. Was the "Battle of the Bands" won by "Surfin'" on December 9? Or December 16?
4. How many copies of the pressing with the second matrix were manufactured, and what percentage of these received the "X 301" label, and what percentage received the "Candix 301" label?
5. How many copies of the pressing with the third matrix were manufactured (probably a lot, since Herb Newman was now involved, and the record was certainly known to be a "hit" and ready for national distribution by this time), and what percentage of these received the "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" label?
Let’s try a survey...
All of you who have a copy of "Surfin'" b/w "Luau" manufactured circa 1961, please check the record carefully for matrix and label, and determine which "version" you have. We’ll total it up, and find out at least which are the most rare amongst ourselves.
Thanks in advance.
Poster B, replying on the same day:
A lot of the information Stephen included in his book came from me. I'm the one who figured out that "TS" stood for "The Surfers," and I'm the one who (working with Derek Bill) figured out that there were two different masterings of Candix 301 and that they matched up to the X and Era-distributed copies, respectively. Since I talked to Stephen, though, I've continued to research the Candix releases and have uncovered a considerable amount of additional information.
A couple of points:
- The X label was not a Hite Morgan label. I've talked to the Dix brothers (yes, they're still alive!) and it was their label, designed to get around the fact that their Candix label owed money to the pressing plant that handled Candix 331. The apparent reason the single needed to be repressed was that Candix had negotiated a distribution deal with a company called Alco Research and Engineering Inc.
- Murry did not naively give the master of "Surfin'" to Candix. Hite Morgan was directly involved in the dealings with Candix.
- The Candix 301 designation for the single seems to have come about when Candix negotiated a second distribution deal, with Pacific Record Distributors. After several months, Era Record Sales was brought in by Pacific, apparently to handle national distribution of the single (Pacific was primarily a local L.A. operation). The three parties (Candix, Pacific and Era) agreed that Era would operate under the terms of the contract that Pacific had with Candix. The "Era Record Sales" notation likely was added at that time to copies distributed nationally.
A reasonable sequence of events looks like this:
1. The record receives its first mastering (CD-TS-1 and CD-TS-2) for release as Candix 331, which is self-distributed by Candix.
2. A distribution deal is negotiated with Alco. Unable to return to the pressing plant used for the first pressing, Candix remasters the single (CD-TS-1-R and CD-TS-2-R) for a new pressing, to be released as X 301.
3. Candix arranges a distribution deal with Pacific Record Sales and uses the same plates from the Alco remastering to press discs to be sold by Pacific. The new pressings again carry the Candix label (the bill with the original plant presumably having been paid), but are numbered 301 to retain conformity with the X release.
4. At some point, the plates either wear out or break. A second remastering is done (CD-TS-1R and CD-TS-2R), which is used to press more copies of Candix 301.
5. Era assumes national distribution of the single, and the notation "Dist. by Era Record Sales" is added to the copies Era will distribute.
Now, to try and answer your questions ...
** 1. Since "Candix 331" was the "original” pressing of the record, how many copies would Candix have normally ordered? **
The Dix brothers no longer have those kind of detailed records, but their recollection is that they sold 12,000 copies of Candix 331.
** 2. If "Candix 301" (with matrix #2) was "officially" released on December 8, 1961, then "X 301" and (probably) "Candix 331" had already been released. So was "X 301" released in November, and "Candix 331" in November (or maybe even October)? Or were none of the records "formally released" until the record was provided to KFWB on December 8? **
Based on information provided by the Dix brothers, the Dec. 8 release date probably should be attached to Candix 331. The best date I can put on X 301 is Dec. 19, which is the date on a telegram confirming the deal between Candix and Alco for the latter to distribute "Surfin'" on the X label. Realistically, though, it's doubtful that copies would have been available the same day as the deal was reached, so figure it would have been at least several days later.
Strangely, the deal with Alco seems to have fallen apart very quickly, because a new distribution deal with Pacific was negotiated and signed before the end of the year. Era assumed national distribution beginning in early February 1962.
** 3. Was the "Battle of the Bands" won by "Surfin'" on December 9? Or December 16? **
I really have no documentary evidence, but if 12,000 copies of Candix 331 were sold before X 301 was issued, then I'd lean very heavily toward Dec. 9 as the date of the "Battle of the Bands." That would allow more than just a couple of days for the record to sell that many copies.
** 4. How many copies of the pressing with the second matrix were manufactured, and what percentage of these received the “X 301” label, and what percentage received the "Candix 301" label? **
Given the very short duration of the deal with Alco, it's reasonable to assume that there were very few copies of X 301 pressed and sold.
I can't break down the Candix 301 sales by mastering, but by June 1962, Pacific had sold a total of 33,000 copies of Candix 301 (some would be the second mastering, some the third).
