Charles Mingus – Mingus Ah Um

Fantastic sounding with wide soundstage. Clear highs, but not too bright. In my room there is plenty of low end, but can see how some may want more. Perhaps a more modern 45rpm pressing could bring out more bass, but I think it really sounds balanced. Really happy with this pressing.

Not’agree with others comments,this 1971 pressing is top bright and dry, Andy émotion. Prefer le MOfi one step 45rpm at all.

I have this and 1959 stereo of the same title. I think this sounds a lot better - more open, alive, and with more air behind the instruments. On the other hand, the 1959 stereo version is too congested given the elaborate instrumentation, and I do not hear added richness/freshness from the earlier cut.
Strangely enough I Cannot say the same for KoB where I prefer my 1959 stereo over the 1971 stereo; but that album is better in mono anyway.

My copy of this album has a printed “A” directly under the Columbia logo on the top right corner of the back cover. I am not seeing this on any other photos of this pressing. Does anyone know the significance, if any, of this designation?

Otherwise, everything is the same for this 1971 Stereo pressing and the sound is excellent. Highly recommended reissue!

I agree with xxcat. Top-end heavy pressing with hardly any bass to fill it out. Mingus’ bass gets lost in busier ages. Soundstage and imaging are excellent.

Edit: While I do maintain that the initial impression is quite bright, my initial review may have been a little too impulsive. Side-by-side it actually has more bass than my 2010 Music On Vinyl pressing, and I prefer the sound of the ‘71, with better range and definition, in every way. I’d recommend it.

Sounds good on a somewhat dull cartridges/systems. However a little bit too bright on a higher end setup.

This is one of my better-sounding records. A good pressing, for sure.

Excellent "early-ish" repress of a landmark album. Great dynamics and mastering throughout.