[William Sommerwerck]

The current "Fanfare" has a review of a CD of Burt Bacharach's score for
"Casino Royale" (p202), which was considered an audiophile recording "back
in the day". (I've never heard it.)

According to the review, the "original tape" was severely damaged. This
recording is a dub from an LP.

The reviewer doesn't state what the "original tape" (his words, not mine)
was. Presumably, it was the "mastering" tape -- the tape used to cut the
lacquer master. If the original "original" tape -- the studio master --
still exists -- which it should -- there would be no problem -- other than
money -- in creating a new mixdown.

On the other hand, if the original studio tape was damaged, then the
mastering tape -- which one assumes would not have been intentionally erased
or destroyed -- should provide a source no more than one generation from the
original recording.

Do you see where I'm coming from? What, exactly, is going on here? I don't
understand how both "master" tapes could have been lost or destroyed.

If this doesn't make sense, kick me politely and I'll explain again.

--
"We already know the answers -- we just haven't asked the right
questions." -- Edwin Land