** 5. How many copies of the pressing with the third matrix were manufactured (probably a lot, since Herb Newman was now involved, and the record was certainly known to be a "hit" and ready for national distribution by this time), and what percentage of these received the "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" label? **
That information doesn't seem to be available any more. None of the documents still in the possession of the Dix Brothers show sales numbers from Era. However, based upon my 25+ years of collecting, I think there are a lot less Era-distributed copies than you might think. Copies of Candix 301 with the Era notation are a LOT rarer than those without!
In conclusion, this is how I see the various issues of "Surfin'" in terms of rarity and desirability:
1. X 301 (Without a doubt, this is the rarest of the various issues. Even though we now know it wasn't the original pressing, there's still quite a mystique around it in collectors' circles, so I don't think it's going to fall from the top spot any time soon.)
2. Candix 331 (Although there apparently were 12,000 copies sold, most have not survived. This actually is a very rare record today and doesn't turn up often. However, because it wrongly has been believed to be the last of the various issues, it hasn't commanded any attention. Now that the truth is known, I expect the value and desirability of this issue to soar.)
3. Candix 301, with "Era Record Sales" notation (This seems to be a lot harder to find than regular copies of Candix 301 without the notation.)
4. Candix 301, without the "Era" notation (This issue sold at least 33,000 copies and is by far the most common of the various Candix/X releases.)
I hope that helps. There's still a lot we don't know, but we're learning more nearly every day.
=======================================
Poster A:
I am attempting to determine the relative rarity (and value) of the various versions of the record "Surfin'" b/w "Luau" manufactured circa 1961.
According to Stephen McParland in his book "Our Favourite Recording Sessions," there were three distinctly separate pressings/matrix designations, and FIVE distinctly separate labels:
MATRIX:
1. CD-TS-1 ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2 ("Luau");
2. CD-TS-1-R ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2-R ("Luau");
3. CD-TS-1R ("Surfin'") b/w CD-TS-2R ("Luau").
NOTE: The Candix matrix designations indicate:
CD=Candix Records
TS=The Surfers (the name Candix originally intended to give to the Pendletones)
1=side of the record
R=reissue
LABELS:
1. "Candix 331" (matched with matrix #1)
2. "X 301" (matched with matrix #2)
3. "Candix 301" (matched with matrix #2)
4. "Candix 301" (matched with matrix #3)
5. "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" (matched with matrix #3).
1. "Candix 331" was the first pressing (first version). There was apparently a problem with the pressing plant getting paid.
2. "X 301" was one of two things: EITHER a Hite Morgan label, created after Murry Wilson naively gave the master to Candix (resulting in the manufacture of Candix 331), OR an attempt by the Dix brothers (the owners of Candix) to hide the identity of the label from the first pressing plant;
3. "Candix 301" was (apparently) the one and only time Candix reissued a previously-used catalogue number, probably to keep the same number as the one used on the previously-manufactured "X 301." A number of sources show the release date of "Candix 301" to be Friday, December 8, 1961. So then "X 301" (and probably "Candix 331" as well) MUST have been manufactured (and released) PRIOR to December 8th?
4. Collectors books show "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" to be the version released nationally, while Stephen McParland speculates that "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Records" was for release in the L. A. area, to show the local radio stations and record companies that Herb Newman's money was now behind the record. So which was it?
In my collector's records books, the value of the various versions are ranked as follows:
1. "X 301" (most rare/most valuable)
2. "Candix 301"
3. "Candix 331"
4. "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" least rare)
NOTE: There is no distinction made between "Candix 301" with matrix #2, and "Candix 301" with matrix #3).
Here are some questions:
1. Since "Candix 331" was the "original" pressing of the record, how many copies would Candix have normally ordered?
2. If "Candix 301" (with matrix #2) was "officially" released on December 8, 1961, then "X 301" and (probably) "Candix 331" had already been released. So was "X 301" released in November, and "Candix 331' in November (or maybe even October)? Or were none of the records "formally released" until the record was provided to KFWB on December 8?
3. Was the "Battle of the Bands" won by "Surfin'" on December 9? Or December 16?
4. How many copies of the pressing with the second matrix were manufactured, and what percentage of these received the "X 301" label, and what percentage received the "Candix 301" label?
5. How many copies of the pressing with the third matrix were manufactured (probably a lot, since Herb Newman was now involved, and the record was certainly known to be a "hit" and ready for national distribution by this time), and what percentage of these received the "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" label?
Let’s try a survey...
All of you who have a copy of "Surfin'" b/w "Luau" manufactured circa 1961, please check the record carefully for matrix and label, and determine which "version" you have. We’ll total it up, and find out at least which are the most rare amongst ourselves.
Thanks in advance.
Poster B, replying on the same day:
A lot of the information Stephen included in his book came from me. I'm the one who figured out that "TS" stood for "The Surfers," and I'm the one who (working with Derek Bill) figured out that there were two different masterings of Candix 301 and that they matched up to the X and Era-distributed copies, respectively. Since I talked to Stephen, though, I've continued to research the Candix releases and have uncovered a considerable amount of additional information.
