John Coltrane – Giant Steps

Personally I think this sounds quite good, and I don't think I can justify recommending anyone spend the money on a clean OG if you really just want to hear Giant Steps in mono. Along with this pressing I also recently acquired a clean orange/purple DG Atlantic mono (I know it's not a black label, but the prices for those are insane and I doubt the difference is massive). I spent a while comparing and to me the differences are negligible, but usually come down to personal preference. The main thing I can see someone not really liking in this pressing is the amount of bass, there's a lot, and I think it fits the record most of the time but can be a bit boomy on occasion. I also think this pressing is less compressed in general. A bit more air when compared to the early Atlantic, and it allows you to hear the whole ensemble much easier. The Atlantic though handles Coltrane in a much better way in my opinion. He is playing for you. And it's quite wonderful to hear. With that comes a caveat that sometimes (as previously mentioned) the rest of the band can be a bit difficult to hear when Coltrane really gets going. I think picking this pressing up is a safe bet, at least until you can find a clean OG if you're still that interested. I wish I could hear the ERC, but I don't think I'll ever be able to make myself spend that much money on one record. The prices for that are just insane.

I also wish that we'd get a real modern audiophile mono pressing cause Atlantic clearly still has the tape, hopefully with the success they had with the recent pressing of My Favorite Things (which is fantastic) they'll follow suit with Giant Steps.

I agree with the commenters that mentioned that, despite this probably being a loveless release from a digital master with no mastering credits, it actually sounds quite good. Definitely not 'hot' or analog sounding but just really solid. The sleeve is nice as well and has an old school vibe (nicer than e.g. the BN Classic sleeves). Considering the lack of affordable all analog versions of this album, I consider this one of the best placeholders (mono, sounds good, nice cover, affordable) of an album that needs to be part of a serious jazz collection. The insert is nice for people that like to frame things.

Well done Rhino! The recent Stereo versions are excellent but this is even better. I could have done without the paper only inner sleeve but it still came clean and after Degritter treatment plays clean too. Very thick heavy and flat and defect free. Mastering wise this just has more life to the playing than the stereo which is abit softer. This isnt hot in anyway its just MORE. I also like the tip on jacket used. Excellent stuff!!

Amazing sound, super loud and clear. If you pass trough this, don't hesitate.

Does it come with ant-static inner sleeve? three more words

It’s a shame this mono re-ish has earned such a consensus of glowing reviews, and yet there is no discernible mastering credit. More often than not, the deadwax of later Rhino reissues show an etched signature or a company’s stamp. Could someone please double-check his/her copy for clues, obrigado.

So glad I bought this. It’s a no-brainer at the current price point.

Does the "BG" in the run-outs designate Bernie as the cutter?

Just listen to this the first time with a dedicated mono tone arm, absolut killer sound and way better, way more powerful than the normal stereo system. If it is mono, use a mono system, the difference is BIG.

Sounds amazing, but especially the insert with images of the front and back of the sleeve blows me away. If only there was a more direct way to enjoy the sleeve art...