Buckingham Nicks (Flat master tape transfer)

[Andrew Smith]

As most of you know, the Buckingham Nicks album has never been released on CD or official download. I though the only way to listen to this album was either by playing the vinyl or downloading/making a vinyl transfer. However, I have been made aware that there is a flat transfer of the master tapes circulating on the internet, which are in the FLAC format (uncompressed). Today, thanks to a very kind person I was given these files and they sound fantastic! No more vinyl crackles or pop. It sounds just like a CD release. I don't know how these files got into the public domain, but I'm so glad they did. Now, I can delete my old vinyl rip. Has anybody else on this forum heard about the flat master tape transfer of Buckingham Nicks circulating?

[chriskisn]

Originally Posted by Andrew Smith

As most of you know, the Buckingham Nicks album has never been released on CD or official download. I though the only way to listen to this album was either by playing the vinyl or downloading/making a vinyl transfer. However, I have been made aware that there is a flat transfer of the master tapes circulating on the internet, which are in the FLAC format (uncompressed). Today, thanks to a very kind person I was given these files and they sound fantastic! No more vinyl crackles or pop. It sounds just like a CD release. I don't know how these files got into the public domain, but I'm so glad they did. Now, I can delete my old vinyl rip. Has anybody else on this forum heard about the flat master tape transfer of Buckingham Nicks circulating?

You'd be better getting the mods to move this to the Rumours era board as most people on this board usually hold up a crucifix when Nicks is mentioned!

[Andrew Smith]

Originally Posted by chriskisn

You'd be better getting the mods to move this to the Rumours era board as most people on this board usually hold up a crucifix when Nicks is mentioned!

But this album was pre-Rumours, although I realise she didn't join FM until 1974/75 and the Buckingham Nicks album was 1973.

[Johnny Stew]

I haven't heard of the master tapes copy, Andrew, but someone with the username DLedin did a needle-drop of the album that's been circulating in FLAC. It's a revelation -- a full-bodied sound, and the absolute clearest I've ever heard the album (and I own two vinyl copies!).

I really can't imagine an official CD release sounding better -- although I'll still purchase an official release, of course.

At any rate, thank you for the heads up. I'll have to seek this out and compare it to the needle-drop.

[Andrew Smith]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

I haven't heard of the master tapes copy, Andrew, but someone with the username DLedin did a needle-drop of the album that's been circulating in FLAC. It's a revelation -- a full-bodied sound, and the absolute clearest I've ever heard the album (and I own two vinyl copies!).

I really can't imagine an official CD release sounding better -- although I'll still purchase an official release, of course.

At any rate, thank you for the heads up. I'll have to seek this out and compare it to the needle-drop.

Trust me, when you here a copy of the master tapes you will hear things you didn't hear on vinyl. The sound is so clean and represents the master tape alot better than the vinyl. You have to hear it to understand what I mean.

[britt0308]

Originally Posted by Andrew Smith

Trust me, when you here a copy of the master tapes you will hear things you didn't hear on vinyl. The sound is so clean and represents the master tape alot better than the vinyl. You have to hear it to understand what I mean.

I have come across various downloads of the album..with different quality levels of course. The most recent I have downloaded I beleive sounds pretty crisp and clear. However I'm not that technically versed in the difference between a master tape/flat master tape, etc.

Would anyone mind posting the flat master tape downloads if you have it? I'm curious to see the differences if that's not what I currently have.