A couple of points:
- The X label was not a Hite Morgan label. I've talked to the Dix brothers (yes, they're still alive!) and it was their label, designed to get around the fact that their Candix label owed money to the pressing plant that handled Candix 331. The apparent reason the single needed to be repressed was that Candix had negotiated a distribution deal with a company called Alco Research and Engineering Inc.
- Murry did not naively give the master of "Surfin'" to Candix. Hite Morgan was directly involved in the dealings with Candix.
- The Candix 301 designation for the single seems to have come about when Candix negotiated a second distribution deal, with Pacific Record Distributors. After several months, Era Record Sales was brought in by Pacific, apparently to handle national distribution of the single (Pacific was primarily a local L.A. operation). The three parties (Candix, Pacific and Era) agreed that Era would operate under the terms of the contract that Pacific had with Candix. The "Era Record Sales" notation likely was added at that time to copies distributed nationally.
A reasonable sequence of events looks like this:
1. The record receives its first mastering (CD-TS-1 and CD-TS-2) for release as Candix 331, which is self-distributed by Candix.
2. A distribution deal is negotiated with Alco. Unable to return to the pressing plant used for the first pressing, Candix remasters the single (CD-TS-1-R and CD-TS-2-R) for a new pressing, to be released as X 301.
3. Candix arranges a distribution deal with Pacific Record Sales and uses the same plates from the Alco remastering to press discs to be sold by Pacific. The new pressings again carry the Candix label (the bill with the original plant presumably having been paid), but are numbered 301 to retain conformity with the X release.
4. At some point, the plates either wear out or break. A second remastering is done (CD-TS-1R and CD-TS-2R), which is used to press more copies of Candix 301.
5. Era assumes national distribution of the single, and the notation "Dist. by Era Record Sales" is added to the copies Era will distribute.
Now, to try and answer your questions ...
** 1. Since "Candix 331" was the "original” pressing of the record, how many copies would Candix have normally ordered? **
The Dix brothers no longer have those kind of detailed records, but their recollection is that they sold 12,000 copies of Candix 331.
** 2. If "Candix 301" (with matrix #2) was "officially" released on December 8, 1961, then "X 301" and (probably) "Candix 331" had already been released. So was "X 301" released in November, and "Candix 331" in November (or maybe even October)? Or were none of the records "formally released" until the record was provided to KFWB on December 8? **
Based on information provided by the Dix brothers, the Dec. 8 release date probably should be attached to Candix 331. The best date I can put on X 301 is Dec. 19, which is the date on a telegram confirming the deal between Candix and Alco for the latter to distribute "Surfin'" on the X label. Realistically, though, it's doubtful that copies would have been available the same day as the deal was reached, so figure it would have been at least several days later.
Strangely, the deal with Alco seems to have fallen apart very quickly, because a new distribution deal with Pacific was negotiated and signed before the end of the year. Era assumed national distribution beginning in early February 1962.
** 3. Was the "Battle of the Bands" won by "Surfin'" on December 9? Or December 16? **
I really have no documentary evidence, but if 12,000 copies of Candix 331 were sold before X 301 was issued, then I'd lean very heavily toward Dec. 9 as the date of the "Battle of the Bands." That would allow more than just a couple of days for the record to sell that many copies.
** 4. How many copies of the pressing with the second matrix were manufactured, and what percentage of these received the “X 301” label, and what percentage received the "Candix 301" label? **
Given the very short duration of the deal with Alco, it's reasonable to assume that there were very few copies of X 301 pressed and sold.
I can't break down the Candix 301 sales by mastering, but by June 1962, Pacific had sold a total of 33,000 copies of Candix 301 (some would be the second mastering, some the third).
** 5. How many copies of the pressing with the third matrix were manufactured (probably a lot, since Herb Newman was now involved, and the record was certainly known to be a "hit" and ready for national distribution by this time), and what percentage of these received the "Candix 301 - Dist. by Era Record Sales" label? **
That information doesn't seem to be available any more. None of the documents still in the possession of the Dix Brothers show sales numbers from Era. However, based upon my 25+ years of collecting, I think there are a lot less Era-distributed copies than you might think. Copies of Candix 301 with the Era notation are a LOT rarer than those without!
In conclusion, this is how I see the various issues of "Surfin'" in terms of rarity and desirability:
1. X 301 (Without a doubt, this is the rarest of the various issues. Even though we now know it wasn't the original pressing, there's still quite a mystique around it in collectors' circles, so I don't think it's going to fall from the top spot any time soon.)
2. Candix 331 (Although there apparently were 12,000 copies sold, most have not survived. This actually is a very rare record today and doesn't turn up often. However, because it wrongly has been believed to be the last of the various issues, it hasn't commanded any attention. Now that the truth is known, I expect the value and desirability of this issue to soar.)
3. Candix 301, with "Era Record Sales" notation (This seems to be a lot harder to find than regular copies of Candix 301 without the notation.)
4. Candix 301, without the "Era" notation (This issue sold at least 33,000 copies and is by far the most common of the various Candix/X releases.)
I hope that helps. There's still a lot we don't know, but we're learning more nearly every day.